Mosquito Control To Spray Tonight East Of Highway 29 From Century To Barth
July 2, 2026
Escambia County’s Mosquito Control Division will conduct fogging mission Thursday evening in portions of Barth, McDavid, and Century that are east of Highway 29.
Fogging will begin at sunset and will continue during the evening as weather conditions allow. The timing helps target mosquitoes when they are active while reducing impacts on other insects.
Click maps to enlarge.
To request mosquito control service, call (850) 937-2198 or email mosquitocontrol@myescambia.com.
Shirley Ann Grunert
July 2, 2026
Shirley Ann Grunert
July 12, 1944 – July 1, 2026
On July 1, 2026, Shirley Ann Grunert, 81, of Atmore, Alabama, ran into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved with all her heart.
Shirley was the daughter of the late Sephers and Novella Jackson; loving wife of her adoring husband, Horst-Werner “Mike” Grunert; and sweet mama to her children Angela Colley (Keith), Karen McRae (Mark), the late Boyd Johnson (Tonya), Teri Peterson (Mike), and Kacie Campbell (Rodney), and her bonus children, Eric Grunert (Mary), Heidi Grunert, and Chris Grabarkwitz.
She adored her grandchildren Jared, Christina, Malcolm, Mackenzie, Jordan, Joshua, Kela, Michael, Janae, Thrice, Gwyn, Cally, Mecoa, Ellie, and Bailey, as well as five great-grandchildren. She was loved deeply by many nieces, nephews, and bonus grandchildren from this big, beautiful, blended family.
Shirley was born on July 12, 1944, in Brewton, Alabama. Her childhood was spent with her sisters Betty, Joyce, Hilda, and Linda, as well as her late brother Billy Jackson (Brenda). Although they didn’t have much, her mother, Novella, passed down a sense of adventure and fun to her children that Shirley lived out to the end of her days.
She met her husband, Mike, in November 1962 while working at S.H. Kress Five and Dime in Pensacola, Florida. She was immediately drawn to his Navy whites and handsome blue eyes. They were married on June 7, 1963. Although they separated for many years, they found their way back to each other and married again on March 24, 1989, while living in Texas. They spent the last 37 years growing more in love and deeper in their relationships with Christ. Shirley deeply treasured their time studying the Word, attending church, and praying and worshipping together.
She could out-fish anyone and had no problems beating her own grandkids at a game of Phase 10 or Words with Friends. She loved good ice in her drink, White Linen perfume, dancing to a good tune, white roses, heading to the beach to watch the waves, a well-done steak, traveling to new places, and studying the Bible. Shirley was independent, fun, creative, loving, had the most amazing green thumb, and enjoyed being a mom to her children more than anything.
A visit out to a restaurant nearly always included Shirley making friends with strangers, telling them about Jesus, and finding out ways she could pray for them. She started a video Bible study on Facebook, walked with others from her church, and always found ways to encourage others. If you ever met Shirley, she absolutely prayed for you, and possibly daily.
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at her church home, Atmore First Baptist Church.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., at Atmore First Baptist Church. Please feel free to wear bright, happy colors to honor Shirley.
A private burial will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, it would make Shirley so happy to see donations sent to St. Jude or Shriners Hospitals for Children, whom Mike and Shirley have supported for years, or St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where her granddaughter is currently being treated.
We are forever thankful for the life of our dear wife, mom, grandma, aunt, sister, and friend. A special thank you to Rhonda and the rest of the staff at Southern Care Hospice Services who lovingly cared for our mom in her last days. Thank you for your prayers and love during this time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Making History: Tate High School Earns First-Ever ‘A’ School Grade
July 2, 2026
Tate High School has reached a historic milestone, earning its first-ever “A” school grade from the Florida Department of Education. This achievement marks not only the first “A” in the school’s history, but also the first time a traditional high school in Escambia County Public Schools has earned the state’s highest accountability rating, reflecting years of intentional work, unwavering commitment, and a relentless focus on student achievement.
“An ‘A’ school grade is not the result of one year of work, it is the culmination of a shared vision, a culture of continuous improvement, and the collective efforts of an incredible school community,” said Laura Touchstone, former principal of Tate High School and current director of High School Education for Escambia County Public Schools. “I could not be more proud of our students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners who believed in what Tate could become and worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality.”
After school grades were released on Wednesday, Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Leonard was celebrating historic gains and A grades across Escambia Schools, including the first overall A grade for the district. There were 19 ECPS schools earning an A.
RELATED: Escambia Schools Earn ‘A’ Grade; Here’s How Your Child’s School Scored
“I am very proud of all of them,” Leonard said. “I am also proud of the students, support staff, administration and everyone at Tate High School for earning an A grade. It is a great accomplishment.”
Under a culture built on collaboration, high expectations, and shared leadership, Tate High School focused on ensuring every student had access to high-quality instruction, meaningful support, and opportunities to succeed. Professional Learning Teams, data-driven decision-making, instructional coaching, and a commitment to continuous improvement became the foundation for sustained academic growth.
While the historic “A” school grade is a significant accomplishment, school leaders emphasize that the true measure of success extends beyond a single letter grade.
“At Tate High School, all students matter,” Touchstone said. “That belief has guided every decision we have made. We celebrate this achievement because it represents thousands of individual success stories. It reflects students overcoming challenges, teachers going above and beyond, families partnering with the school, and a community that believes in its future.”
She said the achievement also reflects the dedication of Tate’s faculty and staff, who have embraced a culture of collaboration and collective responsibility for student learning. Teachers continuously analyzed student data, refined instructional practices, and supported one another to ensure every student had the opportunity to reach high levels of achievement.
“This milestone belongs to everyone who has been part of the Tate family,” Touchstone added. “It belongs to every teacher who stayed late to help a student, every support staff member who created a welcoming environment, every parent who partnered with us, every administrator who led with purpose, and every student who committed themselves to excellence. Together, we made history.”
She said the historic “A” school grade stands as a testament to what is possible when a school community shares a common purpose, believes in every student, and refuses to settle for anything less than excellence.
As Tate High School celebrates this achievement, school leaders remain committed to building upon this success while continuing to provide exceptional opportunities for every student.
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.