Good morning, Pensacola.

West Pensacola Elementary is teaming with Running Wild and local businesses for Socktober to collect 4,000 pairs of new socks for people in need from October 1 to October 31.

Donations at several drop-off sites will go directly to Opening Doors Northwest Florida — ensuring warmth and dignity for those facing homelessness.

Wawa opens its third Pensacola store today at 8550 N.

Davis Highway at 8 a.m.—the grand opening features a carnival atmosphere with a parade, a ribbon-cutting at 8:30, free coffee through Oct. 5, and complimentary T-shirts for the first 100 customers. The company plans to expand further by opening 25 to 30 stores in the Panhandle over the next decade.

A new all you can eat Asian buffet will soon open at 19 N.

Navy Blvd as 100 Buffet Pensacola plans to serve noodle dishes, fried rice, stir-fries, seafood and hand rolled sushi—replacing a former breakfast restaurant that closed.

The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will begin its 100th season this Saturday—music director Peter Rubardt reflects on the orchestra's century-long role in uniting the community while introducing a youth orchestra and an endowment campaign to secure its future.

The season builds on historic moments like the quick move to Olive Baptist Church after Hurricane Ivan, showing how music has kept Pensacola together over time.

Pensacola Interstate Fair will celebrate its 90th anniversary from Oct 16 to Oct 26 with free live music and family activities—featuring acts like Cat Country BIG Lip Sync Battle Finals, Tyler Farr, and George Birge along with animal acts and circus shows.

Organizers say the fair will offer diverse entertainment each day for local families.

The University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will hold its Symphonic Band concert “A 20th Century Celebration” on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church.

Under the direction of Dr. Sean Kelley, the band will play music from 1900 to 2000—featuring a lively version of Beethoven’s tune, a tone poem by Frank Ticheli, and pieces that honor Britain’s folk songs, and the event is free for everyone.

A federal judge upheld the Escambia County School Board’s decision to remove And Tango Makes Three from school libraries by ruling that public libraries are not required to carry every book—students can get the book from other sources.

A federal judge rejected a lawsuit contesting a 2023 decision by the Escambia County School Board to pull the book And Tango Makes Three from school libraries—stating the board did not violate First Amendment rights.

The ruling means students who want the book must obtain it from other sources.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia criticized the welcome sign at the foot of the Chappie James Bridge as wasteful—local taxpayers did not pay as the project used only state grants, American Rescue Plan funds, and federal dollars.

An August DOGE audit reviewed municipal spending while city officials cooperated to confirm that no local funds were used.

Fort Pickens and Johnson Beach, parts of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, closed on October 2 due to the federal government shutdown even though they were open on October 1.

All camping reservations through October 30 have been canceled—parks will not reopen until the shutdown ends.

The Department of Government Efficiency—DOGE—has flagged Pensacola for $450,000 in spending on a theater contract and a strategic plan tied to Gov. DeSantis’ push to cut property taxes.

City officials said they learned of the claims on social media and are gathering more details to respond.

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.

Mo Pitney Live at Native Cafe

7-11 p.m. — Native Cafe — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt country sounds of Mo Pitney at this enchanting Pensacola Beach festival.

Every Step Counts 5K Run/Walk

1-4 p.m. — 219 E Garden St, Pensacola — Registration fee applies — Participate in a fun run/walk to promote mental health awareness and support Lakeview Center.

Pensacola Half Marathon & 5k

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

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

7-11 p.m. — Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio — Free entry — Experience an engaging live music performance by Blue Mother Tupelo at WSRE PBS.

Macon Mayhem vs Pensacola Ice Flyers

6:05-7:35 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling hockey action as Macon Mayhem faces off against the Ice Flyers.