Daily editionTuesday, September 30th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 30th of September.
Community
Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is partnering with the BISSELL Pet Foundation for the Empty the Shelters event that offers free adoptions for cats and dogs one year or older from Oct. 1 until Oct. 15—Escambia County residents will pay a $15 licensing fee while adoption fees for younger pets remain at $50 for puppies and $25 for kittens. The Animal Welfare and Adoption Center at 200 W. Fairfield Drive is open Monday-Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Escambia CountyRead more
A new road sign on North 9th Avenue now designates the street as Lewis Bear Jr. Way to honor the late community leader and philanthropist.
The dedication was held Monday morning with former Senator Doug Broxton and Bear’s family in attendance—Bell, his wife, will be inducted into the Florida women's hall of fame next week.
WEAR-TVRead more
Business
Perennial Patio Bar, a popular downtown venue that opened in 2020, is closing after five years and will host its last pour party on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 501 S. Palafox St.—The event will feature drink specials and live music for one final night.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Pensacola will host the MasterChef All-Stars Live Tour on October 5 at the Saenger Theatre when chefs Rachel Sanchez and Julio Figueredo cook live to highlight their Cuban and Brazilian flavors—fans can win tickets by joining a social media giveaway.
Local PulseRead more
Wisteria Tavern, a longtime Pensacola landmark that began as a small grocery and became a bar in 1935, is celebrating its 90th anniversary with loyal customers and new traditions—owner Terry Abbott says its charm keeps the community coming together.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Pensacola Beach Songwriter's Festival starts Tuesday and runs through Oct. 12—its first week is held in downtown venues while the second week takes place on beachside stages.
The event offers audiences a chance to listen to original songs and learn the stories behind them.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
Pensacola officially took over 41 acres of the old Baptist Hospital campus on Sept. 29 and will demolish main buildings beginning in December to build affordable housing anchored by an educational component.
Mayor Reeves said listening sessions with residents will be held next month—using funds from state grants, donations, and local contributions to cover the project costs.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Escambia County EMS is covering nearly $18 million in unpaid ambulance bills from about 25,000 cases and said the money comes from its budget so that taxpayers do not pay extra—this is a balance sheet move.
The EMS chief urged residents to call only in emergencies to help reduce future costs.
WEAR-TVRead more
Real Estate
Developers behind Reverb by Hard Rock and Rhythm Lofts are advancing a plan to transform Community Maritime Park’s main lot into a 20-acre mixed-use district with housing, offices, retail and a public parking garage that must provide 350 spaces—city leaders have not yet approved the financing method, which may use an existing tax allocation district or a new Community Development District. The proposal will move forward only if the parking challenge is resolved to meet long-standing obligations.
WUWFRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Mo Pitney Live at Native Cafe
Friday, October 10th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Native Cafe — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt country sounds of Mo Pitney at this enchanting Pensacola Beach festival.
Chowan Hawks at West Florida Argonauts Football
Saturday, October 11th, 2025 · 3:00 – 4:30 PM — PenAir Field — Tickets required — Cheer on the UWF Football team as they face off against Chowan in an exciting matchup.
Pensacola Half Marathon & 5k
Sunday, October 12th, 2025 · 7 a.m. — Blue Wahoos Stadium — Check website for entry fees — Experience a scenic run highlighting the beautiful views of Pensacola.