Daily editionSaturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
Community
Community members remember beloved local Kenneth "Dean" Williams whose body was found near a downtown dumpster on Wednesday; police report no signs of foul play and residents note that freezing temperatures may have contributed to his passing along De Villiers and Belmont.
WEAR-TVRead more
The Blue Angels announced that Baylee O'Donnell earned the 2025 Blue Angel of the Year award and Diego Solorzano earned Junior Blue Angel of the Year on Dec. 31 + O'Donnell will leave the team for an instructor position in Meridian while Solorzano plans to pursue a Navy Legalman role.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Downtown Pensacola hosts the 15th annual Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration today with a Blessing of the Krewes, Royal Processional, and a parade in reverse along Jefferson and Palafox.
The free event concludes with a Community King Cake cutting before Palafox Street construction begins Monday, Jan. 5.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacon 2026 is set to be the largest pop culture convention as Stranger Things stars Cara Buono and Randy Havens join fans at the Bay Center Feb. 20-22, and improved guest experiences are expected to drive record ticket sales and boost local businesses.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
The City of Pensacola is asking residents to dispose of live Christmas trees via curbside pickup or drop-off sites after the holiday season.
Residents should follow city guidelines for proper removal.
City of PensacolaRead more
Health
Baptist Hospital welcomed its first baby of 2026 today in Pensacola, marking a hopeful start to the New Year for local families.
WEAR-TVRead more
The North Escambia Stork Stock now at the new Century Pediatrics office at 6021 Industrial Blvd offers free diapers, wipes, formula and clothing to families in need.
A mobile van delivers supplies throughout Escambia County each Friday, and appointments are recommended for visits Monday through Friday.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
United Way of West Florida plans free QPR suicide prevention training sessions in Pensacola and Milton.
Sessions will be held at 7100 Plantation Rd., Unit 18 (Jan. 7, Apr. 15, July 9, Oct. 21) and at 4315 Avalon Blvd (Mar. 24, Sept. 22) from 1 to 3 p.m.
WEAR-TVRead more
After ACA subsidies expired, healthcare premiums in Northwest Florida are set to nearly double, so Community Health Northwest Florida's clinic is preparing for more uninsured patients; CEO Chandra Smiley said the facility (which serves 55,000 people) will monitor demand until lawmakers solve funding issues.
WEAR-TVRead more