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NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — Local NewsSeptember 3, 2026Hillsborough

Hillsborough County Public Schools expands vaping detector installation to middle and K-8 campuses

Hillsborough County Public Schools is extending its use of HALO Smart Sensors to middle and K-8 schools to detect vaping and loud noises on campus. The sensors, which were previously limited to high schools, alert staff to airborne vapor from tobacco or marijuana and monitor for decibel spikes associated with fights.

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Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — Local News

Why It Matters

Students and staff at middle and K-8 schools will be subject to new environmental monitoring in restrooms and other areas to enforce existing bans on tobacco and marijuana use.

Key Facts

  • Hillsborough County Public Schools is expanding vaping detector usage to middle and K-8 schools.
  • The district previously limited the use of HALO Smart Sensors to high schools starting last year.
  • Sensors detect airborne vapor from tobacco, marijuana, and masking products.
  • Sensors function as decibel meters to alert staff to loud noises like fights.
  • The district states the sensors do not record audio or video.
  • Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all district campuses.
  • Students violating vaping rules face consequences under the HCPS Student Code of Conduct.
  • The FDA reported over 2 million U.S. teens used tobacco products in 2025.
  • No specific completion date for the installation across all campuses has been announced.

Who's Mentioned

organizationHillsborough County Public Schools“The school district implementing the sensor expansion.”organizationFood and Drug Administration“Provided national statistics on teen tobacco use.”personMarcos Rodriguez“Principal of Bloomingdale High School.”otherHALO Smart Sensors“The specific technology used for detection.”