Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show Delayed By A Week To November 14-15
September 19, 2025
The upcoming Naval Air Station Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow has been delayed by a week, now rescheduled for November 14 and 15.
It was originally scheduled for November 7 and 8, but the change was made to allow the Blue Angels to perform at another event celebrating the 250th birthday of the Navy.
Pictured: The 2024 Blue Angels Homecoming Show. NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Couple Who Cut Man’s Throat And Threw Him Off Escambia River Bridge Take Plea Deals
September 19, 2025
An Escambia County couple has been sentenced in a plea deal to 30 years in state prison for cutting a man’s throat and throwing him off a bridge.
Natalie Fonseca and Nafis Reynolds pleaded guilty to charges including attempted first degree murder, kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, arson, and tampering with evidence.
On the morning of October 8, 2023, a man, bloody, beaten, and barefoot, approached an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy at a gas station near Scenic and Davis Highways. An ambulance was called, and the victim was taken to the hospital.
Investigator L. Martinez was assigned to the case and met with the victim. Through his investigation, Martinez learned that the victim had met Fonseca on social media and on the evening of October 7, 2023, the victim went out with Fonseca and Reynolds. While the three of them were out and as Fonseca was driving the victim’s vehicle, Reynolds beat the victim and demanded his money. After beating the victim, taking his money, and his phone, Fonseca and Reynolds cut the victim’s throat and threw him off the Escambia River Bridge. After leaving the victim for dead, Fonseca and Reynolds left the scene in the victim’s vehicle and subsequently set it on fire.
Defeating all odds, the victim swam to shore and survived.
Approximately eight days later, Fonseca brought another victim to their residence, and Reynolds robbed this second victim at gunpoint. At the time of their arrest, Fonseca had this victim’s belongings in her possession.
At sentencing, Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Frederick V. Longmire stated, “the defendants are equally culpable for these heinous and unspeakable crimes.” Longmire argued the Defendants’ actions indicate they are a danger to the citizens of Escambia County, Florida, and a sentence of 30 years in prison is warranted.
Tate Aggies Varsity, JV Blank PHS In Straight Sets
September 19, 2025
In a clean sweep for the Tate High School volleyball program, both the varsity and junior varsity teams secured strong victories over the Pensacola High Tigers Thursday evening.
Tate 3, PHS 0
The Tate Aggies Varsity volleyball team swept their match in three straight sets over the Pensacola High Tigers
The Aggies took the first set 25-11, the second 25-10, and closed out the match with a 25-12 win in the third set.
Tate 2, PHS 0 (JV)
The Tate High School Aggies Junior Varsity volleyball team also swept their match against the Pensacola High Tigers Thursday evening. The Aggies took a decisive victory in two sets.
The JV Aggies defeated the Tigers with set scores of 25-19 and 25-17, completing a clean sweep for the Tate volleyball program on the road.
Pictured: The Tate Aggies swept the PHS tigers 3-0 in an earlier meeting this season. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IMPACT 100 Names 15 Finalists For Grants Of $103,500 Each
September 18, 2025
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area has announced the 15 grant finalists selected for 2025. Twelve of the nonprofit finalists will each receive a grant of $103,500 at the IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Annual Meeting on October 19.
This is the 22nd year that IMPACT 100 will award grants to local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area has awarded 165 impactful grants totaling $17,492,000 to nonprofit organizations serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The 15 finalists selected by IMPACT 100’s Focus Area Committees are:
ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY
- Greater Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Inc. — Project: Drumroll, Please: The Sound of a New Century
- Pace Band Boosters, Inc. — Project: Every Note Matters: Powering the Next Generation of Musicians
- West Florida Railroad Museum, Inc. — Project: Embracing the Future
EDUCATION
- Children’s Home Society of Florida — Project: W.A.V.E.-Warriors Achieving, Valuing, and Exploring
- Escambia County School Readiness Coalition, Inc. (dba Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County) — Project: Classroom on Wheels
- Girls Scouts of Gateway Council, Inc. — Project: Wheels of Possibility: A Gateway to Learning
ENVIRONMENT & RECREATION
- Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association, Inc. (dba First Tee Gulf Coast) — Project: Truly Impacting Warrington Youth
- PYC Satori Foundation, Inc. — Project: Bridging the Gap in Youth Sailing
- Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, Inc. — Project: Moveable Habitats, Meaningful Messages
FAMILY
- Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. — Project: Equal Access Express
- Wesley Haven Villa, Inc. (dba Methodist Homes of Alabama & Northwest Florida — Project: Rolling with a Purpose: Connecting Seniors to Care and Community
- Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Inc. — Project: Veteran Family Homelessness Prevention
HEALTH & WELLNESS
- Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Inc. (dba Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE)) — Project: BRACE Mobile Support and Resiliency Unit
- Feeding the Gulf Coast — Project: Nutrition Equals Seniors Thriving
- Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Inc. — Project: Healing House and Garden
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.