Daily editionFriday, September 26th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of September.
Community
Escambia High School was chosen as one of 25 schools nationwide to win $25,000 and be named a finalist in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition — the school will compete for a $1 million stadium upgrade as community members vote daily through Oct 24.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola’s Bruce Beach Revitalization Project was honored on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Bright Ideas list — the $11.8 million effort restored waterfront access to a historic 10-acre park that reopened in phases from April 2024 to November 2024 at 601 W. Main St.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Gulf Breeze Zoo will host Boo at the Zoo on the final three weekends of October with safe trick-or-treating, festive activities, and animal encounters from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—families can enjoy a trick-or-treat trail featuring over 50 local vendors, bounce houses, and face painting. The event offers a fun and educational way for guests of all ages to celebrate the season.
Local PulseRead more
The University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will present the UWF Singers and Concert Choir with special guest Navarre High School Choir in their "Collaborations" concert on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Rolfs Music Hall on the UWF campus—tickets are required.
Under the direction of Dr. Peter Steenblik, the choirs will perform a fall repertoire that includes pieces from poetry and classic works such as "Time" by Jennifer Lucy Cook.
University of West FloridaRead more
Economy
Starting Sept. 30, the minimum wage will rise by one dollar, bringing non-tipped wages to $14 and tipped wages to $10.98 until they reach $15 in 2026—local business owners warn that higher pay will force price hikes while workers see the increase as necessary help.
WEAR-TVRead more
Education
The University of West Florida received nearly $90,000 in grants so that Dr. Jacob Tracy can expand his science lab and train students for battery research.
The NSF grant will create a summer program for chemistry teachers while the NextEra grant will pay for a glovebox—an essential tool for safe lab work.
University of West FloridaRead more
Government
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves spoke at the three-day Civic Leaders Summit earlier this week to outline major investments in infrastructure, housing, and economic development—highlighting the new $20M America’s Cup facility, a strategic plan with eight key initiatives, and upcoming public projects as he prepares his 2026 re-election campaign. His speech set the framework for the city’s future and emphasized community plans that guide council decisions.
Rick's BlogRead more
Supporters gathered at 4:15 p.m. today in the WSRE Windham Community Room as the WSRE Foundation board considered ways to keep the public station on air amid PSC President Ed Meadows’ plan to cut ties with PBS—adding pressure as the college explores using an AI broadcast service.
The station holds $5.5 million and raised $300,000 in August to help fuel its 58-year run.
Rick's BlogRead more
Sports
Week 6 high school football in Pensacola is underway with district games played on September 25 and today—games like Pensacola at Bay and Milton at Mosley are among the matchups—while the Pensacola News Journal provides live updates and photos of local contests.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Megan Knight at Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival 2025
Thursday, October 9th, 2025 · 5-11 p.m. — Pensacola, FL — Visit website for ticket pricing — Experience the raw storytelling of Megan Knight, a rising star in country music.