Brevard County, FL – A Florida high school principal has been arrested for allegedly hosting a house party involving underage drinking and more than 100 teenagers. Kelly Simmons, principal of a Brevard County high school, now faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of minors and hosting an unlawful gathering. The incident, which unfolded on January 25, 2025, has left parents and community members outraged.

Police Called to Chaotic Scene

According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, police responded to Simmons’ residence after receiving multiple complaints about loud noise and suspicious activity. Sheriff Wayne Ivey described the situation as “deeply concerning,” saying, “Our schools should be places where children are inspired, not exposed to the dangers of alcohol or poor decision-making from the very people they look up to.”

Reports from the Sheriff’s Office indicate that officers discovered evidence of alcohol consumption by minors and observed teenagers visibly intoxicated at the scene. Another adult, identified as teacher Emily Roberts, was also arrested during the police response. Both Simmons and Roberts were charged with contributing to the delinquency of minors, according to Florida Today.

Social Media Amplifies the Incident

Much of the party’s details came to light through videos and images shared on social media by attendees. These posts showed teens drinking alcohol and engaging in rowdy behavior, further fueling public outrage.

A timeline published by Florida Today details that the gathering escalated throughout the evening, with more teenagers arriving as the party went on. Sheriff Ivey emphasized the potential dangers of such gatherings, noting, “Underage drinking is not only illegal but can lead to tragic consequences.”

Community Outrage and School District Reaction

Parents and community members have expressed frustration and disappointment over the incident. Lisa Carter, a parent of a student at Simmons’ school, told Florida Today, “We trust educators to guide our kids, not endanger them. This behavior is beyond shocking.”

The Brevard County School District released a statement addressing the situation, confirming that Simmons has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and are committed to ensuring the safety of all students. This type of behavior does not align with our values,” the district stated, as reported by Fox News.

Students at the school have offered mixed reactions. Some defended Simmons, calling her a caring educator who made a mistake, while others expressed disappointment. As one student told News 13 Orlando, “She was supposed to be a role model for us.”

Legal and Ethical Implications

Florida law explicitly prohibits serving alcohol to minors or hosting parties where underage drinking occurs. Violators can face severe penalties, including fines and jail time. Simmons and Roberts are set to appear in court next week, according to WESH.

Ethical concerns have also been raised about the role of educators in the community. “It’s not just about the legal consequences,” said attorney Jamie Lopez in an interview with WESH. “This incident undermines trust in school leaders and sets a poor example for the youth.”

Calls for Preventative Measures

In the wake of the incident, community leaders and education advocates are calling for stricter measures to ensure such events do not happen again. Sheriff Ivey suggested increased education on the dangers of underage drinking and stronger policies for educators’ conduct.

“Parents and educators must work together to create environments where students are safe and supported,” Ivey said in a statement to Fox News.

Conclusion

As legal proceedings against Simmons and Roberts move forward, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities educators bear in shaping young minds. The Brevard County community now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and ensuring the safety and well-being of its students.