TAMPA - During a news conference Tuesday morning, Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins and Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan warned against misleading investigators with reports about school security.
"Spread the word," the school said in a tweet Tuesday morning. "If you're creating false alarms, misleading investigators, or creating false rumors - there will be consequences."
This includes arresting those responsible, Dugan said, adding that making false threats is a second-degree felony.
The news conference, scheduled at 10:30 a.m., was billed as an announcement by police and the school districts about "our combined efforts to keep students and teachers safe in our schools."
The announcement comes in the wake of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland last week.
Local schools, according to a Hillsborough schools news release, have had to contend with rumors and "irresponsible social media postings" that have resulted in campus lockdowns and disruptions.
Stay with tampabay.com for updates.