10 Investigates has uncovered thousands of weapons were found in Florida schools over the past couple of years.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Parents are on edge after learning a teen brought a gun onto campus at Spoto High School. 

Hillsborough County deputies also found a loaded magazine containing 9 mm rounds. While this comes as a shock to parents, 10 Investigates has uncovered that thousands of weapons were found in Florida schools over the past couple of years. 

We dug through last year’s School Environment Safety Incident Report, also known as SESIR, which collects data on 26 incidents of crime, violence and disruptive behaviors. The incidents are reported by schools to the districts and then provided to the state.

The last report the state has published so far is from the 2023-2024 school year. It shows 1,496 weapons were found on school grounds, transportation, or a school-sponsored event last year. Of those weapons, 141 were firearms.

Taking a closer look at Tampa Bay area schools, Hillsborough County, which is also one of the largest school districts in the country, had the most weapons confiscated at 168. Of those, 14 were firearms. Polk County had the second most weapons recovered with 49, followed by Pasco County with 38.

The district with the second largest amount of firearms was Manatee County, with seven.

You can take a closer look at the report and even check out your own child’s school on the SESIR. 

We also asked every Bay Area school district about whether there are metal detectors on campuses.

A spokesperson for Hillsborough County Public Schools told us:

“We do not have permanent metal detectors in schools. As part of the district’s safety and security protocols, district school security officers routinely conduct random metal detection searches in schools each year in middle and high schools. The district conducts these random searches to deter and educate students on the dangers of bringing weapons to school.“

A spokesperson for Sarasota County Schools told us:

“All of our comprehensive High Schools, Middle Schools, and K-8 schools use the OpenGate weapons detection systems. All entering the school pass through the detection system at the single point of entry.“