The St. Lucie County Sheriff is increasing law enforcement presence at local schools following recent acts of violence nationwide. Sheriff Richard Del Toro announced the enhanced security measures on Sunday evening, emphasizing the safety of students and staff as a top priority.

St. Lucie County Sheriff Responds to Recent Violence

In a statement shared via the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Sheriff Del Toro stated, “Our school resource deputies serve with dedication and integrity every single day. Their presence is critical, and so is the vigilance of our community. If you see something, say something. Together, we can help keep our schools safe.”

The decision to strengthen security comes in direct response to recent tragic events, particularly a deadly mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on February 20, 2025. Although authorities confirm there is no specific or credible threat to local schools, the sheriff’s office is proactively working to reassure the community.

Details of the FSU Shooting Incident

The tragic incident at FSU involved 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who opened fire randomly at the student union, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries. The deceased were identified as Tiru Chabba, an employee of the food service company Aramark, and Robert Morales, a university dining coordinator employed at FSU since 2015.

This incident heightened concerns about school safety throughout Florida, prompting local law enforcement agencies, including the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, to review and enhance their security protocols.

Community Vigilance Encouraged by St. Lucie County Sheriff

Sheriff Del Toro emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining school safety. Residents and parents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or concerns immediately to authorities.

The sheriff’s office reiterated that while increased law enforcement visibility aims to deter potential threats, community cooperation remains essential in identifying and preventing possible incidents.

Impact on Local Schools in Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County

Schools across Port St. Lucie and the broader St. Lucie County area will see heightened patrols and additional school resource deputies assigned. The increased presence aims to reassure students, staff, and families that safety remains a priority for local authorities.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss safety procedures with their children and stay informed through official communication channels provided by schools and the sheriff’s office. Recent incidents such as the Port St. Lucie student abuse investigation highlight the importance of proactive safety measures.

Safety Measures and Recommendations for Families

In addition to increased law enforcement presence, families are advised to take proactive steps to enhance their children’s safety at school:

• Discuss emergency procedures regularly with children.
• Encourage children to report unusual behavior or threats immediately.
• Stay informed through school district alerts and official law enforcement updates.
• Attend school safety meetings and participate actively in community safety initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie County Sheriff

What is the St. Lucie County Sheriff doing to protect local schools?

The St. Lucie County Sheriff is increasing the number of deputies and patrols around local schools. This action is in response to recent school violence incidents nationwide, aiming to ensure student and staff safety.

Are there specific threats to Port St. Lucie schools right now?

No, the sheriff’s office confirmed there are currently no specific or credible threats to Port St. Lucie or St. Lucie County schools. The increased law enforcement presence is a precautionary measure.

How much will law enforcement presence increase at schools?

The exact number of additional deputies has not been specified. However, families will notice more patrols and school resource deputies at campuses throughout the county.

Can parents help improve school safety in St. Lucie County?

Yes, parents can assist by staying vigilant, reporting suspicious activities, and talking regularly with their children about school safety. Community involvement is crucial to maintaining safe schools.

Where are the increased security measures taking place?

The enhanced security measures are being implemented at schools across Port St. Lucie and throughout St. Lucie County. All local schools will benefit from the increased law enforcement presence.

Recent incidents involving local law enforcement, such as the arrest of a St. Lucie County deputy, underscore the importance of transparency and accountability within the sheriff’s office.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office has been active in various enforcement efforts, including intensifying immigration law enforcement in response to new federal directives.

Stay informed about local safety measures and school updates in Port St. Lucie. Download our FREE guide .

Port St Lucie Talks