Daily editionTuesday, September 16th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of September.
Community
Sandy Sansing donated $100K to Gulf Coast Kid's House, pushing his total donations for child protection services in Escambia County to nearly $1M — a milestone for local child advocacy.
Rick's BlogRead more
Creative Learning Academy in Pensacola dedicated a new playground—named for Kristin Ball—to honor her legacy and contributions at the school.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
The 17th Annual Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival will run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 12 across thirty venues—Pensacola Beach and Downtown Pensacola—as top songwriters and emerging talent share the stories behind their songs.
Local PulseRead more
Education
The University of West Florida reached a historic milestone with enrollment climbing to 15,601 students for Fall today, a 5% rise that surpassed its goal of 15,200 students by 3%.
The growth includes a 14% increase in transfer students—strengthening ties with local colleges.
University of West FloridaRead more
The Pensacola News Journal named West Florida High School’s Chrissie Fuller as Escambia and Santa Rosa County Student of the Week after she earned 58.11 percent of the vote—runner-up Josie Harrell received 22.89 percent.
Voting will start today for next week’s honor—students in the counties can help choose the next winner.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Warrington Prep Academy was upgraded to a C school for the 2024-2025 year after Charter Schools USA appealed an earlier D rating — the appeal removed data for 48 students who did not attend — which earns the academy a 15-year renewal while administrators plan to work toward an A grade in the future.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Escambia County Board is set to vote today on a $22,873,000 contract with Russell Marine to demolish and replace the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge, which was damaged by Hurricane Sally in 2020—if approved, work will begin Nov. 1 and finish by July 24.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Escambia County school leaders discussed replacing citizen book review committees with a centralized process where a superintendent-led team reviews challenged titles—school board members will still cast the final vote.
WUWFRead more
State Rep. Alex Andrade sent a letter urging Pensacola City Council members to actively set legislative priorities after noting they were sidelined in past decisions that secured millions for local projects — he said his office will accept appropriation requests until December 26th to better align funding with council input. This move comes as the upcoming Florida Legislature sessions approach.
Rick's BlogRead more
Escambia officials are considering funds to demolish a Baptist building as work begins today on rebuilding the Pensacola Bay Fishing Pier — Warrington Prep will add a new grade later today.
County leaders have not announced further details.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Runners and walkers will join the Landrum 5K run/walk on Oct. 11 at 8 a.m. from the Landrum office at 219 E. Garden Street to raise funds for Lakeview Center—early-bird registration is open until Oct. 4 at $45.
Local PulseRead more
Real Estate
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is launching a rental homes program that will offer 10 affordable single-family homes starting with a three-bedroom house in Oakcrest for $1,200 a month.
The program will open on the website soon and may expand—especially to serve lower income and military families.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Rose Bud Ramblers Concert
Friday, September 26th, 2025 · 8 PM – 12 AM — Moonshine Saloon — Ticketed event — Enjoy the heartfelt sounds of traditional country and honky-tonk music from the Rose Bud Ramblers.
Pensacola Oktoberfest 2025
Saturday, September 27th, 2025 · 4-10 p.m. — Garden & Grain — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Oktoberfest with beer, food, and live music at the ultimate bar crawl experience.
Pensacola Seafood Festival
Sunday, September 28th, 2025 · 5-11 PM — Seville Square — Free entry — Savor delicious seafood and enjoy live music in historic downtown Pensacola.
Lauren Mascitti at the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival 2025
Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Pensacola Beach — Ticket info TBD — Celebrate the expansion of the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival with live performances from talented artists.
Blippi: Join the Band Tour
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 · 5-6:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Tickets available — Make music with Blippi and friends in a lively live performance for kids.
JAMES ADKINS: RadioLive Performance
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 · 12-4 p.m. — Radio Live! — Free entry — Experience an intimate live performance in a cozy downtown venue with exceptional acoustics.
The Bennett Hall Band: Let Freedom Sing
Friday, October 3rd, 2025 · 12:30-4:30 p.m. — Hellcat Hangar — $20/ADV $25 DOOR — Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks while rocking out to live music.