Pasco Schools To Have No Limit On Guests At Outdoor Graduations

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Pasco County high school seniors will be able to celebrate their graduation with more family and friends.

The school district announced Wednesday that the limitation on guests at graduations held in outdoor venues has been removed.

Originally, graduates were limited to four guests. High school graduates now can have two guests join them on the field, and additional guests can be seated on the bleachers.

The Pasco County School District also said social distancing would no longer be required at outdoor venues although masks will still be required for those attending indoor ceremonies.

School officials said the decision came after reviewing county health data.

"It was our goal all along to make the graduation ceremonies as normal as possible while recognizing our responsibility to protect the health and safety of all the graduates and guests," said Superintendent Kurt Browning. "A lot has changed in recent weeks, and at this time we are confident that it is safe to remove those restrictions for our outdoor graduations."

Pasco County Schools was the first Tampa Bay school district to announce a return to in-person graduations. The school district revealed in February that it would resume normal graduation ceremonies.

"We know how important it is to the graduates to walk across the stage and receive their diploma in person. And we know how important it is to have family there to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Browning.

The complete list of graduation dates and times is below:

See related story: Pasco High School Seniors Will Accept Diplomas In Person