By Billy Townsend
The Tampa Tribune

As most of you probably know, Tropical Storm Ernesto has shifted to the west from yesterday’s projected path, which had it strafing the eastern coast of the state.

For now, the heart of the relatively weak storm looks poised to pass over Polk County after traveling a large distance over land, which should weaken it further. Polk emergency officials say they’re expecting 3-5 inches of rain. That amount should not cause flooding, officials said, noting that Polk has endured a dry summer until now.

Polk’s weather is now expected to begin deteriorating about 7 a.m Wednesday. With that in mind, the School Board has decided to cancel classes and keep students and teachers at home. A decision about Thursday will be made at 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to school district officials.

School Board policy mandates cancellation of all extracurriculur activities - including sports practices - on days when school is canceled.

The Lakeland High School - Miami Norland High School football game set for Fridat night in Lakeland has been cancelled as well, according to a School Board media release.

Further school information will be posted on the Polk schools Web site, and will be broadcast on the Polk schools education channel, channel 14 on Bright House and channel 26 on Comcast. You can also check back here to the Polk News blog on TBO.com for more information.

Here are some other Ernesto notes, and we’ll update as the day unfolds:

-- Polk County government officials will wait until Wednesday morning to decide if courts and county government facilities will close.

Southeastern University in Lakeland will cancel classes Wednesday. Only essential personnel will remain on campus.