Daily editionFriday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
Community
Officials have begun demolishing Pensacola Bay Fishing Pier (damaged by Hurricane Sally) as plans are underway to open a new bridge in 2027.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola held a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on Thursday — presenting the nation’s highest civilian honor to the family of Private Thomas Martin, one of the first Black Marines from Montford Point.
The award celebrated his WWII service and trailblazing role in paving the way for equality.
WEAR-TVRead more
Dozens gathered at Veterans Memorial Park Thursday to honor Marine Corps Private Thomas Martin (one of 20,000 who trained at Montford Point amid segregation).
The National Montford Point Marine Association presented his family the Congressional Gold Medal to recognize his historic service.
FOX 10Read more
Business
Contour Airlines will begin a new seasonal nonstop route between Pensacola and Cape Girardeau for fares starting at $119.
The 30-seat flights are scheduled twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning May 6.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Buffalo Rock opened its new warehouse facility at the Northwest Florida Industrial Park at I-10 in Santa Rosa County on Jan. 21 with tours and a ribbon cutting by local officials.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Escambia County schools reported a near 90% graduation rate and improved math scores from mid-year tests, as announced by Superintendent Keith Leonard during the recent episode of (We Don’t) Color on the Dog.
The district faces teacher shortages while working to boost recruitment for quality instruction.
Rick's BlogRead more
University of West Florida will host its Seligman Lecture Series (sponsored by the Seligman family) on Tuesday, March 3 at the Museum of Commerce in downtown Pensacola.
Dr. Jay Cost will discuss the First Amendment and lead a Q&A and book signing (free and open to all).
University of West FloridaRead more
Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $20 million investment to expand nursing education programs across the state to address a shortage of 16,000 nurses by supporting local colleges like Pensacola State + boosting future workforce capacity.
WEAR-TVRead more
Sports
Pace advanced on penalty kicks against Navarre to book a spot in the District 1-6A final (game set for Jan. 27 at Ashton Brosnaham Park), while Pensacola Catholic won 6-0 over Freeport to secure its spot in the District 1-3A final at South Walton on Jan. 27.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Incantation Concert
Friday, February 6th, 2026 · 5:30-8:30 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heavy, atmospheric sounds of Incantation live in Pensacola.
Clothing Swap Party
Saturday, February 7th, 2026 · 2-5 p.m. — Forge Fitness — Free entry — Refresh your wardrobe sustainably and meet great people while swapping clothes.
Super Bowl LX Watch Party
Monday, February 9th, 2026 · 12-4 a.m. — Neighborhood Brewpub — Costs vary for food and drink — Celebrate Super Bowl LX with great beer, food, and friends on big screens.