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.
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.
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.
Escambia Schools Earn ‘A’ Grade; Here’s How Your Child’s School Scored
July 1, 2026
For the first time in recent memory, the Escambia County Public Schools system has earned an “A”, according to school grades released on Wednesday morning by the Florida Department of Education.
Overall, 83% of ECPS schools upheld or exceeded past years’ performances. Overall, 19 ECPS schools earned an “A”, 16 schools earned a “B”, 17 schools earned “C”. No Escambia County School earned a grade of D or F. This marked a third year of increases in the number of A and B schools in the district.
“We are proud of our schools and their dedicated efforts,” said ECPS Superintendent Keith Leonard. “These excellent school grades reflect the commitment of our students, teachers, administrators, and support staff. In addition to the progress we have made, we remain focused on continuous improvement. Thank you to our students, staff, parents, community members, and our actively engaged school board. Achieving our goals requires the collective effort and collaboration of all stakeholders.”
Blue Angels Elementary, Lipscomb Elementary, Montclair Elementary, Beulah Middle, Ernest Ward Middle and Tate High each raised their grade from Bs last year to As this year. Scenic Heights Elementary increased from a C to an A. Montclair Elementary has increased its grade from an F to an A in three years. Lincoln Park Elementary, Longleaf Elementary, Ferry Pass Middle, and Workman Middle all raised their grades from Cs to Bs, while Navy Point Elementary had the greatest increase in points, with their school grade increasing from a D to a B.
Mathematics scores increased at rates surpassing the recently announced state increases, with the Middle school Algebra pass rate now leading the state average increases by 6% and 9th grade algebra pass rate matching the state average for the first time.
Escambia County Public Schools’ middle school acceleration rate was again among the highest in the state, increasing from 87% to 89%. The middle school acceleration rate measures proficiency on high school level courses taken by middle school students, such as Algebra and Biology, as well as high school level industry certifications earned by middle school students. For the first time, the middle school Algebra EOC pass rate exceeds the state average.
Here are the individual school grades:
Elementary Schools
- A. K. Suter Elementary School — A
- Bellview Elementary School — A
- Beulah Elementary School — B
- Blue Angels Elementary School — A
- Bratt Elementary School — B
- Brentwood Elementary School — C
- Byrneville Elementary School — C
- C. A. Weis Elementary School — C
- Cordova Park Elementary School — B
- Ensley Elementary School — C
- Ferry Pass Elementary School — B
- Global Learning Academy — C
- Hellen Caro Elementary School — B
- Jim Allen Elementary School — B
- Kingsfield Elementary School — B
- L. D. McArthur Elementary School — B
- Lincoln Park Elementary School — B
- Longleaf Elementary School — B
- Molino Park Elementary — A
- Montclair Elementary School — A
- Myrtle Grove Elementary School — C
- N. B. Cook Elementary School — A
- Navy Point Elementary School — B
- O. J. Semmes Elementary School — C
- Oakcrest Elementary School — C
- Pensacola Beach Elementary School — A
- Pine Meadow Elementary School — A
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School — A
- R. C. Lipscomb Elementary School — A
- Reinhardt Holm Elementary School — B
- Scenic Heights Elementary School — A
- Sherwood Elementary School — C
- Warrington Elementary School — C
- West Pensacola Elementary School — C
Middle Schools
- Bellview Middle School — C
- Beulah Middle School — A
- Brown Barge Middle School — A
- Ernest Ward Middle School — A
- Ferry Pass Middle School — B
- J. H. Workman Middle School — B
- Jim C. Bailey Middle School — B
- Ransom Middle School — A
High Schools
- Escambia High School — C
- J. M. Tate Senior High School — A
- Northview High School — C
- Pensacola High School — C
- Pine Forest High School — C
- Washington Senior High School — C
- West Florida High School/Technical — A
Other
- Beulah Academy Of Science — A
- Escambia Virtual Academy Franchise — B
- Pensacola State College Charter Academy — A
- Warrington Preparatory Academy — C
Storm Packs a Punch in North Escambia: Trees Snapped, Lines Downed, and Hundreds Left in the Dark
July 1, 2026
A strong evening thunderstorm Tuesday evening in North Escambia left hundreds without power and caused minor damage.
High winds left about one-third of Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s members in Escambia County without power after numerous poles and power lines were knocked down.
At one point in the evening, EREC reported about 1,600 members without power, with about 500 of them along South Highway 99 in Walnut Hill, Bay Springs, and Barrineau Park. Shortly after 6 p.m., at least seven poles were downed or snapped, bringing power lines down alongside or across South Highway 99 about half a mile south of Highway 97.
EREC crews worked for hours, restoring power on that feeder line by about midnight.
Several small trees in the area were also snapped at residences on South Highway 99.
Additional power poles and lines were downed on Highway 97 and Highway 97A.
Officials said it appeared the damage was caused by straight-line winds. There were no injuries reported.
Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Heavy Thunderstorm Flips Aircraft, Damages Metal Building In Walnut Hill
July 1, 2026
A heavy thunderstorm that moved through Walnut Hill on Tuesday evening flipped an aircraft and damaged a large metal building.
The glider was apparently anchored at a grass airstrip operated by Solace Aerial on Railroad Road, near the Genesis Rail Systems transfer station. The glider was blown approximately 200 yards, coming to rest upside down in a field.
A nearby metal building was also damaged, with large doors blown down. It also appeared that building contents may have been shifted.
Escambia County Fire Rescue responded and did not find anyone around the facilities.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
