Pre-K, Kindergarten And New Student Registration Underway In Escambia County
March 31, 2026
Registration is now underway for Escambia County Public Schools Pre-K, Kindergarten and new students for the 2026-2027 school year.
Families are encouraged to register early this year. The preferred registration deadline for all students not currently attending one of the district schools is June 30. The first day of the 2026-2027 school year in Escambia County is August 12, 2026.
Students must reach the age of five by September 1, 2026, to be eligible to register to attend kindergarten either at the school of their residence or at one of the district’s choice schools.
“Escambia County Public Schools is looking forward to welcoming our new students for this coming school year, and are working to continue our tradition of providing awesome opportunities for all our students to learn and grow,” said Chris McFarland, Coordinator of Enrollment Services.
Students wishing to attend the school for which they are residentially zoned can register directly at the school after completing the Focus Registration application, located on the school district website.
Students wishing to take advantage of School Choice can apply directly in the School Choice Office or on the school district website after completing the new student registration process. Once the Choice school is approved, the parent or guardian can register at the approved choice school.
The following documentation should be taken to the school at the time of registration. Registration is not complete until all documents have been approved and forms have been signed.
- birth certificate
- proof of residence (utility bill or lease)
- immunization record
- physical (or appointment card for upcoming physical)
Pictured: A “Welcome Back to School” banner was in place to greet students Monday morning at Lipscomb Elementary School in August 2025. File photo.
UWF Expected To Announce Jump To Division 1 On Thursday
March 31, 2026
he University of West Florida has set a press conference for Thursday “to make a major athletics announcement,” and multiple reports indicate the Argos will announce a move to Division 1.
The Argos are expected, according to Yahoo Sports and, locally, Rick’s Blog, to join the upcoming United Athletic Conference (UAC) in football and the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) in all other sports.
Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, West Georgia, and Central Arkansas will officially join the UAC on July 01, 2026, alongside ACU, Tarleton State, and UT Arlington. The rebranding of the WAC to the UAC will also take place in the summer of 2026. The ASUN members are Austin Peay, Bellarmine, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Gulf Coast, Jacksonville, Lipscomb, North Alabama, North Florida, Queens, Stetson, and West Georgia.
UWF is currently a NCAA Division II school. UWF President Manny Diaz Jr., UWF Athletic Director Dave Scott, and more will be speaking at Thursday’s “major athletics announcement.” We will have details on NorthEscambia.com.
File photo Elijah Nall/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FPL Awards Grants To Six Nonprofits In Escambia County
March 31, 2026
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has awarded grants to six nonprofits in Escambia County through the NextEra Energy Foundation, the corporate charitable foundation of NextEra Energy, Inc. and FPL.
The grants support early childhood readiness, literacy, youth leadership and workforce development, grief counseling and homelessness services
The Escambia County grants were awarded to ReadyKids!, Central Gulf Coast Freedom Schools, Str8 Up Leadership Academy in Century, Waterfront Rescue Mission, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Valerie’s House:
Str8 Up Leadership Academy — In the Century area, Str8 Up Leadership Academy’s Soul Train Club is meeting young people where they are — equipping them with the leadership and workforce skills that open doors to careers and futures they may never have imagined possible.
“This grant expands our ability to provide leadership development, life skills training and positive pathways for youth who are often overlooked — and this support affirms that their futures are worth investing in,” said Pastor Evelyn Deterville, founder and director.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida — When a child is seriously ill, a family’s strength becomes their most vital medicine. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida will use its grant to stock the pantry for its Taste of Home program, delivering fresh, nutritious meals that nourish caregivers — so parents never have to choose between eating and staying by their child’s side.
“Because of this partnership, we can continue offering warm meals, a safe place to rest and compassionate support to families when they need it most — so they can focus on what matters: their child’s recovery,” said Summer Jimmerson, president/CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of NWFL.
Valerie’s House NWFL — The Powering Healing Through Connections program supports youth suffering from the grief of losing a loved one from death, incarceration and abandonment.
“Through this partnership, we’re expanding access to trauma-informed grief support for children navigating some of life’s most painful moments — meeting them where they are, within their schools and neighborhoods, and walking with them toward healing,” said Crista Brandt, Valerie’s House NWFL director.
ReadyKids! — Every child deserves to walk into kindergarten ready. Thanks to the NEE Foundation support, ReadyKids! will provide consistent, high-quality one-to-one mentoring to more than 250 prekindergarten children throughout the 2026 school year through its ReadingPals program.
“FPL’s investment helps us deliver the consistent, high-quality mentoring that builds early literacy skills, confidence and the school-readiness behaviors children need to walk into kindergarten ready to succeed,” said Kristy Craig, executive director of ReadyKids!
Waterfront Rescue Mission — For someone experiencing homelessness, a safe place to sleep is often the first step toward reclaiming their life. Waterfront Rescue Mission’s programs help individuals navigate barriers to self-sufficiency — providing not just shelter, but dignity, support and hope, including life-saving warmth during dangerous cold spells.
“This investment strengthens our ability to meet people in their darkest moments and walk alongside them toward stability, dignity and hope,” said Mark Isbell, vice president of PR & Development, Waterfront Rescue Mission.
