Daily editionSaturday, August 9th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of August.
Business
HatchMark Studio and Red Iron Design House will co-host a live recording of the Practical Rebels podcast on August 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.—doors open at 5:30 at HatchMark Studio’s office at 1201 Barrancas Avenue in Pensacola; a $10 cover charge applies and space is limited.
Local PulseRead more
Economy
The Pensacola Beach Air Show held from July 9–12 delivered a $31.5M boost to the local economy as a study showed 206,500 visitors came—61,000 from outside Escambia County who spent $20.6M at local businesses.
Rick's BlogRead more
Education
C.A. Weis Elementary kept its C grade despite a 60-point drop in test scores because many students face tough living conditions from shelters and other hardships.
The school uses community support — mental health help, after-school programs, and family events — to help students catch up and cut suspensions by 88% since 2016.
Rick's BlogRead more
Government
Escambia County has scaled back Paratransit Services for disabled residents by ending rides at 7 p.m. while FlexTransit takes over for night trips—critics say the change left 55,000 riders without proper notice and a service that does not meet their needs.
WEAR-TVRead more
Escambia County Board of Commissioners approved a $318,000 payment from the general fund to Commissioner Steven Barry—now Supervisor of Elections—and former Commissioner Robert Bender during their Aug. 7 meeting, covering overdue FRS employer contributions, penalties and interest after a lengthy legal dispute over the county's retirement plan. The board aimed to resolve the matter and move forward without further debate.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Escambia County Commissioners heard a presentation on the Community Land Trust on August 7 to design ways to ease the affordable housing crisis and boost opportunities for first-time homebuyers.
Habitat for Humanity CEO Sam Young urged the board to donate surplus land & allocate SHIP funds while some officials stressed that a mix of options is needed to prevent gentrification.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
The Pensacola area offers 16 popular sports bars for football season, with college games starting on Aug. 23 and NFL matchups on Sept. 4 where fans can watch on HD TVs and enjoy favorite food and drinks.
One spot, Perfect Plain Brewing Co., will host a tailgate cook-off and live music on Aug. 30 — giving fans a festive kickoff to football season.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Dark Days Bright Nights 2025 Tour
Sunday, August 31st, 2025 · 4-10 p.m. — Bamboo Willie's Beachside Bar — Check out Edgewood Heavy's unique Rock N Soul sound as they deliver electrifying performances.
Bulls on the Beach
Thursday, September 4th, 2025 · September 4-6 — Flora-Bama — Admission required — Experience three nights of thrilling rodeo action with professional bull riders.