Daily editionFriday, July 25th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of July.
Community
At CivicCon on July 22, 10 local organizations detailed how a combined $11 million from Escambia Children's Trust helped provide tutoring, meals, eye exams, and transport to more than 5,000 kids since the trust started in 2020.
Trust officials shared that evaluations (including improved test scores and attendance) guide plans to expand programs and deepen partnerships with local schools for 2024-25.
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Business
Pensacola will soon see new Chick-fil-A and McDonald's outlets after Escambia County approved both developments on July 23; the Chick-fil-A on Mobile Highway will include a 5,566-square-foot building with two drive-through lanes, 74 interior seats, and 69 parking spots — while the planned McDonald's on Sorrento Road will offer two drive-through lanes and 40 parking spots.
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Mojo's Famous Philly, Wings & More is planning a drive-through restaurant along East Nine Mile Road in Ensley to offer its famous Philly cheesesteaks, lemon pepper wings and gyros.
The proposal was filed with Escambia County on July 21 and remains under review—if approved the 2,500-square-foot site near the John R. Jones sports complex will include nearly 30 parking spots.
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Education
ReadyKids! recently named five ReadingPals mentors—Pam Clyde, Ryann Eaves, Evaline Jones, Lori McMillan, and TL Nguyen—as the 2024–25 Volunteers of the Year after they led weekly 45-minute sessions that built preschoolers’ early literacy and social-emotional skills in Escambia County, standing out among more than 220 mentors.
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Government
A Pensacola Police Department survey in June showed only 29% of officers had confidence in former Chief Eric Randall, who was placed on a performance improvement plan in January after poor reviews and resigned on July 10 amid concerns of favoritism & weak leadership.
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After buying the 1940s-era Motor Lodge a year ago, Pensacola is in final talks with a developer who must build affordable housing to secure the sale — if the project does not move forward within two to three years, the property will return to city ownership.
The sale still needs City Council approval as Mayor D.C. Reeves stressed that the mission for the site remains focused on affordable housing.
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Lifestyle
A new dining guide covers 18 popular restaurants along Palafox Street to help Pensacola locals choose from diverse breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options.
The guide details spots like The Ruby Slipper, Polonza Bistro and Dog House Downtown—showing a wide range of local flavors.
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Pensacola Events
The Greatest Showcase
Saturday, July 26th, 2025 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Check website for price — Experience an evening of captivating dance performances at a local gem.
Birds & Brew Gathering
Sunday, July 27th, 2025 · 4:45-7:30 p.m. — Coastal County Brewing — Registration required — Brush up on backyard birds before enjoying dinner and socializing.
Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 · 5:05-6:35 p.m. — Blue Wahoos Stadium — Affordable tickets — Cheer on the home team as they take on rivals in this exciting baseball matchup.
HARBOUR Concert
Thursday, August 7th, 2025 · 7-9:30 p.m. — Handlebar — Ticket required — Experience the heartfelt storytelling of Abby Holliday through her captivating music.
Crystal Plumage Live Performance
Friday, August 8th, 2025 · 8 PM – 12 AM — Woodsies Hilltop Bar — No cover charge — Experience a lively rock performance by Crystal Plumage in a vibrant Pensacola venue.
Zumba Master Class with Kramer
Sunday, August 10th, 2025 · 2:30-4:30 p.m. — Zelica Grotto MOVPER — Free venue parking — Dance and sweat it out in this high-energy Zumba Master Class with international presenter Kramer.
Cathedral Bells Concert with Yot Club
Monday, August 11th, 2025 · 6-8 p.m. — Handlebar — $10 cover — Experience ethereal indie sounds from Cathedral Bells and Yot Club in a vibrant setting.
Gallery Night Pensacola
Friday, August 15th, 2025 · 5-9 PM — Visit Pensacola — Free entry — Celebrate art and culture as Palafox Street transforms into an open-air gallery each month.
SPLASH & DASH Aquathlon
Saturday, August 16th, 2025 · 12:30-2:45 p.m. — 1340 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL — Registration Fee Required — Experience the thrill of swimming and running in this exciting Aquathlon event.
Jessie Ritter Live
Sunday, August 17th, 2025 · 12-6 p.m. — Flounder's Chowder House — Free show — Experience the heartfelt country-pop sounds of Nashville-based singer/songwriter Jessie Ritter.