MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — One Pinellas County school is opening its classrooms again for students nearly three months after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the building.
Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 was forced to close after the storm, displacing 1,400 students until repairs could be made. Pinellas County Schools said the major issue was seawater damaging their electrical systems.
Elementary and middle school students were divided into two different campuses for the last several months.
Starting Monday, the school is reopening for middle school students but has some changes.
Middle school students will return to the second floor and portables, starting their day at 8:15 a.m. and ending at 2:53 p.m.
Elementary school students will remain at Walsingham Elementary School but with new school hours, beginning their day at 9:45 a.m. with the school day ending at 4 p.m.
“We are thankful to you all for your understanding during this transitional period and glad that the return to normalcy has begun,” Principal Chris Ateek said.