Daily editionFriday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
Community
Texas-based Helilagic family has searched for its missing cat, Charlie, for a year after he slipped from his harness at a Shell gas station near a wooded area in Pensacola + they now rely on social media to ask local residents for any sightings.
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Business
An aerospace company is set to create Project Britain in Escambia, where an $8M investment in a maintenance facility + 50 new jobs averaging about $80K will support plans for its new headquarters + boost local business.
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Culture
Quayside Art Gallery, in its historic building at 17 E. Zaragoza St., will launch the Artist Revolution exhibition featuring eight new local artists from Jan. 7 through Feb. 16; a reception will be held on Jan. 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Quayside Art Gallery—operating in downtown Pensacola since 1973—hosted an artist display on Dec. 29 and is preparing for an artist revolution reception in January, showcasing local talent.
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Economy
An unnamed aerospace company is considering relocating its world headquarters to Escambia County, promising an $8 million investment to build a maintenance facility and create 50 jobs paying about $80,000 a year.
Commissioners will consider a resolution for tax incentives at 221 Palafox Place on Jan. 8.
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Education
UWF's Board of Trustees will interview interim President Manny Diaz Jr. on Jan. 8 (when they will vote if he becomes the seventh permanent president), marking a key step in the university's leadership transition.
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On Oct. 27, 2025, the Global Learning Academy hosted the YMCA Reads Program, where local educators helped children improve reading skills through flashcards and tablet activities (with support from grant director Rebecca Rubey).
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UWF Board of Trustees will interview interim president Manny Diaz Jr and vote on his permanent appointment as the university's seventh president on Jan. 8 at 9:00 a.m. at the UWF Conference Center—trustees will also discuss a compensation range of $800,000—$1.2 million.
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Lifestyle
Local Pensacola restaurants reveal hidden culinary gems offering international and Southern flavors plus scratch-made specialties like fresh Gulf seafood.
Eateries including A Mano Panino, Buenos Dias Cafe, and Fisherman’s Corner provide affordable yet distinct dining experiences that invite locals to explore off-the-beaten-track spots.
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Sports
After a tough start this season, the Navarre girls soccer team has won four of its last five games and now holds a 6-7 record.
The team built strong chemistry through off-field activities (team dinners, parties) and will play Prairieville in a home contest later.
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