Former Century Correctional Warden Is Now Secretary Of The Florida Dept. Of Corrections
July 2, 2026
A former warden of the Century Correctional Institution has been appointed the secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Richard Comerford has dedicated more than four decades of service to the Florida Department of Corrections and has been instrumental in advancing the Department’s mission,” said DeSantis. “His experience, leadership, and commitment to public safety make him well qualified to serve as secretary, and I am confident he will continue to build on the Department’s success.”
Comerford is a veteran corrections professional with more than 40 years of distinguished service, most recently serving as FDC’s deputy secretary. In this role, he provided executive oversight for the nation’s third-largest correctional system. His experience extends beyond Florida, and his leadership has earned national recognition for his expertise in organizational supervision, intelligence, correctional operations, and emergency response.
“I am truly humbled to have the trust and support of Governor Ron DeSantis to be the next secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections,” said Comerford. “Serving the men and women of FDC has been the honor of a lifetime, and I know the experience I gained working alongside former Secretary Ricky Dixon will serve Florida well as we take up the mantle and build upon the successes he delivered. I look forward to working together with our dedicated correctional professionals to uphold public safety and strengthen resources for our staff.”
“The Florida Department of Corrections is in great hands with Richard Comerford serving as secretary. His experience, integrity, and commitment to our profession have earned the trust and respect of staff across our state and the recognition of correctional leaders nationwide,” said former FDC Secretary Ricky Dixon. “As deputy secretary, his fingerprints are on every major success our agency experienced during my tenure. His vision and expertise helped shape Florida into a national leader in corrections, and I am confident he will continue building on that success while supporting the men and women who serve on the front lines.”
Comerford began his career with FDC in 1986 as a correctional officer at Okaloosa Correctional Institution. Over the course of his career, he advanced through a broad range of supervisory, investigative, and command roles, including assistant deputy secretary of institutions and holding multiple warden and assistant warden assignments across the state, including Century CI.
Comerford holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Florida and is an active member of the American Correctional Association, Florida Sheriffs Association, and North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents.
Pictured top: Richard Comerford, the newly named secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, during an event inside the Century Correctional Institution in April 2025. He was assistant deputy secretary of the department at the time. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Outlaws Motorcycle Club Member Gets Seven Years In Federal Prison For Arson
July 2, 2026
A Pensacola Outlaws Motorcycle Club Member has been sentenced to federal prison.
Gregory E. Simonds Jr., 43, of Escambia County was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for arson by means of an explosive causing personal injury
Court documents reflect that on February 15, 2025, during an altercation with a group of individuals associated with the Pagans Motorcycle Club in the parking lot of Emerald Coast Harley Davidson on Beal Parkway in Fort Walton Beach, Simmons set off an explosive that damaged the adjacent Jimmy John’s restaurant building and injured one of its employees. Although the defendant drove away from the scene, he was quickly identified and arrested by law enforcement. In his car, officers recovered four more explosive devices, two guns, narcotics and drug paraphernalia, and an Outlaws Motorcycle Club vest. During a subsequent search of his residence, federal agents seized additional explosive devices, explosive making material and equipment, and other evidence that the defendant was making and selling explosives.
“This case could certainly have ended much differently. When someone chooses to use an explosive device in a public place, they put innocent lives at risk,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. “I’m proud of the outstanding work of our investigators, in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF, and FDLE, in building a case that led to this sentence.”
The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations.
Sizzling Sunshine and High Heat Start The Holiday Weekend
July 2, 2026
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
High heat and plenty of sunshine dominate the start of the holiday weekend before rain chances spike by Sunday afternoon. Thursday through Friday will feature daytime highs climbing to near 94 degrees under clear skies with calm winds. Independence Day starts off bright and hot, though a isolated afternoon stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. By Sunday, tropical moisture moves in, pushing rain chances up to 60 percent, primarily after 1:00 PM. Unsettled weather lingers into early next week with daily afternoon storm chances hovering around 40 to 50 percent.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Independence Day: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.
State Issues Max Fine After FPL Contractor Herbicide Application
July 2, 2026
A state investigation has found that a contractor working for Florida Power & Light misused herbicides during an aerial application in Santa Rosa County after the death of several animals.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will fine the contractor Industrial Helicopters $20,000, the maximum allowed.
The spraying occurred on May 20 and caused several farmers to complain about damage to property, including farm animals. State Senator Don Gaetz then asked FDACS to investigate.
The FDACS investigation found that herbicides were misused and misapplied in aerial overspraying by Industrial Helicopters, which was operating under a contract with FPL to control brush growth under power transmission lines.
Specifically, Gaetz said the contractor was cited for “conducting an aerial application which resulted in pesticide drift to a non-target site, for failing to follow pesticide label restrictions and for failing to comply with the rules related to use of organo-auxin herbicides.”
