Osceola County: Harmony and St. Cloud football game proceeds despite false shooting threats

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the Friday night football match between Harmony High School and St. Cloud High School would proceed as planned on Oct. 23. The decision came after law enforcement teams completed an investigation into reports of a potential shooting at the venue. Officials concluded that the threats were false, clearing the way for the game to begin without delay.

The security footprint for the event was expanded to include additional deputies, K-9 units, and mounted patrol officers. Officers from the St. Cloud Police Department were also positioned around the school to monitor the area. This layered approach to public safety was announced alongside the official confirmation that the contest would continue despite the earlier reports of danger.

The threats first emerged after a tip was received by the sheriff's office on Thursday night. The report alleged that a shooting would occur during the game. By Friday morning, text messages containing similar warnings began circulating among students. Deputies reviewed both the initial tip and the subsequent digital messages. Their findings indicated that neither report had a basis in fact.

Investigators also examined a claim that the threats were issued by the teenager who was injured in a recent attack. That allegation proved to be false as well. The sheriff's office has not yet identified the individual who originated the threats. Officials also have not determined whether that person has any connection to the student who was assaulted earlier in the month.

The original incident occurred on Oct. 16 near Harmony High School. A group of students allegedly attacked a 17-year-old who had intervened during a lunch period dispute. The victim was transported to a hospital where medical staff gave her 11 stitches. The dispute reportedly started when students threw carrots at another girl. The victim stepped in to stop the throwing, which led to the physical confrontation later that day.

Arrests related to the Oct. 16 assault were made on Oct. 21. Nine students, with ages ranging from 14 to 18, were charged with felony aggravated battery and felony inciting a riot. Captain Kim Montes of the Osceola County Sheriff's Office addressed the new shooting reports. She stated that false reports would not be tolerated. Montes added that if a suspect is identified for the false threats, that person will face criminal charges. As of Friday, the source of those threats remained unknown.