Daily editionFriday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
Community
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.
Rick's BlogRead more
Business
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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.
WEAR-TVRead more
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.
University of West FloridaRead more
Education
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.
Rick's BlogRead more
Government
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.
Rick's BlogRead more
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.
WUWFRead more
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Macon Mayhem vs Pensacola Ice Flyers
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 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.