Daily editionWednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
Culture
This fall, PBS will debut 'The American Revolution,' a six part documentary series on the founding war, and WSRE will host a free preview screening on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at Pensacola State College's Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio—Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Kathleen DuVal will speak after the film.
Rick's BlogRead more
The UWF Chamber Music Series at Old Christ Church continues its 20th season as the UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will host a free concert on Oct. 1 at noon in historic downtown Pensacola—featuring performances by generations of students and works by composers like Handel and Mozart.
University of West FloridaRead more
Dream Bigger LIVE will return on September 26 at The Jade Venue in Pensacola—bringing together over 100 women for a day of speeches, workshops, and networking.
A portion of ticket sales will support a local nonprofit serving women and girls.
Local PulseRead more
Education
Families can explore fall science programs at the Pensacola MESS Hall this season, where Busy Builders offers hands-on workshops for ages 3–6 and Curiosity Days feature themed activities on select Saturdays.
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 PM—5 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM—5 PM, and registration is required for Busy Builders starting September 22.
Local PulseRead more
Lousindy Mitton, a UWF student, was chosen as a DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholar and will receive up to $379,610 to cover tuition, books, and a $34,000 stipend until she finishes her Ph.D. in intelligent systems and robotics—making her one of only 7.5% of the 662 applicants selected nationwide. After she completes her studies, she will immediately join the DoD to help strengthen the nation’s cyber defenses.
University of West FloridaRead more
Creative Learning Academy dedicated a new playground named the Kristin Ball Playground on Sept. 15 to honor longtime teacher Kristin Ball who spent 50 years teaching—40 at the school.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Trustees at Pensacola State College voted to end WSRE’s PBS affiliation next year and decertify its support role—this move will cut some WSRE jobs and merge others into the college.
Trustee Zack Smith said the president should have more control over DEI practices, noting concerns with a new hire who publicly supported these ideas at her previous job.
WEAR-TVRead more
The University of West Florida surpassed 15,000 students for Fall 2025 with enrollment reaching 15,601—a 5% increase from last year.
Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. said the milestone reflects strong academic programs and partnerships with local feeder schools like Pensacola State College.
Local PulseRead more
Government
Starting Oct. 1, Pensacola residents will pay 50¢ per hour for paid parking citywide with 24/7 access using a new system that verifies addresses through documents and registers seniors’ vehicles with a monthly permit—this effort is designed to ease costs for local taxpayers while ensuring non-residents pay full rates.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola will host a Civic Leader Summit in downtown Pensacola from Sept. 23—25 where local and national experts will discuss plans to boost community development, health equity and economic resilience.
Hosted by the Center for Civic Engagement in partnership with Strong Towns, the three-day event will feature keynote talks, breakout sessions and downtown tours with speakers such as Mayor D.C. Reeves and developer Quint Studer — a driving force behind the city’s revival.
WUWFRead more
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said the city will start tearing down the old Baptist Hospital before year-end even though county funding remains unclear after 19 months of talks—he said the demolition will begin once the donation deal closes at the end of September—and the added parcels worth about $1.5 million are meant to cover a $2 million gap.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said Graffiti Bridge will remain a free speech space after a man was pepper-sprayed while spray-painting a Charlie Kirk mural at Sept. 14 vigil—police are seeking the attacker after witnesses helped rinse his eyes and an ambulance transported him to a hospital.
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.