Daily editionSaturday, October 11th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of October.
Community
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 JournalRead more
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 PulseRead more
Business
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 JournalRead more
Economy
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-TVRead more
Education
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 BlogRead more
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 FloridaRead more
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 FloridaRead more
Government
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 JournalRead more
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-TVRead more
Health
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 JournalRead more
Sports
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 JournalRead more
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 JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Jessie Ritter Live Performance
Sunday, October 26th, 2025 · 12-4 p.m. — Flounder's Chowder House — Free show — Enjoy heartfelt country-pop tunes by Jessie Ritter in a family-friendly setting.
Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen
Monday, October 27th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Check event page for pricing — Experience the powerful fusion of folk, blues, country, and rock n roll from Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen.