Escambia Man Convicted Of Murder In 2023 Mugs & Jugs Shooting
September 19, 2025
An Escambia County man has been convicted of a 2023 fatal shooting at the Mugs & Jugs bar.
Christian Ketchup, now 27, was convicted of the second-degree murder with a firearm of 25-year-old Tierra Binion, the mother of twins. She was found deceased in the parking lot of the establishment on August 23, 2023. He will be sentenced in November.
The incident started inside the bar between Binion and Ketchup’s girlfriend, Rachel Marine DeRise, before continuing outside.
Binion was unconscious when Derise started hitting her while she was down. Ketchup then pulled out a handgun and shot Binion several times. Court documents said 20 shell casings were found near Binion’s body, and five more casings were located across the parking lot.
Derise was charged with misdemeanor battery following the incident. She pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 60 days in county jail and 12 months probation in September 2024.
What To Know: Tate Homecoming Parade Today
September 19, 2025
Today is homecoming for both the Northview Chiefs and the Tate Aggies. The Tate parade is upcoming this evening, while the Northview parade was earlier this afternoon.
Tate High School
The Tate Homecoming Parade will kick off a night full of energy, Aggie pride, and family fun at 6 p.m. in Pete Gindl Stadium.
“With a lineup of almost 20 entries, including Tate’s AJROTC, Cheer program, FFA program, the Showband of the South, and many others, this family-friendly parade is one you don’t want to miss,” organizers said.
The Tate parade takes place entirely in the football stadium with fans in the bleachers; there are no road closures.
Pictured: Last year’s Tate High School Homecoming Parade. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Football Preview: Big Homecoming Games For Tate And Northview
September 19, 2025
West Florida (3-1) at Tate (3-1)
The hottest ticket for Friday night football in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties Friday night is the West Florida Jaguars (3-1) at the Tate Aggies (3-1) in Pete Gindl Stadium.
It’s a great football matchup and so much more.
It’s homecoming for the Tate Aggies, so that means royalty with the homecoming court and the crowning of the homecoming queen at halftime of the 7 p.m. game. But get there early — the festivities begin at 6 p.m. with the annual homecoming parade, and organizers say it’s the biggest parade in years. And yes, there’s candy and beads.
After the big football matchup, there’s a special “Danger Zone” post-game show from the Tate Showband of the South. It’s a top-notch Top Gun-themed show.
The football game is also the “Summerford Bowl” — a battle of the coaching Summerford brothers. Tate head coach Rhett Summerford has led the Aggies since their 2022 season, and notably, he came home to Tate from the head coaching job at West Florida. Little brother Wes Summerford is in his first season as head coach at West Florida after leaving the Northview Chiefs.
As for the game, Tate beat West Florida 42-7 in their last outing. The Jaguars are coming off a big 35-6 win over the Walton Braves last week, while Tate lost to the Milton Aggies by a slim 3-0 margin.
Tate’s sophomore quarterback, Miles Delarosa, has 450 yards in the air this season with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. Tate wide receivers Elijah West and Laquarius Bradford, both seniors, have 10 receptions. West has five touchdowns and 270 yards on 10 receptions.
Brody White has had 29 solo tackles, including three for a loss.
For West Florida, Charles Benson has 298 passing yards with seven TDs.
Holmes County (1-3) at Northview (1-3)
Friday night is homecoming for the Northview Chiefs as they host the Holmes County Blue Devils at Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium in Bratt.
Homecoming activities will begin at 6 p.m. with presentation of the court and crowning of the queen. The class floats from the afternoon’s homecoming parade will round the track at halftime as the float winner is announced.
The Chiefs and Blue Devils are both coming into the 7 p.m. game at 1-3.
Northview’s Nate Duffy is coming into Friday night with nine of the 14 touchdowns for the Chiefs. He’s averaging just under 10 yards per carry with 572 total rushing yards in four games. Hunter Parker, a sophomore has eight carries for 177 yards and two TDs.
For Holmes County, QB Egan Segers has two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns. Bowden Bailey has three rushing touchdowns.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Leonardo Helicopters Opens Support Center In Santa Rosa County
September 19, 2025
Leonardo celebrated the official grand opening of its new Florida Support Center on September 18 at Whiting Aviation Park in Santa Rosa County. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment—now totalling $65 million—in U.S. military aviation support, civil helicopter services, and regional aerospace growth.
Located adjacent to Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF), the new facility is purpose-built to deliver maintenance, logistics, and sustainment support for the U.S. Navy’s fleet of TH-73A training helicopters, while also expanding Leonardo’s award-winning customer support services to its civil operator’s base across the southeastern United States. The Florida Support Center will operate as a strategic hub to enhance aircraft availability and readiness across military and civil missions.
Now fully operational under a FAA Part 145 certificate, the Florida Support Center is open for business—ready to serve both operators and suppliers with responsive, U.S.-based support.
The event was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Space Florida CEO Robert Long, military leaders, and elected officials from local, state, and federal government. Clyde Woltman, the CEO of Leonardo Helicopters U.S., presided over the ceremony and gave remarks.
“Florida continues to lead in aerospace and defense innovation,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Leonardo’s Support Center is not only a win for our state’s economy — it’s a commitment to future military readiness and workforce development. We welcome this partnership in the Sunshine State.”
“This facility reflects the power of partnership,” said Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters U.S. “With its proximity to NAS Whiting Field, we’re proud to offer world-class sustainment for the TH-73A program while expanding support for civil operators in the region. None of this would be possible without the shared vision of Santa Rosa County, Space Florida, Triumph Gulf Coast, the U.S. Navy, and our many community partners. Together, we’ve built more than a facility—we’ve built a foundation for mission success.”
