Florida Schools Cancel Outdoor Activities as Cold Snap Hits Central Florida

OCALA, Fla. – Marion County Public Schools canceled outdoor after-school activities Tuesday as a cold snap swept across Central Florida, bringing unseasonably low temperatures and the potential for freezing rain.

The district announced the cancellations, which will remain in effect through Thursday, citing “predicted colder weather.” Schools will remain open, and indoor after-school activities will continue as scheduled. Physical education classes and recess will also be moved indoors.

“Other Marion County school districts in other states have canceled classes, but your Marion County Public Schools here in Florida will remain open on regular schedules,” the district said in a statement. Parents were urged to dress students in additional layers, especially those who ride the bus, and drivers were advised to exercise caution due to potential freezing rain overnight.

Forecasters predict temperatures will drop into the mid to upper 30s north and west of Orlando, with lows in the low 40s along the I-4 corridor. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for Marion and Flagler counties, with a slight chance of sleet mixing with rain in northern areas late Tuesday night. No accumulation is expected, but a Winter Weather Advisory will take effect overnight Wednesday morning.

Ryan Mims, owner of Tower Hill Nursery in Ocala, is preparing for the cold snap by covering sensitive plants, including ferns, perennials, and robellini palms. “As soon as we hear about bad weather or cold snaps, we have to make sure everything is covered,” Mims said. “It usually takes a day of preparation.”

Mims, a lifelong landscaper, emphasized the importance of watering plants sufficiently to keep them warm under protective plastic. He expressed hope that the cold weather would pass quickly, saying, “We are Florida, and we are known as the sunshine state. Turn around and go back.”

Central Florida is expected to see widespread rainfall Tuesday and overnight, with accumulations of 1-2 inches in many areas. The district warned that if conditions worsen and impact school schedules, updates will be shared via Skylert messaging. For now, residents are advised to stay safe and warm.