Daily editionThursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
Community
Pensacola Mardi Gras has named the Ice Flyers Foundation as the 2026 Season Sponsor, securing a new partnership aimed at uniting community celebrations.
Today, Apple Annie’s in Seville Quarter hosts a City-Wide Planning Meeting at 6:00 p.m.—the session will cover planning for Fat Tuesday and other key events.
Local PulseRead more
Launched in November 2024 at First United Methodist Church, First Church Respite Ministry offers a weekly, low-cost program that pairs volunteers with adults with early Alzheimer’s and dementia and gives caregivers a needed break.
The ministry will host an All Saints service on November 5th at 12:00 to 12:30 p.m.—furthering its mission to bring dignity and joy to local families.
Local PulseRead more
Business
Pensacola International Airport earned A-plus bond ratings with a Stable Outlook from Fitch Ratings, Standard Poor's Global Ratings and KBRA today, showing its financial strength has improved greatly from a decade ago.
The airport will begin a 130 million dollars terminal expansion project to boost capacity to 2.4 million enplanements and add five new gates.
Local PulseRead more
Culture
Chief Dan Helms of the Santa Rosa Band of the Lower Muscogee shared his family tie to Fort Kirkland by noting his 4th great-grandmother was the sister of Caleb Kirkland Jr.—who built the fort during the Second Seminole War.
The University of West Florida Archaeology Institute is leading students north of Crestview to uncover records that trace Native families’ life in the area.
WUWFRead more
Education
The University of West Florida received its largest federal grant ever—a $9.6M award from the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer’s Cyber Academic Engagement Office—to expand its CyberSkills2Work program that trains veterans, public workers and others in cybersecurity.
The program will add 62 training paths and help over 4,600 professionals earn certifications over the next two years.
WUWFRead more
The UWF Center for Cybersecurity received a $9.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of War CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office to expand the CyberSkills2Work program that will train over 4,600 cybersecurity and AI professionals in the next two years - the grant also funds a coalition with Purdue, Louisville and other institutions to offer free training for eligible veterans, military spouses, first responders and government personnel.
WEAR-TVRead more
Environment
The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program has given $250,000 in grants to seven local groups and governments to fund projects that restore water quality and wildlife habitats and offer new educational programs.
The grants will let Milton repair a park stream, a wildlife sanctuary rebuild its shorebird enclosure, and local teams expand research using acoustic telemetry — all to boost our local waterways' health.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves named David Stafford as the new city administrator who will take over on Oct 27 to manage projects—such as a new airport concourse and downtown redevelopment—with a busy agenda ahead.
Stafford, a Pensacola native and former Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, brings over 30 years of government and cybersecurity experience to the role.
WUWFRead more
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said he is ready to discuss changes to property taxes as part of a state review of local spending and waste.
He urged lawmakers to make balanced plans that help homeowners and fund essential services—especially for seniors with homesteaded homes.
WUWFRead more
Mayor D.C. Reeves said he was surprised to learn of Florida DOGE's audit during a public press conference and defended that Saenger Theatre and the 'Welcome to Pensacola' sign were funded by FDOT and ARPA funds.
He also noted that plans for a $250M maritime project at Maritime Park face a major parking challenge—up to 1,600 spaces may be needed to replace 350 spots, potentially adding over $20M in costs.
Rick's BlogRead more
Health
Cat Country 98.7’s team raised $301,400 at the annual Cat Country Cares for Kids Radiothon to fund Laser interstitial thermal therapy equipment at Studer Family Children’s Hospital, which will bring less invasive treatment options to children with brain tumors and epilepsy in the local area—providing a new hope for safer care.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola celebrated becoming a certified Level 1 Trauma Center on Wednesday.
Trauma survivors and medical crews were honored as the hospital now offers the region’s highest level of care—receiving patient transfers from Florida and Alabama.
WEAR-TVRead more
Lifestyle
Local favorite Xiscali Mexican Taqueria will return downtown in November, serving birria, street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and desserts from an airstream trailer at The Garden on S. Palafox St. Owner Gerardo Zentle signed a two-year deal + he plans to offer lunch and dinner service from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. as details are finalized.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
World Ballet Company - Cinderella
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting tale of Cinderella brought to life by the World Ballet Company.