Good morning, Pensacola.

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.

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 FWC officers caught two recreational fishermen in Pensacola Bay with 22 undersized and out-of-season red snapper on Monday — a violation of the new boater freedom act that limits boat boarding to cases with probable cause — and the two face six criminal charges.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Oktoberfest 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

5-11 PM — Seville Square — Free entry — Savor delicious seafood and enjoy live music in historic downtown Pensacola.

Enthronement Concert

6-9 p.m. — Handlebar — Cover charge applies — Rock out with Pensacola's local trio as they unveil their latest creations.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

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

12-4 p.m. — Radio Live! — Free entry — Experience an intimate live performance in a cozy downtown venue with exceptional acoustics.

Afterdusk Live at The Handlebar

7-11 p.m. — The Handlebar — Ticket info unavailable — Experience live music with Afterdusk and local acts in a vibrant atmosphere.

Black Jacket Symphony - The Era of Yacht Rock

6:30-8 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Musical celebration — Experience the smooth sounds of Yacht Rock brought to life by talented musicians.

Kristian Stanfill: Grace & Glory Tour

7-11 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience uplifting worship music with Kristian Stanfill from Passion City Church.

D. Scott Riggs Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Seville Quarter — Free entry — Experience the soulful Panhandle Blues with Gulf Coast songwriter D. Scott Riggs.

Megan Knight at Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival 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.