ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Following the abrupt closure of a St. Petersburg preschool earlier this week, parents and former staff returned Friday to collect belongings — but only under the supervision of law enforcement.
The new owner of Learning Adventures Preschool says the sudden shutdown was necessary to protect children’s safety, while former employees and families say they’ve been left without answers, income or childcare heading into the holiday weekend.
INITIAL COVERAGE: Families, staff left in limbo after unexpected closure of St. Petersburg preschool
“We only had one walk through, and it just wasn’t up to the standards that the kids deserve,” said Denice Aviles, the establishment’s new owner. “So, we decided that we needed to make some choices, and we made them.”
Tense emotions played out on the front lawn early Friday afternoon as families tried to retrieve personal documents, children’s items and medical records…