St. Pete Police Closely Monitoring Schools Following TX Tragedy

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Following Tuesday's Texas school massacre, Pinellas County Public Schools has reminded students "if you see something, say something."

A gunman went into an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and killed 19 kids and two teachers Tuesday. Police later shot him dead while he was still inside the school.

According to CNN, the shooter sent photos of the gun and ammunition he had purchased on his recent 18th birthday to an acquaintance and to a girl in Germany he'd been speaking to online prior to the mass shooting.

Pinellas County Superintendent Michael Grego sent an email to students, parents and staff that if they see something, they can report it to law enforcement anonymously.

Grego said, "As a part of our Pinellas County Schools community, we all play a role in the safety of our schools. Remember, if we see something, we say something. We ask our entire community to report any safety concerns, as all stakeholders play a vital role in reporting. You or your student can always speak with an administrator, law enforcement officer or report through our Say Something or FortifyFL anonymous reporting systems. All information, tips or threats are investigated by law enforcement. While no amount of planning can guarantee that a tragedy will not occur, we are doing everything we know to keep students and staff safe while at school and work."

Grego said the school district's thoughts and prayers are with the members of the Texas community, and they understand that this may heighten stress for both students and staff in school districts across the nation.

St. Petersburg Police Acting Chief Michael Kovacsev told Patch that police are monitoring all local end-of-school events following the shooting.

“If a parent or student receives information about anyone making concerning statements, we ask that they either call us at 727-893-7780 or submit a tip to TIP-411," Kovacsev said. "We encourage communication between our community and officers. Our tip line is also anonymous. It is important that if you see something, say something.”

Grego said it's also important also to show support to our students who may be feeling worried about their own safety or the safety of their loved ones. Student services teams are ready to support any student, family or staff member experiencing difficulty following Tuesday's tragedy.

Grego provided a link to the National Association of School Psychologists that parents can use as a resource while discussing acts of violence with a child who might feel confused or saddened by Tuesday's tragedy.

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