Gun Incidents on the Rise in Hillsborough County Schools

Authorities present at a Hillsborough County school amidst rising gun incidents.

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News Summary

Gun incidents have surged in Hillsborough County schools, raising alarms about student safety. A recent incident involved a 16-year-old with a loaded handgun at Leto High School. Authorities have reported a 300% increase in gun-related cases since the pandemic. This growing trend emphasizes the need for serious discussions around mental health and security measures, as well as swift consequences for those who violate school policies on weapons.

Gun Incidents on the Rise at Hillsborough County Schools

In Tampa, the safety of our schools is being put to the test as gun incidents seem to be on an alarming rise. Recently, authorities were alerted to a serious situation at Leto High School that resulted in the arrest of a juvenile. This incident took place on February 17, 2025, around 8:25 a.m., when a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Deputy approached a 16-year-old student named Alonzo Bridges. After a school administrator activated a Centegix alert due to a suspicious bulge between Bridges’ arm and ribcage, officials realized they needed to act fast.

A Shocking Discovery

During an administrative search, it was discovered that Bridges was in possession of a loaded handgun that had 15 rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber. Despite being confronted by authorities, he refused to share how he obtained the weapon, which raised a lot of eyebrows. This kind of behavior is exceptionally concerning, not only for the safety of students but also for the entire school community.

Reckless Choices Have Serious Consequences

The alarming trend of students bringing weapons to school has prompted a serious conversation about safety. It’s been made clear that one bad decision could lead to devastating outcomes for everyone involved. The community has been urged to take this matter seriously and to understand that actions that endanger the school environment will not go unpunished. The investigation into this troubling incident continues, and the message that schools are not places for weapons has been shared strongly.

Additional Incidents Further Raise Concerns

This incident is not an isolated occurrence. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported a spike in gun-related incidents on school campuses since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some statistics have indicated a staggering increase of 300% in gun cases during 2023 compared to years prior. Recently, an 18-year-old student was arrested for having a firearm in his car after alerts from faculty tipped off deputies. In another case, a separate 16-year-old was taken into custody just the day before for possessing a loaded pistol at a different school.

Mental Health and Safety Measures

Experts have pointed to mental health issues as a potential contributing factor to this recent spike in violence. While technology like metal detectors in schools is being supported to enhance security, there’s also a crucial emphasis on the importance of building relationships and open lines of communication within the school community. Engaging with students on a personal level may help mitigate the risks posed by such violent tendencies.

Young Offenders Facing Consequences

In a separate yet equally troubling incident, a 14-year-old student was arrested at Armwood High School for bringing a firearm onto the campus. The young student attempted to flee the scene but was caught and subdued by deputies. He was found to be in possession of a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun and has been charged with possession of a firearm on school property, as well as resisting an officer without violence. These incidents make it increasingly clear that the presence of weapons in schools is both illegal and dangerous for all students and staff involved.

Ongoing Efforts for Safety

The authorities have made it clear that there will be serious repercussions for those who bring weapons into schools. The juvenile involved in the latest incident was first taken to the hospital for medical clearance before being transferred to the Juvenile Assessment Center. This ongoing issue calls for urgent attention from parents, educators, and the community to prevent further occurrences. As we move forward, the safety and well-being of our children in schools remain a top priority.