Daily
Pensacola
Friday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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 Blog
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Journal
- ➤ 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 Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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-TV
- ➤ 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 Journal
- ➤ 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 Florida
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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 Blog
- ➤ 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. WUWF
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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 Blog
- ➤ 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 Journal
- ➤ 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. WUWF
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
~ James Clear
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