For incoming freshmen in the Ruskin and Apollo Beach area, the countdown to high school just got shorter. East Bay High School held its two-day Freshman Academic Summer Transition Camp on Wednesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 23, giving the Class of 2030 a first look at campus life before the school year begins Monday, August 10.

The program, known as FAST Camp, put incoming ninth-graders through schedule walkthroughs, locker practice, mini class sessions, and introductions to staff members, according to the school's event listing. Students also got tours of sports venues and information about clubs and extracurricular activities.

Day one started at 8 a.m. in the media center with an East Bay information session, followed by indoor team-building games and an orientation lunch. Day two opened with a mini pep rally in the gym at 9 a.m., then moved to sports and recreation, water games, and free gear giveaways.

The camp was free.

East Bay High School posted on X on Thursday, July 23, that the school is "ready for the Class of 2030 to join the Tribe," the school's community nickname tied to its Indians mascot.

What families need to know before August 10

Principal Amy Stevens-Cox leads a campus of roughly 1,809 students, according to National Center for Education Statistics data for the 2025-2026 school year. On the school's website, Stevens-Cox said East Bay has raised its graduation rate by 15 points over the past five years by implementing a system of checks and balances to keep each student on track.

Hillsborough County is one of 38 Florida counties starting on August 10, the earliest date permitted under Florida Statute 1001.42, according to Naples Daily News. As we reported July 28, all back-to-school forms for Hillsborough County Public Schools have moved online this year.

Freshmen planning to play a sport face an additional requirement. Under the Second Chance Act, a new Florida law effective Wednesday, July 1, all first-time high school athletes must have a cleared electrocardiogram before participating in any FHSAA sport. Free and low-cost ECG screenings are listed at hillsboroughschools.org/ecgscreenings.

East Bay offers dual enrollment, Advanced Placement classes, the AICE Cambridge program, and career certifications in welding, automotive repair, cosmetology, veterinary science, and culinary arts.

Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday, which began Monday, July 20, runs through Thursday, August 20, covering school supplies, clothing, and computers. Doors open for the Class of 2030 on Monday, August 10.