In addition to supporting the Navy’s TH-73A fleet, the facility expands access for Leonardo’s civil customers operating in law enforcement, EMS, utility, and VIP/corporate transport roles. Key customers in Florida include Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Monroe County Fire Rescue & Sheriff’s Department, the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, through its Florida Forest Service. Its dual-use design reflects Leonardo’s global-to-local strategy, combining world-class expertise with responsive, U.S.-based solutions.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tonight’s High School Football Schedule
September 19, 2025
Here’s a look at upcoming Friday night high school football games from the North Escambia area, along with Thursday night scores.
FLORIDA
- West Florida and Tate [Preview...]
- Holmes County at Northview [Preview...]
- Jay at Chipley
- Washington at Gulf Breeze
- Panama City Mosley at Escambia
- Pensacola Catholic at Jackson Providence
- Navarre at Milton
- Andalusia at Pace
- Pine Forest – Bye
- Pensacola High – Bye
- Central – Bye
ALABAMA
- Bayside Academy at Flomaton
- Escambia Academy at Coosa Valley
- St. Michael Catholic at Escambia County (Atmore)
- T.R. Miller at Hillcrest (Evergreen)
- Marianna at W.S. Neal
Three Injured In East Nine Mile, Old Palafox T-Bone Crash
September 18, 2025
Three people were injured in a crash early Thursday morning at the intersection of East Nine Mile Road and Palafox Street.
One person was trapped in the T-bone type crash at 2:41 a.m. Escambia County Fire rescue was able to remove the side of the pickup truck to free the victim.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional details.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
UWF Argos Ranked Top 3 In National Polls
September 18, 2025
The University of West Florida Argos have broken into the top three in the national polls after improving to 3-0 following Saturday’s win over Shorter.
West Florida was listed as No. 3 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) D2 Coaches Poll. The Argos were No. 5 in the same poll last week. Sitting above UWF is No. 2 Harding and defending national championships No. 1 Ferris St.
In Wayne Cavadi’s NCAA Division II Power 10 Rankings, West Florida also sits at No. 3 behind the same two teams as the AFCA poll.
The D2Football.com Top 25 Poll the Argos are ranked No. 4 behind Kutztown, Harding and Ferris State.
UWF is coming off a 42-20 home win over Shorter on Saturday. The Argos will travel to Tigerville, S.C. on Saturday for a matchup against North Greenville. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT at Younts Stadium.
Town Of Century Approves New Logo
September 18, 2025
The Town of Century has approved a new town logo.
The logo, which will also be used as an official seal, will be used on town documents, signage, websites, and eventually vehicles. Stationery, signage, and digital materials will be updated over time to keep costs minimal.
“An official seal will strengthen the Town’s identity and ensure consistent branding in its official capacity,” a resolution approved by the Town Council stated.
The logo was designed by Emily Black of Flomaton for $250.
Cantonment Educators Win National ‘Unsung Heroes’ Award And Grant
September 18, 2025
Two Cantonment educators have received Unsung Heroes grants from Voya Financial, a provider of retirement plans for educators.
Mary “Molly” O’Connor and Alisa Smith, teachers at Roy Hyatt Environmental Center in Cantonment, have received a $2,000 grant as part of the company’s 2025 Unsung Heroes awards competition.
They are one of two in the entire state of Florida and are one of only 50 winning submissions to receive the award to help fund and bring their program to life. The other Florida winner is in Jacksonville. Selected from hundreds of applications, Voya received from throughout the United States, O’Connor and Smith will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes — an additional $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place or $25,000 for first place.
O’Connor’s and Smith’s innovative teaching idea, “Enhancing Accessibility at RHEC,” will improve the trails and outdoor spaces at the center which are difficult to navigate for people with mobility challenges due to uneven terrain, gravel paths, and natural obstacles. The Voya grant will fund the purchase of Mobi-mats, durable mats designed to improve wheelchair accessibility at the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center.
According to the teaching duo, by installing these durable, portable mats, the center will create smooth, accessible routes that allow people who use wheelchairs and have other mobility needs a safe and accessible way to explore and fully enjoy the beauty of the natural environment. The mats will be strategically placed on key trails and other natural areas, ensuring greater inclusivity and promoting outdoor educational opportunities for all students, regardless of mobility levels. The project aims to enhance the center’s commitment to accessibility and provide an enriching hands-on, experiential educational opportunity for students of all abilities, thus fostering a more inclusive and welcoming community while encouraging them to connect with nature.
Pictured: Mary “Molly” O’Connor and Alisa Smith of the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center with Slither, the center’s Florida kingsnake, and Falcor, a bearded dragon. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High School Names 2025 Homecoming Court
September 18, 2025
Northview High School has named their 2025 Homecourt Court.
The court members are:
Seniors:
- Kate Beasley
- Aakira Davis
- Makenzie Levins
- Mary Oliver
- Noel Pugh
- Maggie Stewart
Juniors:
- Val Franco
- Mikayla McAnally
- Daviona Randolph
Sophomores:
- Carmen Garcia
- Akeylah Jefferson
- Meeyah Lassiter
Freshmen:
- Presley Davis
- Briley Moore
- Natalia Morales
The homecoming queen and her court will be named during pre-game activities on Friday at 6 p.m.
Pictured top: The 2025 Northview High School Homecoming Court (L-R) Natalia Morales, Briley Moore and Presley Davey, freshmen; Aakira Davis, Mary Oliver, Noel Pugh, Maggie Stewart, Makenzie Levins and Kate Beasley, seniors; Daviona Randolph, Mikayla McAnally and Val Franco, juniors; and Akeylah Jefferson, Carmen Garcia and Meeyah Lassiter, sophomores. NorthEscambai.com photos, click to enlarge.
Above: Seniors.
Above: Juniors.
Above: Sophomores.
Above: Freshmen.