Daily editionWednesday, August 6th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 6th of August.
Community
On Monday morning at 9:04 a.m., Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a call on Loveland Circle and removed several skid plates from a vehicle to rescue a small kitten trapped in its engine compartment — the kitten was placed in the care of a firefighter’s family member.
WEAR-TVRead more
Business
Spirit Halloween will open 95 stores across Florida in August and hire over 1,200 workers, with three stores coming to Pensacola — part of a nationwide plan to hire 50,000 seasonal employees for the 2025 Halloween season.
The openings and job opportunities are set to roll out soon.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
FPL has requested an $8.9 billion rate hike starting in 2026 to fund investments in solar and battery projects and improve grid reliability; the move would raise residential bills about 5.6 percent in Northwest Florida and 12.4 percent in the Florida Peninsula.
The Public Service Commission will review the proposal at a 10-day hearing starting Aug. 11—if approved, customers will see gradual rate increases through 2029.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard said the board approved a 15.4% tax increase to pay for school improvements after the district lost 4,200 students in five years.
The extra funds will support fixes like new auditoriums and classroom updates to help the schools stay competitive with other districts—addressing rising costs and lower state funds.
Rick's BlogRead more
The University of West Florida named Dr. Clifford Humphrey as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives/Chief of Staff on August 4.
He will work directly with Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. to drive strategic projects and manage operations using experience from the Florida Department of Education & local teaching roles.
Local PulseRead more
Government
Escambia County is planning to take over maintenance of the historic Jordan Cemetery in Gonzalez as the site is overgrown with weeds and vegetation — officials say the move will restore an important local landmark.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Lifestyle
Viral Chinese Propitious Mango ice cream made its way to Pensacola markets this summer, and shoppers can try it at Affordable Essentials+The Local+Tony’s Asian Market where available flavors change regularly.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk
Thursday, August 21st, 2025 · 8 PM – 12 AM — Vinyl Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience an immersive tribute to Daft Punk with authentic costumes and a full-scale pyramid stage.
Argonaut 5K Run
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 · 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — University of West Florida — Supports UWF cross country program — Run for a cause on the scenic campus.
Rosie O’Grady’s Dueling Piano Show
Saturday, August 30th, 2025 · 8-11 p.m. — Rosie O'Grady's Inc — Reservations recommended — Experience a vibrant, interactive piano show with top talent and audience participation in Pensacola.