Daily editionThursday, August 14th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of August.
Community
Bike Pensacola will hold its August Slow Ride on Saturday, August 16 at 6 p.m. from the Cobb Community Center—601 E Mallory St—as it partners with the City of Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency for Party in the Park, a free event featuring food trucks, local vendors and a chance for community input on the design for Hollice T. Williams Park.
Local PulseRead more
Culture
Tomorrow evening, the Equity Project Alliance hosts A Conversation in Black and White at the Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio where Ernest Dawson and Dick Appleyard recall their friendship during Pensacola High integration in the late 1960s—showing how sports and respect helped bridge racial divides. Their stories remind us that learning from our past helps guide our future.
WUWFRead more
Education
Yesterday, the University of West Florida held the grand opening of Building 80 on its Pensacola campus as it prepares to host new civil engineering and construction management programs in memory of Tyler Chase Norwood—featuring three wet and dry labs for hands-on learning.
The $1.5 million renovation, supported by major donors and a $250,000 scholarship gift, will welcome its first classes in Fall.
University of West FloridaRead more
Government
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves welcomed Florida DOGE officials in a letter where he refuted their claim that the city’s tax burden rose by 70% and explained that increased revenue comes from higher property values and new construction (the property tax rate has not been raised since 1994) while promising full transparency as officials review city records next week (in response to Gov. DeSantis’ request).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Officials hosted an input meeting on Aug. 13 at the Fricker Center in Pensacola — residents reviewed renovation plans and asked questions while Mayor D.C. Reeves and others explained future updates.
The city gathered suggestions to guide the planned improvements.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Escambia County’s free recovery program has helped 400 people and cut overdose deaths by 68% since 2023.
The program provided mental health counseling and worked with community partners—helping patients rebuild their lives.
WUWFRead more
Sports
Tickets for the Florida State-Mississippi State exhibition game at Blue Wahoos Stadium sold out within an hour on August 12—reserved seats are gone while standing-room tickets remain available.
The contest on October 18 will feature two seven-inning games that do not count toward team records.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Emerald Coast Beer Festival
Friday, September 5th, 2025 · 4:30-6 p.m. — Seville Quarter — Tickets required — Celebrate the 29th year of craft beer tasting with over 200 brews and live music.
Steven Ho Live
Saturday, September 6th, 2025 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Tickets from $64 — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Steven Ho in a prime venue.