Central Gulf Coast Freedom Schools — A child’s potential doesn’t take a summer off. Central Gulf Coast Freedom Schools will use its grant to fight summer learning loss — keeping students engaged, building confidence and nurturing a love of literacy during the months when learning gaps widen most.
“This support allows us to offer our literacy and cultural enrichment program at no cost, ensuring every child in Escambia County has the opportunity to read at grade level — and become a leader in their community,” said Rachel Iversen, executive director, Central Gulf Coast Freedom Schools.
Pictured: Pastor Evelyn Deterville opened the Extra Mile Club St8 Up Soul Train Club in April 2025 in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Chiefs Secure 12th Straight Win with Crucial District Victory Over Jay
March 31, 2026
Northview 6, Jay 2
Make it a dozen wins in a row for the Northview Chiefs, a really big district win at that.
The Northview Chiefs defeated the Jay Royals 6-2 on Monday night at Jay, putting Northview on top of the Rural District 1 standings at 2-0 in the district and 15-5 overall. Jay fell to 2-2 in the district, 10-4 overall. Northview travels to Baker on Monday, April 6, to take on the Gators (10-7, 2-1 and second in the district).
Starter Jack Boutwell earned the win on the mound for the Chiefs in four innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out three and walking none. Bryant Mason pitched three innings in relief, allowing two hits and one run while striking out six and walking one.
Jax Lowery opened for Jay, giving up six hits and four runs (two earned) in five innings, striking out seven and walking three.
Mason led Northview at the plate, going 2-3 with two RBIs, while Jackson Bridges went 3-4. Sheffield went 2-4. Lowery, Jayden Youngblood, Cooper Harrison, Bryson Nelson, and Nick Baxley each had one hit for the Royals.
Up next, Northview will host Milton on Wednesday and West Florida on Thursday. Jay will travel to Milton on Thursday and W.S. Neal on Friday.
Jay 3, Northview 3 (JV)
In junior varsity action, Northview and Jay played to a 3-3 tie after five innings on Monday.
Tyler McAnally went a complete game for the Chiefs, allowing two hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out five and walking three. Mason Duncan went four innings for the Royals, allowing three hits and three runs while walking three and striking out four.
Sawyer Gilmore led Northview with two RBIs as he went 1-3 on the afternoon, and Camden Jacobson went 2-3 at the plate. Bryant Grissett and Tanner Phillips each had one hit for Jay
Escambia Man Gets 30 Years In Federal Prison For Attempting To Kill Sheriff’s Deputy
March 31, 2026
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for attempted to kill and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
Darrion K. Finley, 22, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, attempting to kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy to prevent certain communications, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“This case shows the deadly threats our brave men and women in law enforcement face every day as they fight to remove violent criminals from our communities. My office remains firmly committed to aggressively prosecuting those violent offenders, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners in the fight to keep our streets safe. 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,” said United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin.
On December 17, 2024, Finley was driving a stolen vehicle. When the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the defendant, he accelerated and law enforcement began its vehicle pursuit. One of the pursuing deputies executed a PIT maneuver to immobilize Finley’s vehicle, after which Finley fired a 9-millimeter pistol at the Deputy’s vehicle, striking the passenger side door of the patrol vehicle. As the deputy and his K9 approached the defendant’s vehicle, Finley exited the car armed with the pistol, and began pointing it at the officer. The deputy released his K9, which lunged at Finley and prevented him from firing the pistol, after which Finley attempted to flee on foot but was immobilized and detained. Upon recovering Finley’s handgun, it was discovered that a live round had lodged in the ejection port, indicating the defendant had tried to fire the weapon a second time at the deputy but it malfunctioned.
“Darrion Finley’s brazen attempt to murder one of our deputies during a routine traffic stop highlights the extreme dangers our officers face every single day,” said Escambia County Sheriff Simmons. “Thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of our deputy and his K9 partner, a dangerous felon is now off our streets for decades. We will continue working shoulder-to-shoulder with our federal partners to hold violent criminals accountable and keep Escambia County safe.”
“Escambia County residents are better off with this violent man behind bars,” said Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Change Kirk Howard. “The suspect shot at law enforcement with complete disregard for the community and this sentencing sends a clear message that acts of violence against law enforcement and our community will not be tolerated.”
The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.
Tate Takes Charge As Second-Half Surge Silences Panthers
March 31, 2026
The Tate Lady Aggies beat the Milton Panthers 12-5 in a key district game on Monday night at Milton.
After a competitive first period that saw both teams locked in a 3-3 tie, the Aggies’ offense exploded in the second half. Tate outscored Milton 9-2 in the final frame.
Junior Kira Bigalow led the charge for the Aggies, delivering with five goals on just five shots.
The Aggies were equally impressive on the defensive end and in the transition game. Kira Bigalow and Abigayle Keever were relentless, picking up 6 ground balls each. In the cage, junior Carly Helmig anchored the defense with six saves, allowing only two goals during the second-half surge.
With the win, Tate improves to 6-10 overall, 2-5 for fourth place in 2A District 1. Milton fell to 3-9 overall and a winless last place in 2A District 1.
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.