Daily editionThursday, September 25th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
Community
Pensacola veteran Gary Gable built a garden memorial in his backyard to honor servicemen who died in past wars and give veterans a place to remember their service.
More than a dozen veterans have visited the site to pay their respects—rows of flags mark the tribute to military sacrifice.
WEAR-TVRead more
Culture
Pensacola Ballet is starting its 2025-26 season with Dracula performances on Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26 at The Center.
Pensacola News Journal visited a rehearsal to show the hard work behind the scenes for the upcoming shows.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
Pensacola is set to welcome American Magic as the sailing team finalizes a ten-year lease to transform Warehouse 10 at the Port of Pensacola—backed by an $8.5M investment—into its new headquarters that will add over 100 local jobs and training opportunities.
The team will move in November and use the facility for sailing, design, and manufacturing, boosting local business and tourism.
WEAR-TVRead more
Education
The University of West Florida named Cass Boatwright as assistant vice president and chief operating officer effective Sept. 22 — the role will support campus safety by aligning emergency management, facilities, and procurement functions.
Boatwright brings local experience from Mobile and Pensacola and has served as UWF’s director of procurement and contracts.
University of West FloridaRead more
Environment
Today, the National Hurricane Center is tracking Hurricane Gabrielle—a Category 3 storm with 115-mph winds moving east-northeast toward the Azores—and two tropical waves, Invest 93 and Invest 94, that are expected to develop into tropical depressions later this week.
Forecast models show the systems will mostly stay off Florida’s coast, so Pensacola residents should continue to monitor local weather updates and prepare early.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
The City of Pensacola will complete its deal to buy the old Baptist Hospital on Monday—after months of negotiation the city will move forward with demolition and toxic material remediation.
Mayor DC Reeves said he does not know the demolition method yet—State Representative Alex Andrade expressed relief that the project is finally advancing.
WEAR-TVRead more
The Escambia Board of County Commissioners approved a budget of $868,481,713 for fiscal year 2025/2026 and lowered the county millage rate to 6.6 after residents voiced concerns about rising taxes—commissioners also increased fire fees and granted a 3% pay raise for employees while suggesting future cuts to ease household burdens.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Baptist Hospital will close on Monday, Sept 29, and demolition of the main building and towers is set to begin in December after thorough toxic remediation.
Mayor Reeves announced meetings with military leaders and neighborhood residents—ensuring redevelopment plans address community needs before work starts.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola will honor Rev. John Powell with an honorary street designation on Belmont Street—pending City Council approval in October, with a dedication ceremony set for Nov. 1.
Powell, founder of Truth for Youth who died on July 10th, left a powerful legacy in our community.
WUWFRead more
Health
Pensacola-area health inspectors completed inspections from Sept. 15—22 and cited 10 restaurants with high-priority violations such as improper food storage and unsafe temperature control—actions that prompted stop sales and required follow-up reviews.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Florida State will face Virginia in an ACC game Friday at 7 p.m. as the Seminoles aim to remain undefeated while UCF will open Big 12 play against Kansas State on Saturday at noon—Florida and Miami are on bye this week.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
PNJ sports reporter Justin Fitzgerald offered his predictions for Pensacola high school football games in Week 6—his forecast included whether Milton will remain undefeated.
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.