Daily editionThursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
Community
Pensacola's Waterfront Rescue Mission received board approval on Wednesday to add kennels for homeless people to keep their pets—officials said the new, climate-controlled shelter will eventually hold up to 16 dogs and may include cats, though there is no set opening date and startup costs exceed $160,000.
WEAR-TVRead more
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area announced on September 17th that fifteen nonprofit grant finalists have been selected for 2025—twelve of which will each receive $103,500 at the annual meeting on October 19—marking its 22nd year of awarding $17.49 million to nonprofits serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Local PulseRead more
Culture
A new World War II micro exhibit was unveiled at Pensacola City Hall today to honor the city as Florida’s only American World War II Heritage City—its displays include artifacts and photos that show the war's local impact.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Little Theatre, founded in 1926 as the Pensacola Civic Drama Players and powered by over 400 volunteers each year, has been a local hub for art for 88 years.
From September 19th to October 5th, PLT will stage Jekyll & Hyde—an account of a doctor facing the divide between good and evil under director Topher Warren.
Local PulseRead more
Education
Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, said teacher and staff shortages are the biggest problem in public schools in Pensacola caused by low salaries and strict regulations that force districts to cut positions and increase class sizes—state data records 2,260 vacancies and Florida ranking last in teacher pay. He added that tighter budgets and a ballooning rulebook frustrate educators, staff, and parents—raising concerns over the future of local public education.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
The Pensacola State College Board of Trustees voted Tuesday night to end WSRE-TV’s affiliation with PBS effective June 30 — 2026 due to budget issues and to switch to a new digital network that lets the college produce its own shows.
The board also decertified the WSRE Foundation and will cut eight WSRE jobs while some staff may move to similar roles with the college.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Escambia County Commission unanimously approved a $500K Community Development Block Grant allocation to rehabilitate two buildings on the former Baptist Hospital site, preserving them as part of a legacy campus for a community center and a healthcare facility rather than demolishing them. Commissioner Lumon May said the plan will provide accessible services for long-term residents—if the city does not deliver the promised buildings, the funding will be reconsidered.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Live Music with The Bennett Hall Band
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of live performances featuring The Bennett Hall Band and more.