Daily editionWednesday, October 8th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of October.
Community
Pensacola Breast Cancer Association and Hadji Shriners have partnered to bring back the annual Haunted House event at Hadji Shrine in Pensacola—running from Friday, October 10 through November 1—to raise funds for free mammogram services during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Volunteers are needed for the Boo Crew and face painting to add extra fun to the spooky fundraiser.
Local PulseRead more
Pensacola was named one of the top 10 small city destinations by Condé Nast Traveler; its beaches and food scene—backed by friendly locals—help win hearts nationwide.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola's Tacos El Fluffy on N Pace Blvd is giving free meals to duty service members and military families as the government shutdown affects paychecks.
Owner Geo Zelaya received over $800 in donations—funds he will use to form a nonprofit to continue the effort.
WEAR-TVRead more
Education
The Pensacola State College Foundation announced a $50,000 Vincent John Whibbs Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship to support PSC students in automotive and diesel programs, including a $12,500 matching contribution from the PSC Alumni Association.
The scholarship honors Vincent Whibbs (Pensacola’s longest-serving mayor who oversaw key local projects) and will help students gain skills in high-demand trades.
Local PulseRead more
Government
Escambia County named Sgt. Merideth Roberson the Employee of the Month for October during an Oct. 2 Board of County Commissioners meeting—she began her career in 2021, serves as the Lead Animal Welfare Officer, and leads the Animal Search and Rescue Team to help care for local animals.
Local PulseRead more
Pensacola reopened bidding on the 1.69-acre former Motor Lodge site on West Cervantes Street to invite developers to build mixed-income housing with deed restrictions that keep units affordable for households up to 120% of the area median income—proposals must follow design rules set by the Westside CRA Plan.
WUWFRead more
Pensacola Airport bonds earned an A+ rating from all three rating agencies this morning—marking the first time the airport has achieved this level, which means the city will borrow at lower rates for its terminal expansion and save taxpayers money.
Mayor D. C. Reeves said the rating reflects a balanced mix of leisure, business, and military traffic that boosts passenger activity.
Rick's BlogRead more
Northwest Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis requested his pay be withheld during the government shutdown and warned that unpaid TSA agents, local military personnel, and air traffic controllers — facing staffing shortages — may cause flight delays and safety issues in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach.
WEAR-TVRead more
City officials updated the council on plans to transform the 41-acre Baptist Hospital site into a mixed-use project with housing, education, and retail.
Paces Development will begin demolition on part of the campus by late 2025 and a demolition contract will be presented in November—city leaders stress strict safety protocols during the work.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said at a press conference yesterday that the city will look for a downtown site for a 3,500 to 5,000 seat stadium if the United Soccer League selects Pensacola for a professional team—he stressed that the city will only partner with private investors or the school district, and the venue may also host high school football.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pine Forest High School senior Trenton Henderson earned a 2026 Navy All-American honor Tuesday and will be officially named today during a virtual jersey presentation.
The defensive lineman— a top Florida recruit who committed to LSU— will compete in the east-west game at the Alamodome on Jan. 10.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
The Longest Table Fundraiser
Sunday, October 19th, 2025 · 2:30-5:30 p.m. — Bayview Park — $50 per person — Enjoy a unique dining experience with Southern hospitality, delicious food, and live music all to benefit the Gulf Coast Kids House.
D. Scott Riggs Live Performance
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 · 6-10 p.m. — Five Sisters Blues Cafe — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Gulf Coast musician D. Scott Riggs blending Delta, Piedmont, and Country Blues.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Friday, October 24th, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — First United Methodist Church — Not specified — Immerse yourself in a spine-chilling musical experience featuring Halloween classics performed by candlelight.