Daily editionFriday, January 30th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of January.
Economy
The Triumph Gulf Coast board voted Wednesday to negotiate a $76 million grant for a shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing project at the Port of Pensacola that is expected to create 2,000 jobs including many six-figure wages.
Birdon America Inc. is set to lead the project.
WUWFRead more
Breeze Airways announced new nonstop flights from Pensacola International Airport.
Starting May 7, flights to Fort Lauderdale will run on Thursdays & Sundays while the San Antonio route begins on June 10 with service on Wednesdays & Saturdays.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Pensacola native Derrick Brooks' charity gave all 335 students new shoes and socks at O.J. Semmes Elementary School as volunteers checked each pair for a proper fit (Brooks was not present), helping students stay warm during cold weather.
WEAR-TVRead more
The Florida Board of Governors votes today to confirm Manny Diaz Jr. as President of UWF following his interim term that began July 14, 2025, after an 11-1 approval by the UWF Board of Trustees.
Rick's BlogRead more
Yesterday, the Florida Board of Governors confirmed Manny Diaz, Jr. as the seventh president of UWF.
Diaz, previously interim president, said he will focus on strengthening military partnerships and academic programs to boost local opportunities.
WUWFRead more
Government
Escambia County commissioners reviewed a proposal to renovate Bay Center and add a 55,000 sqft event center during a meeting on Jan. 29.
The feasibility study showed strong demand for convention space and economic benefits, and the full report will be released in the coming days.
WUWFRead more
Lifestyle
Pensacola offers 14 romantic restaurants with varied menus for dinner dates on Valentine's Day and beyond.
The list features upscale steakhouses, intimate sushi bars + Italian eateries with seasonal offerings and unique dining experiences for couples seeking a special evening.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Carmen's Lunch Bar on Palafox Street offers a unique mix of Southern and international dishes including a Spanish Crab Melt and Creamy Indian Tomato Soup amid construction for the Reimagine Palafox project—owner MariCarmen Joseph oversees service as the historic street transformation continues.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pace girls weightlifting swept 20 events at Region 1-3A on Jan. 29, finishing 140 points ahead of Navarre & will head to Lakeland on Feb. 11 to vie for their fourth state title.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Yacht Club will host the 2026 International WASZP Games in March on Pensacola Bay, making the Gulf Coast the center of advanced foiling competition.
Championship races are scheduled for March 24-28 plus lead-in events include a sprint competition and a Pre-Games Regatta to showcase high-speed sailing.
Local PulseRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday, February 14th, 2026 · 2-8 p.m. — Pensacola Mardi Gras — Free entry — Celebrate with vibrant floats and local culture at this festive parade.