Over two dozen Florida students were arrested for making threats during the academic year.

Since the start of the school year, 24 students from Polk County public schools in Florida have been arrested for making written or online threats, according to officials.

During a news conference on Thursday, Polk County School District Superintendent Fred Heid disclosed the astonishing number of arrests that had occurred, only weeks after a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.

"Heid stated during the FOX 13 Tampa news conference that students will be arrested and charged with a second-degree felony for making threatening calls or posting online. The school district will pursue the fullest consequences for any student or non-student who participates in such activities."

The school district will seek restitution for any time and resources spent investigating threats made by students towards schools, in addition to seeking criminal charges against those responsible.

During the news conference, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced that there were 42 arrests made during the 2023-24 school year for students who made written threats against county schools.

In just 28 days, the Polk County Sheriff's Office has made 24 arrests.

"The reason we're gathered here today," Judd stated, "is because we can't tolerate any more of that."

Fortify Florida, an app that enables students to instantly report suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies and school officials, was commended by Judd.

Heid explained his reasoning for the recent increase in threats, as reported by FOX 13.

"Unfortunately, many of our students believe that social media is an appropriate place to seek attention, according to the superintendent. However, the sheriff emphasized that they investigate and complete more threat assessments than others because they do not lower their expectations."

The sheriff concurred with Heid, stating that certain children follow current social media fashions.

""We have TikTok challenges; if you follow them, we'll send you to jail. The majority of kids say it's crazy and won't do it, but a few are nuts and will follow through, resulting in arrests," Judd stated."

Planet Chronicle Digital has reached out to the school district.

The alternative to taking proactive measures would be the unfortunate outcome of not acting.

"I would prefer to be here discussing this matter with you instead of hearing, 'Sheriff, school board, superintendent, you did nothing, and this kid has been sending messages for months? And now he's brought a gun to school and shot the school or shot up a kid at school,'" Judd stated.