Escambia Man Sentenced For Attempted Murder Of DEA Agent, Federal Drug And Firearms Charges
March 31, 2026
An Escambia County has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for shooting at a DEA special agent and drug trafficking.
Austin James McCastler II, 36, was sentenced on two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, attempted prevention of the government’s authority to take property during an authorized search and seizure, assault with a deadly weapon of a special agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
The sentence was announced Monday by United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida Joh Heekin.
“This case exemplified the extreme dangers faced by the brave men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe from violent criminals. I am incredibly proud of the outstanding trial work by the talented prosecutors in my office that resulted in this successful outcome. Let me be clear: anyone who threatens, shoots at, or in any way harms a law enforcement officer in the Northern District of Florida will face the full might of the Department of Justice,” Heekin said.
McCastler was sentenced after being found guilty in a jury trial. Trial testimony and court documents revealed that, after undercover law enforcement purchased methamphetamine from McCastler’s Pensacola residence on two occasions, a warrant was obtained to search for and seize illicit narcotics from his home. On March 7, 2025, law enforcement attempted to execute the lawful warrant, but McCastler refused to comply with commands to surrender, instead arming and barricading himself in the home. As law enforcement surrounded the residence, McCastler opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, including shooting at a DEA Special Agent. McCastler then fled from the residence in his vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase that ended after an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy executed a PIT maneuver to immobilize McCastler’s vehicle. McCastler then tried to flee on foot, but law enforcement captured him. A search of his residence led to the recovery of a loaded semi-automatic rifle and two spent casings from the shots fired by McCastler, a second firearm, dozens of rounds of ammunition, fentanyl, and marijuana.
“Most investigations happen without incident,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “However, times like this reinforce how dangerous this career can be. I’m thankful no one was injured.”
“If you fire at law enforcement, we will use every tool and partnership to bring you to justice,” said Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “This incident could easily have ended in tragedy for law enforcement or innocent bystanders, but this sentencing will ensure this suspect is no longer a danger to our community.”
Escambia County Sheriff Simmons said: “Austin James McCastler II chose violence over compliance when law enforcement came to execute a lawful search warrant at his home. His decision to open fire on officers, including taking a shot at a DEA Special Agent, endangered the lives of brave men and women who were simply doing their jobs to remove dangerous drugs from our community. Thanks to the professionalism and courage of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies involved in the pursuit and apprehension, along with our federal and local partners, this violent offender is now facing serious consequences. We remain committed to working together to protect Escambia County families from drug traffickers and those who arm themselves against law enforcement.”
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the danger posed to our community and law enforcement,” said Sheriff Johnson, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. “When an individual chooses to traffic deadly drugs and use violence against officers, there must be strong consequences. I commend the courage and professionalism of all deputies and partner agencies involved in bringing this case to justice.”
The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton prosecuted the case.
Casey’s Replacing 10 Area CEFCOs. But What About The Planned Molino Store?
March 30, 2026
en CEFCO convenience store locations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are being converted into Casey’s, the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., but the future of a planned location in Molino remains unclear.
he Pensacola and Pace stores are scheduled to be converted within the next two weeks, with other store locations to follow:
- 205 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32505
- 7306 U.S. 98, Pensacola, FL 32506
- 610 E. 9 Mile Rd., Pensacola, FL 32514
- 5801 N. W St., Pensacola, FL 32505
- 2840 W. Michigan Ave., Pensacola, FL 32526
- 4155 Hwy. 90, Pace, FL 32571
- 10020 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL 32566
- 2452 Hwy. 87 S., Navarre, FL 32566
- 6027 Gulf Breeze Blvd., Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
- 5330 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
In June 2025, the Escambia County Development Review Committee gave final approval to plans for a new Casey’s convenience store at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino.
“We do not have an update on the Molino site,” Chase Russell, communications manager for Casey’s, told NorthEscambia.com by email last week.
Casey’s received approval for a 4,569 square foot convenience store, a dozen fueling stations, and 14 parking spaces on the 8.13 acre parcel. According to the plans, there will only be right turn in and right turn out access on Highway 29 and a full access connection to Highway 97 with a turn lane. Casey’s will be on the northwest corner of the intersection, across Highway 97 from the existing Tom Thumb, which is being converted into a Cumberland Farms store.
Property records show Casey’s Marketing Company of Iowa purchased the property in July 2025 for about $1.9 million from the DGS Holding Limited Partnership in Atmore.
NorthEscambia.com graphics, click to enlarge.
New Traffic Pattern For I-10 Westbound At Nine Mile Road
March 30, 2026
Beginning Tuesday, drivers traveling on I‑10 westbound will encounter a new traffic pattern at the Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5).
As part of interchange construction, I-10 westbound travel lanes will shift onto the new structure over Nine Mile Road. This temporary traffic pattern will remain in place through early 2027.
Additionally, the I‑10 westbound ramps will be temporarily reconfigured through mid-2026.