“My priority is to ensure that the concerns of affected residents are taken seriously and that the facts surrounding this incident are fully investigated. Property owners deserve answers when an event of this nature results in the loss of animals, concerns about environmental impacts and questions regarding the safety of aerial spraying near homes and farms,” Gaetz said. “I will continue to monitor this matter closely and encourage all agencies involved to take appropriate action.”
Gaetz is encouraging FDACS to forward their findings to the FAA to look for potential violations.
“I am also ensuring that the Public Service Commission, which regulates Florida Power and Light, is informed of the investigation,” the senator said.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, FPL said:
“We understand that FPL’s vegetation management activity has raised concerns for some families, farmers and residents. At FPL, we have taken their concerns very seriously, paused contractor activity related to herbicidal spraying and cooperated fully with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) throughout its investigation.
“We are reviewing the department’s findings carefully.
“Vegetation management is essential to keeping the electric grid safe and reliable, and it must be performed responsibly and with appropriate safeguards. Any time a contractor performs work for FPL, we want to ensure it meets both the state’s standards and our high expectations for customer safety and service.
“We have policies and procedures in place for vegetation management and will continue to evaluate our oversight processes to uphold our high standards for safety and environmental responsibility for our customers and the communities we serve.”
File photo.
Clyde ‘Cubil’ Eugene Hall
July 2, 2026
Clyde “Cubil” Eugene Hall, 73, of Brewton, Alabama, passed away on June 30, 2026.
A memorial service celebrating Clyde’s life will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Well of Grace Church, 15590 Highway 29, Brewton, Alabama. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate his life.
Clyde was a United States Navy veteran and a simple Southern man who found joy in life’s little things. He loved watching NASCAR, Alabama football, and Gunsmoke. He was happy just talking with his family and friends while drinking a glass of sweet tea. He didn’t need much to be happy—just good conversation, a familiar TV show, and the knowledge that his family was doing well.
He is survived by his brother, Jerry Hall; his two daughters, Mary Hall Sowerwine and Cathy Hall; his four grandchildren: Caitlin, Drew, Aydin, and Kenneth; and many loving nieces and nephews who will forever remember him.
He always made an effort to stay connected with his family, no matter the distance, and would gladly drive across the country just to spend time with those he loved.
He was a good “Pawpaw.” He enjoyed taking road trips with Aydin, fishing with Drew, watching Kenneth play video games, and he always looked forward to playing Bingo with Caitlin.
Clyde shared a special bond with his siblings throughout his life, and no matter what was going on, he would still call his brother Jerry several times a day.
Clyde believed in helping others. Whether it was a neighbor, a friend, or someone in need, he was always willing to lend a hand. When someone offered to repay his kindness, he would simply ask that they help someone else someday. It was his way of making the world a little better, one good turn at a time.
Those who knew Clyde knew that sometimes he could talk your ear off, and other times he was a man of very few words. He was almost always in a good mood, quick to smile, and had a knack for finding humor in the smallest moments. His laughter, kind heart, and easygoing nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
15 Arrested In ECSO Warrants Sweep
July 2, 2026
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrested 15 people during a three-day warrants sweep recenthly.
Charges on the suspects ranged from failure to register as a sex offender to stalking and aggravated battery.
Graphic: Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Woman, 77, Seriously Injured In Morristown Road Crash
July 2, 2026
A 77-year-old Santa Rosa County woman was seriously injured when he crashed in a vehicle on Morristown Road west of Jay.
At approximately 1:40 p.m., a tractor hauling a dump style trailer was stopped, preparing to back into a construction site on the west side of Morristown Road. The Florida Highway Patrol said the 77-year-old failed to stop in time for the stopped traffic and crashed into the other vehicle. She was transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
The other driver, a 56-year-old Highland Home, Alabama man, was not injured.
Hernández’s Homer Not Enough In 7-1 Wahoos Loss
July 2, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos saw their four-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday, falling 7-1 to the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
Cristian Hernández opened the scoring in the first inning with a solo homer, but that would be one of only three hits mustered by the Pensacola offense on the night. Ryan Costeiu (W, 6-4) worked 6.0 solid innings, allowing two hits and striking out five, in a dominant start for the Trash Pandas.
Rocket City ambushed Blue Wahoos starter Alex Williams (L, 4-7) in the home half of the first inning, as Nick Rodriguez doubled and came in on a Jake Munroe RBI single. Back-to-back RBI doubles from Caleb Bartolero and Jake Thompson with two outs in the inning put the Trash Pandas ahead 3-1.
