Collier County continues to monitor the progress of Hurricane Ian.  It is expected to expand over the SE Gulf as a major hurricane, which means the wind field around the storm will spread.

Collier County has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning (meaning Tropical Storm conditions are expected within 36 hours).  Bonita Beach north to Englewood has been upgraded to a Hurricane Watch (meaning hurricane conditions are possible).  

From this afternoon's update from the National Weather Service:
"While a direct landfall [in our area] is unlikely at this time, hazardous conditions will extend well away from the center . . . Tropical storm conditions . . . beginning as early as tomorrow afternoon.  Rainfall flooding and isolated tornadoes are possible across all of South Florida . . . There is a potential for Significant wind impacts over most of Collier, Hendry and Glades counties . . ." (emphasis in original)

Hopefully, you have heeded our suggestions to prepare for this storm.  Even if Collier does not experience a direct landfall, there will be high winds and a significant amount of rain. For those of you who have left town, i trust that your left your homes secured.  

The Board of County Commissioners will meet tomorrow morning beginning at 9am. Collier's Emergency Operations Director Dan Summer will provide an update at the beginning of that meeting.  You can watch it live on CollierTV, or on Collier County's Facebook page, or on the local cable (channels 97 or 98, depending on your carrier).

Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worse.

Safety first!

Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) continues to monitor Hurricane Ian very closely. Our area is currently under a Tropical Storm Watch with further escalation of watches and warnings anticipated later today and tomorrow. The current projections indicate the effects of the storm are expected late Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. The storm effects are forecasted to bring heavy rain to our area, potential flooding and storm surge risks, as well as winds that would exceed safe levels for buses to be on the road (sustained winds of 35mph or more). According to the National Hurricane Center, there is substantial risk for rapid storm intensification that could affect the severity of storm effects.

Therefore, out of an abundance of caution for student and staff safety, Collier County Public Schools will be CLOSED Tuesday and Wednesday (September 27-28).

All CCPS sites will be closed

• All after-school programs held at CCPS sites will be closed
• All extracurricular activities, including athletic practices and competitions, will be canceled
• All Adult and Community Education classes will be canceled
• All District leases will be suspended

On Wednesday by 4pm or earlier, CCPS will make a determination about school and District operations for Thursday (September 29).

KEEP LEARNING ALIVE

CCPS is committed to "Keep Learning Alive" during periods of school closures.

Click here to access learning resources (available beginning at 8am on Tuesday, September 27)

Additionally, students may work on assignments that may be pending in their scheduled courses. Please share any questions with teachingandlearning@collierschools.com.

• Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34113, and
• Max A Hasse, Jr., Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Boulevard West, Naples, FL 34120.