Sarasota High lockdown blamed on nearby construction

A false alarm apparently trigged by construction activity sent Sarasota High School into lockdown Friday morning, police said.

The campus was locked down about 10:20 a.m., prompting police, including Sarasota County Schools Police and Sarasota Police Department units, to rush to the scene. 

Students began texting parents and families, which caused a flurry of comments on social media. 

A hour later, Sarasota Police posted its own message on Facebook and X, saying it was a false alarm. "After a thorough investigation, we have determined there is no active threat.

"The alarm was triggered as a result of nearby construction activity," the department's post said. "We want to thank the staff, students, and parents for their cooperation and patience as we ensured everyone’s safety."