Daily
Pensacola
Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ More than 400 people met at Saenger Theater and Wahoos Stadium for the first annual Civic Leader Summit where local and national experts shared ideas to improve the community. The event inspired leaders to act—future sessions on Oct. 20 and Nov. 4 in Pensacola will continue the conversation. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ Sheriff Chip Simmons has challenged local firefighters to compete in Pensacola Eggfest’s new First Responder Division as teams face off in a cook-off on Sunday, November 16th at Hadji Shrine—this contest builds on past battles where sheriff’s teams claimed victory while now firefighters seek to win back the bragging rights. Local Pulse
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sam’s Club in Florida will extend its hours starting Oct. 12 — most stores will now open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with special Sunday schedules for curbside pickup, club, and cafe services. The retailer will also offer extended holiday hours and same-day delivery for refrigerated medications to Plus members. Pensacola News Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At a packed Pensacola City Hall meeting on Oct 9, residents gave strong support and opposition to the Drag Queen Christmas show set for Dec 23 at the Saenger Theatre. Theater manager Jeffery Sharp said if any performer violates obscenity laws during the show—operated by Legend Global—they could be arrested while the city will honor its contract under First Amendment rights. Pensacola News Journal
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Precious metal prices are hitting record highs in Pensacola as silver reaches $51 per ounce and gold is around $4,000 per ounce. Emerald Coast Coins reported a surge in sales—experts say low interest rates and large budget deficits are pushing buyers to invest in precious metals. WEAR-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Escambia County Public Schools office announced top teacher nominees for each school while the Santa Rosa Education Foundation revealed 37 teacher nominees. The Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year will be named January 16, 2026 and celebrated at the Golden Apple Awards on March 29, 2026 at The Saenger Theatre in Pensacola — details are pending. Rick's Blog
- ➤ The University of West Florida raised its fundraising goal from $90M to $100M—supported by over 10,000 donors—and the campaign will run through June. The school also changed leadership as Howard Reddy left his role and Tori Bennett became interim vice president. University of West Florida
- ➤ UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. will deliver the 2025 State of the University Address on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 10:30 a.m. to noon at the UWF Conference Center in Pensacola— the address will be webcast live on WUWF.org and ADA accommodations must be requested two business days before the event. University of West Florida
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fans have gathered at the Target parking lot on Blue Angel Parkway to watch the Blue Angels practice since NAS Pensacola remains off-limits during the government shutdown+ visitors, including some from Georgia, have been coming daily since Tuesday and worry the Homecoming show may be cancelled if funding is not restored. WEAR-TV
- ➤ Pensacola residents clashed over a Christmas-themed drag show set for Dec. 23 during a City Council meeting — opponents said it offends local values while supporters called it free expression. City leaders took no action, leaving the event on the schedule as the debate over legal risks and community standards continues. WUWF
- ➤ Santa Rosa School District placed director Daniel Hahn on paid leave after he was charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly rubbing a coworker's shoulders without her consent during a board meeting at Woodlawn Middle School in Gulf Breeze. The board also approved an increase in daily facility use fees from $75 to $150—covering rising costs—and the new rate will apply only to new agreements starting Nov.1. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ At the Pensacola City Council meeting on Oct. 9 (with a standing-room only crowd), community members voiced both support and opposition for a proposed Drag Queen Christmas at the Saenger Theatre. Council members said they would consider the feedback as they decide on next steps. Pensacola News Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Florida reported a new case of Vibrio vulnificus in Hernando County on Oct. 10, which brings the total to 29 cases and five deaths this year. The bacteria—commonly called flesh-eating bacteria—is found in warm seawater and raw shellfish, and it has caused serious infections including one in Pensacola that led to major leg damage. Pensacola News Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ High school volleyball district tournaments began after the regular season ended on Oct. 9 as teams fight for a spot in regional playoffs. Pensacola teams in classes from 1A to 7A have key matches scheduled from Oct. 13 to Oct. 16 — regionals start on Oct. 21. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ PNJ sports reporter Justin Fitzgerald broke down Pensacola area high school football Week 8 takeaways — his report noted key plays and team trends that could shape upcoming games. Pensacola News Journal
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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.
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Alestorm Concert in Pensacola
2-7:30 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — $68+ — Celebrate the return of live music with Alestorm's energetic performance.
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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.
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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.
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The Longest Table Fundraiser
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.
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D. Scott Riggs Live Performance
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.
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Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
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.
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