News Summary
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office has reported a significant 38.3% increase in high school arrests for weapon-related incidents, raising concerns about student safety. Incidents have been particularly concentrated at Leon and Rickards high schools, with students bringing weapons to campuses. In response, Leon County Schools Superintendent has proposed the implementation of metal detectors at schools to enhance safety measures amidst ongoing concerns about security and student protection.
Tallahassee – The Leon County Sheriff’s Office School Resource 2024-25 Annual Report has revealed a troubling 38.3% increase in high school arrests for weapon-related incidents compared to the previous year, raising significant concerns about student safety within the district. This increase is notably concentrated at Leon and Rickards high schools, where multiple recent weapon-related incidents have occurred.
On October 10, 2025, it was reported that a 17-year-old suspect was denied bond following a shooting incident on Interstate 10 in Tallahassee. This event contributes to the urgent atmosphere surrounding safety in schools, particularly as reports emerge of students bringing weapons onto campuses. For instance, a 15-year-old Godby High School student was arrested after being found in possession of a .45 caliber revolver and four bullets after leaving class without permission. Another incident involving a 17-year-old Rickards High School student resulted in her arrest after an anonymous tip revealed she had a taser and pepper spray on campus, which she claimed were for self-defense.
Additional alarming incidents unfolded in August when a 17-year-old was arrested during a high school football game for possessing an illegally modified firearm. These arrests reflect a broader trend of students feeling compelled to carry weapons for their protection as they travel to and from school.
In response to these escalating concerns, Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna has expressed frustration over the repeated weapon violations. Plans are underway to implement metal detectors at the entrance of each high school as part of enhanced safety measures. During a recent school board meeting, he emphasized the urgent need for stronger safety protocols following the surge of weapon-related incidents.
The district has previously introduced safety initiatives, such as the “see something, say something” campaign and the deployment of AI weapon detection technology, but these measures have not sufficiently curbed the increase in weapon-related arrests. Moreover, the Leon County Schools’ District Chief has indicated that many students carry weapons primarily due to their perceptions of safety concerns while traveling.
According to district policies, bringing weapons onto school campuses is classified as a felony, potentially resulting in severe disciplinary actions, including expulsion. The sheriff’s office has also provided resources to help students report suspicious activities anonymously through the FortifyFL app or by calling a dedicated hotline.
Previous safety measures have been implemented, but officials are continuously reevaluating their effectiveness in light of the recent uptick in arrests. The increase in arrests highlights the urgent need for both preventative and reactive measures to ensure the safety of students in Leon County. In the wake of these incidents, school officials are under pressure to create an environment where students can feel secure without the need to resort to carrying weapons.
As these discussions unfold, the community remains vigilant regarding student safety and the measures necessary to protect the well-being of all students attending Leon County Schools.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Leon County School Board Approves Enhanced Security Measures
Tallahassee Sees Drop in Crime Rates Despite Assault Surge
Four Arrested in Shooting of FSU Freshman Linebacker
FSU Student’s Trial Postponed Amid Mass Shooting Charges
Tallahassee City Advances Negotiations for TMH Sale to FSU
Tallahassee Prepares for Heated Political Season
Tallahassee Faces Surge in Gun Violence
Tallahassee Woman Indicted in Drowning Death of Son
Recent Sexual Assaults Spark Safety Concerns in Tallahassee
Former Deputy Indicted on Firearms Charges
Additional Resources
- WTXL: Two High School Students Arrested on Weapons Charges
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Tallahassee: Teen Arrested with Weapons at Football Game
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Violence
- WTXL: Middle School Student Arrested for Possession of Multiple Weapons
- Google News: School Violence Florida
- Tallahassee: Metal Detectors at High Schools
- Google Search: Safety Measures in Schools
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
