Daily editionThursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
Community
Pensacola will host the Pickles and Wings Family Festival on Saturday, May 16 from 10 AM to 8 PM at Seville Square and Bartram Park.
The free event features food trucks, contests, live performances, and kid-friendly attractions.
Local PulseRead more
Pensacola's 5th annual Pawdi Gras will be held on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Garden Street between Tarragona and Palafox and will feature vendors, contests, food trucks + adoptable dogs at a themed block party benefiting the county animal welfare department and the Krewe of Hip Huggers.
WEAR-TVRead more
Business
Two downtown restaurants, Old Palafox and Hour Deli, permanently closed on Jan. 28 after a judge ruled they owed over $10,000+ in rent, forcing lease termination.
The eviction left local diners without these familiar spaces that had long served creative fare.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
A report from the American Customer Satisfaction Index found that Publix lost its title as Florida’s favorite grocery store because Trader Joe’s improved its ratings from a tie last year.
Overall supermarket satisfaction dropped 1% while only Trader Joe’s, Save A Lot, and HEB showed gains.
WEAR-TVRead more
Culture
Pensacola’s Mardi Gras season kicks off with Ice Flyers Mardi Gras Night at the Bay Center on Jan. 31 and family parades on Palafox Street through Feb. 10, leading to a grand parade downtown on Feb. 14 and concluding with the French Quarter Fat Tuesday Celebration on Feb. 17.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
The Triumph Gulf Coast Board approved a $75M project to launch an advanced maritime manufacturing hub led by Birdon America.
The initiative will create 2,000 high-wage jobs over five years in Pensacola & expects a $275M total investment.
Rick's BlogRead more
Education
Pensacola State College is testing new identity verification software amid ghost student scams that use stolen data for financial aid, a problem emerging since online classes began in 2020 and prompting the college to charge a modest $30 application fee today.
WEAR-TVRead more
Environment
The NWS forecast says a deep freeze will hit Pensacola with a cold front arriving Friday afternoon and slight showers before temperatures fall, though no snow is expected as highs will reach about 62°F. Forecast details show a 20% chance of precipitation this weekend (rainfall amounts will be minimal).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Pensacola Beach Boulevard will face lane closures as part of the Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements Project, with work beginning today at 8 p.m. the northbound and southbound inside lanes close until Feb.10 & southbound outside lanes close until Feb.27 for a new toll gantry installation.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Florida officials are expanding Bexley boxes to all 67 sheriff’s offices by the end of February to provide essentials and comfort for children waiting at crime scenes (the boxes include items like diapers, wipes, and toys).
They were named for Bexley Bridegan and were created by her mother after a 2022 tragedy.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Second Line Tuesday
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 · 5:30-7:00 p.m. — Downtown Pensacola — Free entry — Experience Mardi Gras energy with live brass bands and vibrant costumed Krewes.
Waka Flocka Flame Concert
Thursday, February 12th, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket prices from $110 — Catch Waka Flocka Flame live in an electrifying concert event.