Daily editionFriday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
Community
Gulf Coast Kid’s House received a donation of $9,715 from JCPenney’s round-up program — the store also provided a $500 gift card that volunteers used to buy new clothing for Jane’s Closet to help children and families affected by abuse and trauma.
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NAS Pensacola's Blue Angels Homecoming Show has been rescheduled from Nov 7-8 to Nov 14-15—allowing the team to perform at Navy 250—and ticket holders will retain their original seating arrangements.
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Business
Walmart opened its new Neighborhood Market store in Pace after nearly a year of anticipation—welcoming a large crowd and showcasing updated designs with wider aisles, improved layouts and a bigger online pick-up area.
The store is part of a five-year plan to open or convert 150 locations nationwide.
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Contractors will demolish the Sweet Dream Inn on Pensacola Boulevard at the end of September—paving the way for Anderson Subaru's expansion that will nearly triple the service bays and is expected to be completed in about two years.
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Culture
UWF opened the Heritage Roots Garden Tuesday at its Archaeology Institute to display native plants used for food, medicine, and tradition—community partners and a $45,000 grant helped bring the project to life.
Nicole Grinnan and Chief Dan Helms led the effort, and the garden now features plant signs with both scientific and Muscogee names.
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In his new book Fear & Folklore: American Monsters 2, writer Allen Sircy revisits the 1902 Pensacola Sea Serpent seen near Pensacola Beach—reported to have a large fin and water spray that frightened beachgoers before it was caught and turned into soup.
Sircy suggests the creature may have been a whale shark.
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Education
UWF's Presidential Search Committee recommends up to $1.2M for Interim President Manny Diaz—its Board of Trustees will fast-track the appointment while lowering job requirements so nearly anyone can qualify.
UWF also has removed Rick’s Blog from its internal media feed—this move came after a local rally featured speakers from far-right groups.
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Government
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said he will move ahead with the Baptist Hospital demolition despite 19 months of uncertainty over county funding—he noted the city asked Baptist to include six additional parcels valued at about $1.5 million to help cover a $2 million funding gap and said if the donation agreement closes by the end of September, demolition will begin before the year's end.
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Pensacola City Council set its legislative priorities for 2026 to include upgrading Pensacola International Airport, improving the port for manufacturing, and expanding childcare for families.
State Rep. Andrade said he got no list of the plans, while Mayor Reeves said the city is working on these clear projects—helping the town grow and support military readiness.
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Sports
Today, Tate will host West Florida at 7 p.m. at Pete Gindl Stadium—key players like Miles Delarosa and Elijah West are expected to make an impact—and Pensacola Catholic takes a six-hour bus ride to face Jacksonville Providence at 6 p.m. in Jacksonville.
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Coach Dwight Thomas—a well-known figure at Escambia High School who coached NFL star Emmitt Smith—will be inducted into the FHSAA Hall of Fame on Sept. 21st.
He led his team to 102 wins and state championships in 1984 and 1985.
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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.