Escambia school superintendent charged with DUI
CLEARWATER — Escambia County Superintendent of Schools Jim Paul was arrested early Thursday morning in Clearwater and charged with driving under the influence.
Sheriff ’s deputies in Pinellas County say they stopped the 60-year-old Pensacola resident at about 3:30 a.m. when they noticed him speeding and weaving. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail and given a breath test, which registered above the legal limit.
Paul, who was reportedly attending a conference in the Tampa area, was released from jail on his own recognizance Thursday afternoon.
A school district spokesman said Paul would make a public statement today.
Santa Rosa County Superintendent of Schools John Rogers said Thursday he had heard about the incident, but declined making any remarks.
“I don’t know the facts there to comment,” he said.
Paul, who has served as Escambia County superintendent of schools since 2000, has pre-filed to run for re-election this year, according to the Escambia supervisor of elections office.