LARGO, Fla. - A new Florida law requires all schools in the state to keep their classroom doors locked, but recent data shows that weapons are still making their way onto campuses.

During the 2023–2024 school year, more than 1,500 weapons were brought to Florida schools, according to the state’s School Environmental Safety Incident Report. District leaders said it’s time to go beyond locking doors — and focus on stopping weapons before they ever enter school buildings.

What they're saying:

Pinellas County Schools are now considering a weapons detection system similar to the ones already being used in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

"The screening is fast, automatic and requires no removal of backpacks or bags or purses, although laptops must be removed," said Wendell Butler, the p

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