Tampa Bay goes back to school: Everything you need to know

TAMPA BAY, Fla. — School starts next week for most Tampa Bay residents. We've created a handy guide so you and your family can make a stress-free transition from the summer months into the school year.

We'll be updating this guide as the week gets closer, so keep checking back for more!

School districts & start times

• Citrus County
  
  • First day of school: Thursday, Aug. 10
  • For bell times, check your student's individual school website
• DeSoto County
  
  • First day of school: Thursday, Aug. 3
  • Bell times
• Hardee County
  
  • First day of school: Thursday, Aug. 10
  • Bell times
• Hernando County
  
  • First day of school: Monday, Aug. 14
  • Bell times
• Highlands County
  
  • First day of school: Thursday, Aug. 10
  • Bell times
• Hillsborough County
  
  • First day of school: Thursday, Aug. 10
  • Bell times
• Manatee County
  
  • First day of school: Thursday, Aug. 10
  • For bell times, check your student's individual school website
• Pasco County
  
  • First day of school: Thursday, Aug. 10
  • Bell times
• Pinellas County
  
  • First day of school: Thursday, Aug. 10
  • Bell times
• Polk County
  
  • First day of school: Friday, Aug. 11
  • For bell times, check your student's individual school website
• Sarasota County
  
  • First day of school: Thursday, Aug. 10
  • Bell times

Back-to-school tips

• Who to call with questions about your child's school bus in the Tampa Bay area
• School bus safety: When Florida drivers have to stop
• Pedestrian safety tips to keep in mind ahead of new school year

For more tips and tricks, check our back-to-school section.