Daily
Pensacola
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Feeding Florida has launched Florida Fresh Dollars to give residents $20 toward groceries by completing a brief five-question survey. The Farm on Mobile Highway is the only local spot offering the program from Thursday to Sunday, providing extra support while boosting Florida farmers. WEAR-TV
- ➤ American Magic opened its new High Performance Center at the Port of Pensacola on Jan. 7, marking a milestone in its plan to build a world-class sailing hub. City of Pensacola
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pensacola has revived its old Mardi Gras tradition through local efforts by leaders like Harry C. Schultz and the Zimmerman family — restoring parades, balls and family celebrations that honor the city's deep 18th-century cultural roots. Local Pulse
- ➤ Pensacola Opera is hosting Gallery Talks at the Pensacola Museum of Art tonight at 6:30 p.m. The event links visual art, history, and music to set the stage for La traviata on Jan. 23 + 25. Local Pulse
- ➤ King cake season started on Jan. 6 and local bakeries are now serving a wide range of king cakes from classic cinnamon to unique flavors like blueberry lavender jam for Mardi Gras. Customers can also order imported king cakes from New Orleans to join the local celebration. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ First United Methodist Church in downtown Pensacola completed its stained glass renovation after months of work when Pensacola Glass installed new windows in the Upper Room. The project adds artful details to an historic space. Pensacola News Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A departing UWF trustee urged unity as the board is set to confirm Manny Diaz Jr. as president today amid questions raised by an anonymous letter alleging financial mismanagement and conflicts of interest (the letter challenged the process of selecting one candidate from 84 applicants). Rick's Blog
- ➤ Chain Reaction, an Escambia Children's Trust program, helped struggling students by offering tutoring, mentorship and creative skill-building activities at Pensacola High School on Oct. 6, 2025. Teen leaders guided younger students in tasks like making magic wands and dog toys (demonstrating practical learning). Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ SAIL Academy at C.A. Weis Elementary is offering tutoring, enrichment and life skill programs to help students do better at school — the initiative supports academic success and builds confidence. Pensacola News Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Rosa County commissioners are negotiating with the Navy to swap the 694-acre Santa Rosa Outlying Field next to the industrial park south of I-10. The county votes today on a $125,000 grant for a master plan that could add about 2,000 jobs. WEAR-TV
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Mac & Cheese Festival
12-6 p.m. — Gary's Brewery & Biergarten — Entry fee applies — Indulge in a cheesy extravaganza featuring food trucks, vendors, and fun for the whole family.
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Jake Klark Comedy Show
7-11:59 p.m. — Seville Quarter — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy comedy of Jake Klark and friends in a phone-free environment.
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Sincere Engineer with The Handsome Scoundrels
7-9 p.m. — The Handlebar — Live music concert — Enjoy a night of indie rock with Sincere Engineer and The Handsome Scoundrels.
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Grown-Up Book Fair at Odd Colony
11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Odd Colony Brewing Company — Free entry — Relive childhood nostalgia with books, local authors, and delicious treats while sipping a refreshing beverage.
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The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show
12-3 a.m. — 8 S 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL — Ticket required — Experience an interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show where the culprit could be sitting right next to you.
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Great Pages Circus
4:30-6:00 p.m. — Pensacola Interstate Fair — Cash only — Experience an action-packed circus with aerial acts, juggling, and motorcycle mayhem.
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Valentine's Crafts & Drafts
2-4 p.m. — Coastal County Brewing — $30 — Create festive crafts while enjoying local brews and a fun atmosphere full of love and creativity.
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The John Ford Blues Society
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Seville Quarter — Check website for ticket prices — Experience the essence of pre-war blues and Southern gospel with John Ford's take on classic tunes.
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Noche Tropical – Latin Night
7-9 p.m. — Seville Quarter — Drink specials available — Experience a vibrant Latin dance party featuring Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue with DJ DavidC spinning tropical beats.
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Dinner and an Aria
5:00-9:00 p.m. — Jackson's Steakhouse — $30 and under — Experience delightful opera performances paired with exquisite dining in a charming setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
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