Daily editionMonday, June 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 23rd of June.
Education
The University of West Florida ranked third among the state's public universities, earning 91 out of 100 points in the 2024-2025 performance-based funding model and achieving an 80.1% rate of bachelor's graduates employed or furthering education one year after graduation.
The university will name Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr as interim president effective July 14—this comes as UWF faces leadership changes and community concerns.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Military bases in Northwest Florida maintained their current security levels after US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday.
Officials at Eglin Air Force Base said no extra measures were taken—while Hurlburt Field stayed alert with its standard protocols and other bases have not yet commented.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola’s leadership shifted from an all white male group in 2001 to a diverse Power List today—Belle Bear heads the 2025 list and marks a new era in local leadership.
The change shows a steady advance over two decades that reflects broader community progress.
Rick's BlogRead more
Lifestyle
Ma Madea’s Brisket and Lemonade is inside West Pensacola’s Falcon Food Mart — located at 1101 Gulf Beach Highway — and serves to-go soul food like 10-hour smoked brisket, turnip greens, chicken, and burgers from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Chef Christopher Moore—honoring his grandmother’s legacy—started the restaurant with most menu items priced at $10 or less to connect with the local community.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Local Pulse writer Karen Jolly explains how parents can support their teens by listening and setting clear boundaries—advice aimed at easing challenges from homework to heartbreaks.
She offers practical tips—like respecting feelings and choosing battles wisely—to help parents guide their children through each stage.
Local PulseRead more
Accidents
Coast Guard Sector Mobile said an unmanned 12-foot Yellow Ocean Scrambler kayak washed ashore near Bayou Grand on NAS Pensacola and was recovered by a non-owner—at 10:56 a.m. today—.
FOX 10Read more
Pensacola Events
Ronald McDonald House Firecracker 5K
Saturday, June 28th, 2025 · 5:00 AM – 4:59 AM — Seville Quarter — Registration fees apply — Run for a good cause in historic downtown Pensacola to support local families.
Ninja Kidz Live
Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the excitement of Ninja Kidz Live with family-friendly fun in Pensacola.
July 4th 5K and Fireworks Celebration
Friday, July 4th, 2025 · 7:30-11:00 a.m. — Pensacola Beach Boardwalk — $30-$40 — Enjoy a scenic 5K run followed by a lively post-race party at the Tiki Bar.
Southern Soul Ho’ Down Field Party
Saturday, July 5th, 2025 · 8 PM – 2 AM — 5 Flash Ranch — BYOB — Enjoy a night filled with Southern Soul music, line dancing, and fun in Pensacola's countryside.
Coffee and Bird Walk at Tarkiln Bayou Preserve
Sunday, July 6th, 2025 · 7:00-9:45 a.m. — Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park — Small entrance fee — Enjoy coffee and explore nature while birdwatching on a scenic trail.
Vegan Brewfest 2025
Saturday, July 12th, 2025 · 2-8 p.m. — Perfect Plain Brewing Co. — Cost info not provided — Celebrate plant-based living with epic vegan food, live music, and craft brews.
Karlous Miller Comedy Show
Friday, July 18th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Check website for price — Experience the laughter and entertainment of Karlous Miller live on stage.
Ben Loftin Concert
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 · 12-6 p.m. — McRee Sector of Gulf Islands Ntl Seashore — Free entry — Enjoy soulful coastal tunes from singer-songwriter Ben Loftin in a beautiful setting.
Blue Wahoos Game with Green Beret Foundation
Sunday, July 20th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Blue Wahoos Stadium — Ticket purchase supports the Green Beret mission — Experience a thrilling Double-A baseball game featuring the Blue Wahoos against the Chattanooga Lookouts.
12Eleven Live at Bands on the Beach
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 · 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. — Pensacola Beach — Free entry — Experience a night of great music as the local band 12Eleven takes the stage on the beach.