Students at Murray Middle School in Stuart are returning to class this week to a campus where crews demolished two buildings over the summer and are rebuilding spaces for band, chorus, and agriculture programs. The October 2024 tornado spawned by Hurricane Milton destroyed two buildings and left a third with major roof damage. Those spaces housed the school's band, chorus, and agriculture programs. District leaders say the work zone is completely separated from the rest of campus, so students can learn safely while crews rebuild.
Superintendent Michael Maine said the programs never stopped despite the damage. Crews will build a new administration building and media center, plus modern spaces for band, chorus, and agriculture science. Crews will also renovate the gym.
The gym is expected to be finished by next August. The new administration building, media center, and specialized classrooms are expected to follow in December 2027. The project is being paid for through state support, insurance reimbursements, and district capital funds.