Daily editionThursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
Culture
Pensacola and Escambia County officials are planning events for America's 250th birthday celebration, with the Galvez Day celebration set for May 8 at Fort George (honoring Revolutionary War hero Bernardo de Galvez) and additional activities expected as planning continues.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
On Jan. 14, experts at the Greater Pensacola Chamber’s 2026 State of the Economy detailed that local growth is boosting job postings and stabilizing real estate amid lower 2025 tourism spending — leaders plan a future vote on renewing Escambia County’s Local Option Sales Tax to fund infrastructure projects.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Santa Rosa and Escambia public schools posted record graduation rates for the 2024–2025 school year; Santa Rosa reached 93.1% while Escambia climbed to 89.5%, with dedicated educators, families, and targeted programs driving student success (community efforts make the difference).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Students from George Stone Technical College took part in a real-world simulation in downtown Pensacola Wednesday afternoon to practice handling high-pressure scenarios including domestic disturbance and medical emergencies.
The 14 trainees aim to gain the skills necessary for state certification tests and local police jobs.
WEAR-TVRead more
Principal Kasie Windfelder (the school leader) gives a video tour of Santa Rosa’s new Soundside High School today, showcasing modern classrooms and community spaces built to support student learning.
The preview offers local viewers a firsthand look at innovative facilities.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
PenAir Credit Union has launched its 2026 Scholarship Program, accepting online applications for graduating high school seniors planning to attend college, university, community college or technical school from January through March 25.
Award recipients will be announced early May.
Local PulseRead more
Soundside High School on Gulf Breeze Parkway is set to open in August with 600 to 800 ninth and 10th graders, easing crowding in local high schools.
The 250,000 sqft (110 million dollar) facility includes a gym and fieldhouse and will offer athletic programs such as junior varsity football.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The new Soundside High School in Santa Rosa County nears completion as Principal Kasie Windfelder gave a tour of its facilities, including a gym, cafeteria, and sports field on Jan. 9.
The school will soon host students.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
The Escambia Children’s Trust suspended funding for New World Believers’ H.O.O.P.S. mental health program after a DJJ probe and background check breaches raised child safety concerns; the organization will continue serving kids while working to update its documents, with ECT expecting further clarifications later this week.
Rick's BlogRead more
Health
The Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program is offering free eye exams and glasses for low-income students at seven Escambia County schools this school year — December exams showed 165 students were tested, with over 75% fitted with glasses.
The program will resume exams in February if enough parents apply.
WEAR-TVRead more
Ascension Sacred Heart gynecologic oncologist Dr. Helen Toma explained new cervical cancer screening guidelines on Wednesday, Jan. 14 to mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (screening has cut deaths by half since the 1970s, though some women still miss tests).
WEAR-TVRead more
Lifestyle
Bar owner Katie Garrett will open a 1970s-themed bar in the Days Inn basement at the north end of Palafox and Cervantes this spring (continuing her influence from Old Hickory Whiskey Bar and The Kennedy).
Her projects have refreshed downtown nightlife with a focus on quality and community support.
Local PulseRead more
Sports
SailGP has signed a two-year CBS Sports television extension that will air over 50 hours of sailing races in 2026 and 2027 — a deal that strengthens Pensacola’s role as the official training hub for SailGP teams.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Events
Mac & Cheese Festival
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 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.
Jake Klark Comedy Show
Sunday, January 18th, 2026 · 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.
Sincere Engineer with The Handsome Scoundrels
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — The Handlebar — Live music concert — Enjoy a night of indie rock with Sincere Engineer and The Handsome Scoundrels.
Pensacola Wellness Collective
Saturday, January 24th, 2026 · 10 AM – 1 PM — 5eleven Palafox Event Hosting — $30 sliding scale — Experience community-driven wellness through yoga, sound bath, and holistic health activities.
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show
Sunday, January 25th, 2026 · 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.
Great Pages Circus
Friday, January 30th, 2026 · 4:30-6:00 p.m. — Pensacola Interstate Fair — Cash only — Experience an action-packed circus with aerial acts, juggling, and motorcycle mayhem.
Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party
Sunday, February 1st, 2026 · 7-11 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Tickets available — Experience the comedy and charisma of Bert Kreischer, known for his wild storytelling.
The John Ford Blues Society
Monday, February 2nd, 2026 · 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.
Noche Tropical – Latin Night
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 · 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.
Dinner and an Aria
Thursday, February 5th, 2026 · 5:00-9:00 p.m. — Jackson's Steakhouse — $30 and under — Experience delightful opera performances paired with exquisite dining in a charming setting.