Daily editionWednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
Community
Gulf Coast Kid’s House will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Healing Garden tomorrow at 4:15 p.m. at 3401 N. 12th Avenue in Pensacola, where the 1,500 sqft outdoor space will soon provide soothing therapy for children with support from local organizations.
Local PulseRead more
Business
American Magic headquarters is complete at the Port of Pensacola, creating 170 high-wage jobs and a unique hub for sailing and advanced manufacturing.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place today to mark the $20.8 million project funded by state grants (no city tax funds were used).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Gabe Hernandez closed his Tacos Mexicanos food truck (East Hill) after a planned January sale to Pablo Hernandez fell through, ending his efforts to keep the local favorite running.
Rick's BlogRead more
Culture
Pensacola Mardi Gras started Second Line Tuesdays last night to boost local businesses on Palafox during the ongoing 10 million dollar Re-imagine project.
Krewes will march each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. with different hosts to keep downtown vibrant until construction ends in November.
WEAR-TVRead more
Education
Former Navarre football coach Jay Walls was named the first head coach of Soundside High School, which will open in fall 2026 at 5706 Gulf Breeze Parkway.
He reunites with principal Kasie Windfelder and a public hearing on rezoning is scheduled for Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
An anonymous letter to the Florida Auditor General on Wednesday, Jan. 7 raised concerns about interim UWF President Manny Diaz’s for-profit ties as Somerset Academy on campus begins accepting fall applications.
Lawmakers and education advocates call for tighter controls amid questions about Diaz’s management.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting dissolved on Jan. 6 after federal funding cuts and political pressure, a move that puts local stations (including Pensacola’s WSRE) at risk as state support remains off the table.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola International Airport is hosting a Global Entry Enrollment Event with U.S. Customs & Border Protection to help eligible travelers complete required interviews for a five-year membership.
The event runs January 19 to 23 and requires applicants to be conditionally approved.
FOX 10Read more
The Navy chief visited NAS Pensacola Tuesday morning and answered questions on using AI to improve operations + announced fitness test changes to make exercise a regular part of the workday.
He said the updates are meant to ready young sailors and secure the base’s growth.
WEAR-TVRead more