Daily editionMonday, September 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 22nd of September.
Community
Gulf Breeze Zoo welcomed southern white rhinoceros calf Kipenzi on July 24—already weighing over 200 pounds—and she marks a milestone in Zoofari Parks’ conservation program.
Visitors can see Kipenzi on the safari train and boardwalk.
FOX 10Read more
Friday's news reports that Garcon Point Bridge will soon require toll payments so drivers must keep cash or electronic payment ready—local pickleball is growing as more courts open and Waldo’s Chicken and Beer will launch as a new restaurant in Pensacola.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Tibbetts Lumber Co. held its grand opening on Friday, September 19th at its new Michigan Ave. facility in Pensacola—after buying the D&M Truss Plant from longtime local owner Jim Dickerson and investing $8 million in renovations.
FOX 10Read more
Leonardo Helicopters opened its new Florida Support Center on September 18 at Whiting Aviation Park in Milton next to NAS Whiting Field — the 73,000 square foot facility will provide maintenance and repair for TH73A helicopters and create 36 jobs.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and local officials attended the event to mark a major investment that will boost military and civil aviation services in the region.
FOX 10Read more
The former Tu-Do Vietnamese Restaurant at 7130 N. Davis Highway was sold for $1.45 million in July and is now being renovated by Vision Construction for Waldo’s Chicken and Beer.
The Tennessee-based chain, known for its made-from-scratch fried chicken, will open the new restaurant in December—adding a fresh dining option to the area.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
On Sept. 19, former POWs spoke at the National Naval Aviation Museum as it opened the Return With Honor exhibit that honors Americans held captive in North Vietnam.
The exhibit features an interactive display of Lt. Everett Alvarez Jr.—helping visitors learn about his service and the hardships he faced.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola will host a busy week of events from Monday, Sept 22 to Sunday, Sept 28—featuring live music, comedy shows, festivals and interactive experiences.
The schedule includes a Seafood Festival in historic downtown with live acts, a Cards on the Coast show, and performances by Jo Koy and Chris D’Elia at key local venues.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival will run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 12 and will feature events in downtown Pensacola and on Pensacola Beach—showcasing original music by both big-name and emerging songwriters.
Many shows are free while some have fees ranging from $10 to $75, offering local music lovers a range of authentic performances.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
The Garcon Point Bridge, known as Bo’s Bridge, will switch to electronic tolling at 11 p.m. Sept. 28 and will no longer accept cash.
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise said the change aims to improve safety and reduce congestion — drivers can register for SunPass to receive a discount.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Lifestyle
Kynlee turned 14 last Friday and drove around Pensacola to collect free treats from local spots—a free drink, bundt cake, cookie, and meal were part of her birthday freebie tour during HOCO weekend.
Her birthday party will be held next weekend at a local restaurant to finish the celebration.
Local PulseRead more
Sports
Pickleball is booming in Pensacola as players often wait for their turn because there are too few courts — Portside Pickle is converting a warehouse on Commendencia Street into 10 indoor courts — with three outdoor courts open and five more set to be ready by year-end.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacolians took part in a Senior Games pickleball tournament at the Vickrey Community Center on September 11—players like Tom Curley and Rodney Weddington sparked local interest.
The event shows that pickleball is gaining popularity in our community.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Kristian Stanfill: Grace & Glory Tour
Sunday, October 5th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience uplifting worship music with Kristian Stanfill from Passion City Church.
Jessey Adams at Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival 2025
Monday, October 6th, 2025 · 5-11 p.m. — Bamboo Willie's Beachside Bar — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of outlaw and traditional country music from singer/songwriter Jessey Adams.