Neither team scored again until the bottom of the seventh, when the Trash Pandas loaded the bases against Jack Sellinger. Tucker Flint was hit by a pitch to force in a run, and Thompson lashed a two-run single that ended up emptying the bases thanks to a throwing error from third baseman Juan Matheus. Thompson, who played for the Blue Wahoos from 2023-25 and was recently signed by the Angels out of independent ball, was 2-for-3 with three RBI in his Trash Pandas debut.
Blake Weiman, Chris Cortez and Luke Murphy finished off the Blue Wahoos with an inning each of scoreless relief from the Trash Pandas bullpen.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Trash Pandas on Thursday night.
Doyle Wayne Coleman
July 2, 2026
Doyle Wayne Coleman, 61, of Poarch, AL, passed away on June 29, 2026.
Doyle was born on January 27, 1965, at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA, to Earline and Staff Sergeant Ralph Coleman Sr. He was raised in Atmore, AL, graduated from Escambia County High School in 1983, and spent most of his career as an ironworker before later working as a crane operator.
A proud member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Doyle lived life on his own terms. His adventurous spirit led him down many paths and into experiences that became part of the stories he shared throughout his life. In his younger years, he rode bulls and competed in mixed martial arts, embracing challenges with the fearless attitude that defined him. In his later years, Doyle found joy in attending his grandchildren’s ballgames, spending time with his horses and dogs, and enjoying the simple country life he loved.
His faith was important to him. He attended churches of many denominations over the years and often shared words of faith and encouragement with people he met along the way. While his road was not always easy, those who knew him best remember a man with a good heart, a generous spirit, and a deep love for his family.
Doyle was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandparents, Nora and Jack Daughtry; and his paternal grandparents, B.C. “Neely” and Bessie Coleman.
He is survived by his children, Justin (Christa) Coleman, Austin Coleman, and Brittany Tutton; his grandchildren, Jamison Coleman, Kinzey Coleman, and Maddix Tutton; his siblings, Ralph (Ann) Coleman Jr., Cathy (ken) Langley, Homer (Brenda) Coleman, and Kenny Coleman; as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and the tribal community.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Alton Lister, Bro. Ray Ward, and Bro. Ralph Coleman, Jr officiating. Interment will be held at New Home Cemetery in Poarch, AL.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Biggs, Steve Carpenter, Randy “Oddie” Bryars, Curtis Hayes, Ben Andrews, and Clayton Coon.
Honorary pallbearers will be Deno Rolin, Jerry Wayne Bowen, Tinker Rolin, Waylon Rolin, Kendall Reed and Steven Ross.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Eric John Smith
July 2, 2026
Eric John Smith passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a lifetime of service, leadership, and devotion to his family, students, and country.
Born in Independence, Missouri, Eric spent his early childhood there before his family moved to Drexel, Missouri, where he was raised. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, earning his first paycheck bailing hay on local farms. Those early experiences shaped the work ethic, humility, and determination that would guide him throughout his life.
Eric graduated from Drexel High School before attending the University of Missouri, where he participated in the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC). As a college student, he worked as a server at a sorority house, helping pay his way through school while earning meals. His dedication and perseverance during those years reflected the character that defined his life.
Following his undergraduate studies, Eric proudly served in the United States Navy. After completing his active-duty service, he returned to the University of Missouri to earn his master’s degree. His commitment to serving his country continued for many years through the Navy Reserve, where he honorably served for 22 years before retiring.
Education became Eric’s lifelong calling. He dedicated many years to teaching at Pine Forest High School, where he inspired countless students through his knowledge, encouragement, and steady leadership. His passion for education led him to play an instrumental role in establishing West Florida Technical High School, helping build a school that would provide generations of students with opportunities for technical and career education. He later served as the school’s principal, where his vision, integrity, and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the community.
Throughout his life, Eric believed in the importance of service, education, and leading by example. Whether wearing the uniform of his country or guiding students through the halls of a school, he dedicated himself to helping others succeed. He was respected for his quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and genuine care for those around him.
Above all, Eric was a devoted family man whose love and guidance will continue to be felt by those who knew him best. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched—as a husband, father, grandfather, educator, military officer, mentor, and friend.
His family will forever remember his unwavering love, steady guidance, generous spirit, and the example of integrity and service that he lived every day.
Eric was preceded in death by his parents, David and Ethel Smith; brother, David Smith Jr.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Smith; his children, Ken Smith (Katie), Julie McLean (Meir); grandchildren, Hunter and Ty McLean, Aiden and Ian Smith; his beloved stepchildren, Valerie Massey (Kelly), Julie Duvall (Bryan); his cherished step grandchildren, Rachel Rogers (Kyle), Jace Dunsford, Jack Jordan, Emily and Arden Duvall; beloved step great-grandchildren Paisley and Callaway Rogers, along with numerous extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, and the many students whose lives he touched throughout his career.