Daily editionFriday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
Community
Dog House highlights a busy weekend in Pensacola with events like Bear Fruit Bowls and Coffee re-opening at Pensacola Beach Pier on Friday and Saturday at 9:00 a.m., Broadway Rave at The Handlebar on Friday at 8:00 p.m., and a Mac n Cheese Festival among others through Monday.
Local PulseRead more
The Bear Family Foundation held a luncheon in Pensacola on Jan. 14 to honor 45 local nonprofit organizations that received funding through its 2025 annual grant program (including ReEntry Alliance and Ronald McDonald House Charities).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Pensacola Beach was named America’s No. 1 beach by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards after more than 757,000 readers voted — a recognition that Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger said reflects the community’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty.
WUWFRead more
Education
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s high school graduation rate reached a record 92.2% for 2024-25 while northwest counties like Escambia and Santa Rosa posted gains.
Education officials said rates rose 2.5 percent since last year plus nearly five percent since 2021.
WUWFRead more
Florida legislators passed a school choice reform bill yesterday to fix problems in scholarship programs found in a state audit.
Sponsored by former Senate President Don Gaetz, the law sets safeguards like monthly payment checks (with enhanced audits) to make sure funds follow students as it moves to the House.
Rick's BlogRead more
UWF signed a four-year licensing deal with Somerset Academy to use 6,464 sqft in Building 86 on campus for a pilot school for faculty, staff & students' children.
Interim President Manny Diaz said the program is philanthropically funded and not a charter, with enrollment tied to $500 fee per student.
Rick's BlogRead more
Environment
Pensacola installed its first bioretention cell along Barrancas Avenue to filter stormwater runoff and prevent flooding, using plants and a blend of pine bark and gravel (the project took two months) and will add five more cells for roughly $65,000.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
Officials say the proposed expansion—opening nearly 20 million acres of the eastern Gulf for drilling—could affect tourism, military activities and the local ecosystem.
Residents can join a press conference at Gulfside Pavilion, Pensacola Beach, Saturday, Jan. 17, and submit comments until Jan. 23.
WUWFRead more
Pensacola officials are considering relocating the busy Summit Boulevard recycling drop-off to the Transfer Station on North Palafox to cut taxpayer costs and curb illegal dumping.
Mayor Reeves said the shift could lower annual expenses from $260,000 to $30,000 while improving security, and no final decision has been made yet.
WEAR-TVRead more
Health
Lakeview Center launched a new Teen Intensive Outpatient Program to address anxiety, depression, and substance misuse with three-hour evening sessions three times a week; the six- to eight-week program fits teens’ school and sports schedules and welcomes walk-ins with Medicaid or no insurance (call 850-469-3500 to register).
Rick's BlogRead more
The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment shows that only 50% of local residents rate community health as good, down from 62% in 2021, with mental health services seen as the most difficult to access.
The report highlights struggles with drug overdoses and obesity.
Rick's BlogRead more
Sports
Pace wrestling advanced to the state dual championship for the first time since 2021 after defeating Lincoln 71-0 and Middleburg 44-27 on Jan. 15.
Pensacola News JournalRead 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.