PALATKA, Fla. – Deputies responded to multiple student fights in the parking lot of Palatka Junior-Senior High School Wednesday night after students returned from a mental health summit.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said officers were called to the scene around 8:30 p.m. as students exited buses following the Be Brave Summit, held at the St. Augustine Amphitheater.
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Several fights broke out as a large crowd of students gathered in the parking lot. Deputies and law enforcement officers worked to disrupt the brawls, but additional fights continued to break out as the crowd grew.
Authorities said some of the confrontations may have been triggered by fighting that occurred earlier at the event itself. No injuries were reported.
After assisting school staff in dispersing the crowd, no charges were filed. School administration will handle discipline for students involved in the fighting.
The sheriff’s office urged parents and guardians to stay engaged with their students, noting that many of the young people were waiting in the parking lot for rides or trying to arrange transportation with friends — contributing to the lingering crowds.
“We encourage parents and guardians to be involved with their students,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
As a precaution due to heightened emotions following the incident, the sheriff’s office said extra deputies were posted at the school Thursday.