Daily editionFriday, August 29th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of August.
Community
Pensacola residents paid tribute to civil rights leader Rev. H.K. Matthews at a memorial at Brownsville Community Center last night after he died at 97 last week—funeral services will be held today at 11 a.m. at Zion Fountain AME Church in Brewton with burial to follow at Baptist Hill Cemetery.
WUWFRead more
The 2025 Jet Tek Island Bash drew a record crowd as 250 jet skis and over 300 people gathered to raise $4,670 for Gulf Coast Kid’s House to help abused children in Escambia County—Jek Tek Performance hosted the event with help from local sponsors.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The historic Landmark Skate Center building in West Pensacola was damaged by a fire in 2019 and may be revived as a hockey rink after developers submitted conceptual design plans in August.
The plans for 1002 N. Navy Blvd call for restoring the original structure, adding a 4568 square foot extension, team sections, and a parking lot — details that could boost the venue for skating and competition.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Pensacola State College received a $3.25M Triumph Gulf Coast grant to renovate Building 21 — a 22,700 square-foot facility — into a Workforce Development Training Center that will offer short certification programs for high-demand jobs.
Renovations will begin in 2026 and the first student training will start within a year after the award.
WUWFRead more
UWF announced it will use a $32 million Triumph grant to build a Center for Computational Intelligence that expands cybersecurity and AI research by adding new lab space and upgrading science facilities.
UWF President Manny Diaz said the grant will support hiring over 100 new faculty — part of the larger $130 million Research for Tomorrow plan that will begin work by the end of the year.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Pensacola schools, banks and local offices will be closed on Sept. 1 for Labor Day, a federal holiday honoring American workers.
Some trash pick-ups are rescheduled and USPS will not deliver regular mail that day—residents are advised to plan ahead.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pensacola-area high school football resumes today after a weather-affected opener with key matchups at Patriot Stadium, Eagle Stadium, and other local venues & teams featuring new head coaches and renewed energy, while the Central Jaguars have no game this week.
Local teams including Pensacola Catholic, Escambia, Booker T. Washington, and Gulf Breeze will try to improve their records this busy Labor Day weekend.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
UWF's football team will open its season today at 6 p.m. at Pen Air Field against nationally ranked Lenoir Rhyne—coach Kaleb Nobles said the team prepared hard for the challenge and looks to prove itself in this rare Division II matchup.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Accidents
A 4-year-old girl and a 31-year-old rider were taken in critical condition from Gulf Beach Hwy and Bauer Road on Aug. 28 after a vehicle hit the electric bike they were on; the motorist who failed to yield was uninjured.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Eazybaked Music Event
Friday, September 12th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Laguna's Beach Bar + Grill — Entry details TBA — Catch EAZYBAKED and friends bringing the beats to Pensacola Beach!
Black Jacket Symphony - The Era of Yacht Rock
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 · 6:30-8:00 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Experience classic albums live with the Black Jacket Symphony’s Yacht Rock tribute.
Gary Allan Concert
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 · 6:30-8:00 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating blend of country roots and rock and roll from Gary Allan.
Gulf Coast Summer Fest
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 · 1-2:30 p.m. — Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park — Ticket required — Experience the sensational guitar stylings of Blake Aaron, a contemporary jazz gem.
Mariachi Herencia De Mexico Concert
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 · 6:30-8:00 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of traditional mariachi music rooted in Mexican culture.