This work is part of a $55 million interchange improvement project, which includes replacing the existing I-10 bridge over Nine Mile Road to increase vertical clearance and to accommodate future improvements of I-10 and Nine Mile Road. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2028.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Molino Man Arrested On Pensacola Beach Following Alleged Battery
March 30, 2026
A Molino man was arrested following an alleged physical disturbance in a parking lot on Quietwater Beach Road on Pensacola Beach.
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 33-year-old Ryan Jameson Simmons after a witness reported seeing him strike a woman in the face. According to the arrest report, the witness observed Simmons exit a black Honda sedan and slap the victim with an open hand.
During the investigation, deputies discovered Simmons was in possession of marijuana. Although Simmons claimed to have a medical marijuana card, officials noted the substance was not kept in the legally required prescription container but was instead in a cigar wrap.
Simmons faces charges of felony battery domestic violence with a prior conviction and possession of marijuana. Records indicate he has a previous battery conviction from February 2023. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $5,500 bond.
IMPACT 100 Sets Record, To Award Over $1.3 Million To Local Nonprofits
March 30, 2026
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area has concluded its 2026 membership drive with a record-setting total of 1,313 members. On October 11, IMPACT 100 will give back $1,313,000 to the community by awarding 13 significant project grants of $101,000 each to nonprofit organizations serving Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
Over the past 22 years, IMPACT 100 has awarded 177 grants totaling over $18.7 million to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Pensacola Bay Area. After awarding the 2026 grants in October, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area will have funded grants totaling more than $20 million.
“It is an incredible honor to stand alongside our record-breaking 1,313 members and award 13 grants totaling $1,313,000 in 2026,” said Martha Holden, president of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. “Each membership represents a woman who believes in the power of collective giving and the transformational impact it can have on our community. Together, we are not just writing checks. We are fueling bold ideas, strengthening local nonprofits, and investing in initiatives that will serve families across Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties for years to come. We are absolutely thrilled to be able to award 13 grants in October for the first time ever.”
IMPACT 100 will host a free nonprofit workshop on Thursday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brownsville Community Center for nonprofit organizations considering applying for a grant. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Judy Bense, president emeritus and professor at the University of West Florida. Nonprofit leaders are urged to visit www.impact100pensacola.org/nonprofit-workshop for details and registration.
Chance of Rain For Tuesday, Wednesday
March 30, 2026
Clouds will increase tonight ahead of a warm and active week across the North Escambia area. Residents can expect a mix of sun and clouds through the period, with daily chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms beginning Tuesday and continuing into next weekend. Temperatures will remain mild, with highs consistently reaching the low 80s and overnight lows in the low 60s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Patchy fog after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Bratt Elementary Names Students, Leaders Of The Month
March 30, 2026
Before spring break, Bratt Elementary School honored its February Leaders of the Month and Students of the Month.
February Students of the Month are Zion Lynn and Parker Freeman.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Senior Bryton Mclellan Signs With Wallace
March 30, 2026
Tate High School senior Bryton Mclellan has signed to play baseball and continue his education with Wallace Community College is Selma, Alabama.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices Up $1.06 In The Past Month
March 30, 2026
Florida gas prices remain at their highest level in four years as the ongoing conflict with Iran continues to disrupt the global oil supply chain and send crude oil prices on a volatile ride, according to AAA.
The state average price of $3.96 per gallon is $1.06 more than last month and 84 cents less than this time last year.
The average for a gallon in Escambia County was slightly better Sunday night at $3.67, one of the cheapest areas in the state. The lowest-priced in North Escambia was $3.65 at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while $3.43 could be found in Pensacola on Pine Forest Road.
Betty Lou (Cardwell) Pippins
March 30, 2026
Betty Lou (Cardwell) Pippins, 96, passed away March 26, 2026. She was born on March 20, 1930 to Hilma and Magnolia (Nicholson) Cardwell. After the death of her mother, she lived with her grandmother Bessie Mama. She graduated from Tate High School in 1948. She was a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church, Molino Historical Society and the Eastern Star. She thoroughly enjoyed her jobs at the Molino Post Office and Molino School.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her grandmother; her husband, Donwood Pippins; her daughter, Patsy Pippins Slater; her sister, Joyce Cardwell; and her stepbrother, Charels Lord.
She is survived by two sons and one daughter, Doug (Tina) Pippins, David (Tammy) Pippins, Cindy (Jonnie) Pippins Gibson; one sister, Carolyn (Robert) Flowers; two nieces; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She has many cousins and dear friends. She loved them all and enjoyed their visits.
The family appreciates the many blessings of her church family and friends. Also, a special thank you to the Lifecare Center in Pensacola for their care and compassion. The services will be officiated by Jim Reece and Jimmy Cook on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a funeral at 11:00 a.m. Her burial service will be to follow at Aldersgate Methodist Church Cemetery.