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Lockdowns canceled at USF Polytechnic, Polk CC campuses

Tribune file photo (2008)

The campuses of USF Polytechnic and PCC were on lockdown earlier today.

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TBO.com

Published: May 26, 2009

Updated: 05/26/2009 01:12 pm

Lockdowns this morning have been canceled at the University of South Florida Polytechnic/Polk Community College campus in Lakeland and the Polk CC campus in Winter Haven.

Winter Haven Police Chief Buddy Waters had said the campuses were placed on lockdown after a tipster overheard a phone conversation during which threats involving a shooting on a campus were mentioned. The threats were later found to be without merit.

The tipster called from a laundromat on Edgewood Drive in Lakeland, according to Winter Haven police spokesman Sgt. Brad Coleman. Investigators from the Polk County Sheriff's Office are verifying the caller's identity and will meet with him today.

Winter Haven police responded to the PCC campus to assist security and provide a visible presence, Coleman said. About 11:20 a.m., PCC administration told police that the lock down had been lifted.

Winter Haven police normally assign an off-duty officer to Polk Community College every day, Coleman said, but will increase the law enforcement presence on campus in the days to come.

In September, the campuses were locked down when a therapist of a suspended 39-year-old student called with concerns the student threatened to kill a school employee. The threat came in midmorning Sept. 23, and thousands of students had to be evacuated from the campuses. Classes were canceled that day. The student was detained by Zephyrhills police under the state's Baker Act.

Stay with TBO.com for updates.

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