Daily editionWednesday, October 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of October.
Community
Pensacola will host many family-friendly Halloween events over the next few days.
Highlights include a trunk or treat at O’Reilly Auto Parts on Airport Blvd on October 24 from 6—8 p.m.—an outdoor movie at Bayview Community Center the same day, a Halloween market and truck treat on October 25, a festival and a paddle ride on October 26, and popular trick-or-treat stops in neighborhoods like Plantation Hill and Victorian Village.
Local PulseRead more
The Pensacola Fair features over 60 rides, educational exhibits and unique food options — running from Oct. 16 until Oct. 26 and giving visitors many local attractions to enjoy.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Dorothy's, a Wizard of Oz-themed restaurant at 309 S. Reus St. in downtown Pensacola, opens today with craft cocktails, scratch-made food, and a painted yellow brick road that doubles as a dance floor—funding OASIS Florida amid severe budget cuts.
Steel Pony Diner partners will serve late-night eats until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Friday as part of a soft opening that continues through Oct. 26.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola International Airport has been ranked the #9 Best Small Airport in the United States by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards and is known for its modern amenities and friendly service.
The airport is expanding with a new terminal and more flight options—marking its growth as a key travel hub.
Local PulseRead more
Culture
Certified divers will compete in Dive Pros' Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest at Pensacola Beach on Oct. 25, with registration starting at noon and the contest beginning at 1 p.m., and teams will pay $50 with proceeds benefiting a local shelter.
Coastal Cat Cafe will host a movie night featuring Friday the 13th with adoptable cats on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. — tickets cost $32.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Books By the Bay returns for its third year as Northwest Florida’s largest literary event at Bayview Park in Pensacola.
The free festival on Saturday, March 28 will feature award-winning writers including bestselling author Kyla Zhao and local authors on Author’s Row.
Local PulseRead more
Education
Escambia County School District will launch the Better Without It drug diversion program at Pensacola, Escambia and Northview high schools if approved by the school board at its Tuesday night meeting.
The program partners with Hope Above Fear+ it will replace punitive measures with education and support to help students caught vaping or using drugs make safer choices.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
A brush fire burned about 10 acres along I-10 between Avalon Boulevard and the Bagdad exit Tuesday — first responders contained it within an hour, and the small blaze brought back memories of the large 2020 fire.
WEAR-TVRead more
Sports
Local high school football teams are ranked in the PNJ Week 10 Power Poll as they ready for district games, with Pace winning its title and Milton and Pensacola Catholic close behind—teams play Friday to secure playoff spots.
Escambia meets Pine Forest and Pensacola Catholic faces South Walton on Oct. 24—each matchup will decide district titles and boost playoff chances.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The latest FHSAA football power rankings show Milton moved up to a projected No. 4 seed and may host a playoff game today, while Pace remains the top local team with a No. 2 seed.
Seven area teams are on track for the regional playoffs — including Escambia, Booker T. Washington and Pensacola Catholic—with key matchups scheduled in the coming weeks.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Catholic volleyball swept Freeport in the Region 1-3A quarterfinals, winning all matches+ and advancing to the next round of the tournament.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Matisyahu Concert
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — $66-$132 — Catch Matisyahu live with last-minute tickets available for an electrifying concert experience.
Nekrogoblikon Concert
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 · 2-5 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — Tickets starting at $52 — Experience a high-energy performance from the eccentric metal band Nekrogoblikon.
Cain Live in Concert
Thursday, October 30th, 2025 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Tickets from $30 — Enjoy an electrifying live performance by Cain at this historic venue.
Halloween Costume Contest
Friday, October 31st, 2025 · 6 p.m. — Flora-Bama — Contest entry fee varies — Show off your creativity and compete for prizes in a festive Halloween atmosphere.
Macon Mayhem vs Pensacola Ice Flyers
Saturday, November 1st, 2025 · 6:05-7:35 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Streaming available — Watch an exciting hockey showdown between two rivals in this anticipated match.