Jacobs steps down

An internal review of Shannon Jacobs resulted in his resignation as administrator of Santa Rosa County’s health department Friday.

“The Department’s Inspector General conducted a thorough investigation of the recent arrest of Mr. Jacobs,” stated Susan Smith, a public information officer with the department, via e-mail. “Upon completion of the investigation the Department asked for and received Mr. Jacobs’s resignation.”

Jacobs, 34, was arrested for drunk driving June 20 on J. Earle Bowden Way in Gulf Islands National Seashore. Jacobs was driving toward Navarre Beach when he struck another car driven by a Gulf Breeze man head on.

Two hours after being arrested, Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office deputies administered separate breathalyzer tests, which read Jacobs’ blood-alcohol content at 0.16 and 0.149.  The legal limit in Florida is 0.08.

“Ms. Sandra Polk, Nursing Director has assumed the role of Acting Administrator while the Department and the Santa Rosa County Commission conduct a search for a permanent replacement,” Smith stated.

The felony charge of criminal mischief was dropped at a July 10 docket hearing. Misdemeanor charges of DUI and DUI causing property damage are still pending in Escambia County Court. He was also cited for failure to drive in a single lane.

Jacobs plead not guilty July 24 and will be due back in court for trial Oct. 9.