Daily editionTuesday, January 6th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.
Community
Crews began the $10 million Reimagine Palafox project in downtown Pensacola, closing Palafox Street from Garden to Main until May 24 as they add ADA fixes, elevated crossings, and stormwater upgrades (412 free parking spots have been provided nearby).
The project will finish in November.
FOX 10Read more
Business
Pensacola couple Nick and Chloe Sexton are converting an 18,000 sqft building off East Cervantes Street into the 1,000-capacity Supposey Ballroom — the city's second-biggest event venue that will start booking events in May and open this fall.
WEAR-TVRead more
Tacos Mexicanos on 12th Ave closed permanently on Jan. 4 — its planned transition to new ownership fell through.
Owner Gabriel Hernandez said he did his best to keep the taqueria open for the East Hill community.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Gallery Night Pensacola has released its 2026 event map showing a new route while Palafox Street is closed for construction.
The event will take place monthly on the third Friday, with January and February mainstage at Museum Plaza and other themed celebrations downtown.
Rick's BlogRead more
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels announced their 2026 air show schedule and will perform in Pensacola on July 18 + Nov. 7.
They plan to deliver their signature flight displays for local fans.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Mardi Gras kicks off its first-ever Second Line Tuesday today at Old Hickory Whiskey Bar at 5 p.m. A brass band led by the New Orleans Ramblers will guide a 90-minute parade along Palafox Street as several krewes join to celebrate Mardi Gras.
WEAR-TVRead more
Gallery Night will change its route during the $10.7 million Reimagine Palafox construction starting Jan. 5 by moving events to Plaza Ferdinand, Government Street, and Museum Plaza.
The schedule begins Jan. 16 with Lunar New Year, and business owners urge residents to shop & support downtown businesses.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola’s Mardi Gras season began on Jan. 3 and will continue until Feb. 17, featuring parades and balls with events like the Kids and Kritters Parade on Jan. 24 and the Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 14.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
FloridaWest is advancing key economic projects including building a parking deck at Pensacola Tech Park, attracting an aerospace firm for MRO operations, and starting a $6M roundabout bid near Ascend in Cantonment while planning a 240-acre expansion at Central Commerce Park after a Jan. 8 county vote supports Project Britain.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Concerned faculty question UWF Interim President Manny Diaz over his claim of not knowing who would run the charter school, as Somerset University Prep is already taking applications for the 2026-27 school year.
The Board will review his contract on Jan. 8 amid calls for greater transparency.
Rick's BlogRead more
Government
The New Palafox project is upgrading downtown streets with 1,700 linear feet of stormwater pipes, safer crossings and ADA improvements—work that will complete by May 24.
A dedicated project team and website will keep residents informed during construction as local businesses continue operating.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The $10-million Reimagine Palafox project began Monday downtown as businesses removed outdoor furniture and moved cars off the street in preparation for 10‑month construction that upgrades stormwater systems and widens sidewalks for ADA access — with phase one ending in May and full work wrapping in November.
WEAR-TVRead more
Real Estate
On Jan. 5, construction crews started the $10.7M New Palafox project to rebuild downtown’s commercial corridor with new sidewalks, landscaping, and stormwater upgrades as the street is closed for several months + crews will extend work from Garden to Main Street.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Florida Power & Light PNJ Athlete of the Week Polls are accepting nominees for the boys award for Dec 27-Jan 3, including local athletes like Jabari Epps and Brennen Hill; voting closes at 11 a.m. Saturday and winners will be announced Monday after the polls close using phone and email nominations.
Pensacola News JournalRead more