Daily editionThursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
Community
The City of Pensacola is hosting a public listening session on Oct. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Vickrey Community Center to gather input on restoring Bay Bluffs Park—closed for two years due to unsafe conditions and planned for a rebuild with a $2.2 million state grant—and residents may complete an online survey until Nov. 5.
WEAR-TVRead more
Cox Communications' employees have awarded $50,000 to 10 local nonprofits through their Charities Community Investment Grants — the funds support programs such as autism services, STEAM education and environmental conservation that benefit area families and youth.
The grants will help local groups expand their services and reach more community members.
Rick's BlogRead more
Business
Owner Chris Smith said on Facebook that Gulf Coast Gun and Outdoors in Milton will close soon—citing rising costs and online price competition after a repossession of inventory happened earlier this year.
The business did not give a closing date.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
A National Park Service report found that 7.8 million visitors to Gulf Islands National Seashore in 2024 spent $411 million in nearby communities—88% of these visitors were nonlocals.
The report also noted that the park’s campgrounds ranked among the top three RV sites in the national park system, boosting local economies.
Local PulseRead more
Government
Engineers report that a toll on the aging Navarre Bridge — built in 1960 and now deemed obsolete — could yield between $2.7 and $4.2 million in its first year by charging southbound trips and offering a $60 annual pass; these funds would help pay for needed repairs and future replacement planning.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Naval Air Station Pensacola announced Wednesday morning that its public areas including the museum, lighthouse, and Fort Barrancas are closed until further notice due to the government shutdown.
DoD identification card holders may still enter the base — they can use either the Main Gate or the West Gate.
WEAR-TVRead more
Health
Pensacola Area residents will join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 5 at the Community Maritime Park — the event starts at 2 p.m. with a Promise Garden ceremony at 3 p.m. to honor those affected such as Carolyn Davis and Kendrick Doidge.
Local PulseRead more
Sports
Pensacola Sports will host the expanded SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament from November 2 to November 9 at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex, where 12 teams will vie for the title and families enjoy special events and affordable tickets — including a Fan Fest on championship day.
Longtime CEO Ray Palmer announced his retirement after leading the organization to secure major contracts and boost local sports tourism.
Rick's BlogRead more
The Pensacola News Journal has opened a vote for its Midseason Offensive Player of the Year with five local nominees and voting closes Oct. 5 at 12 p.m.—voters will choose a standout player based on performance in district games from teams like Booker T. Washington and Pensacola Catholic.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Alestorm Concert in Pensacola
Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 · 2-7:30 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — $68+ — Celebrate the return of live music with Alestorm's energetic performance.
PBS StudioAmped Featuring Blue Mother Tupelo
Thursday, October 16th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio — Free entry — Experience an engaging live music performance by Blue Mother Tupelo at WSRE PBS.