Good morning, Pensacola.

Pensacola Interstate Fair officials are keeping nearly 60 rides safe for families with daily inspections since Tuesday.

Carnival company Reithoffer Shows + the Florida Department of Agriculture work together to ensure every ride meets strict safety standards.

Haunted houses and trails across Pensacola will open for Halloween today (after delays from Hurricane Isaias), offering spooky attractions for residents and visitors.

SailGP has launched its training base at the Port of Pensacola to host American Magic’s training camps through February, while plans for Birdon aim to create up to 2,000 shipbuilding jobs and support an inland port that would expand cargo storage, local studies said + federal partners back the effort.

Pensacola State College named Michael S.

Payne as its vice president of academic and student affairs on Wednesday (Oct. 21), replacing Erin Spicer whose contract will be honored through June 30. The appointment follows the decision to not renew contracts for Spicer and Grover Robinson.

A $2 million anonymous donation set up the George G. and Pattie O.

Stone Endowed Scholarship Fund at George Stone Technical College to pay full tuition for up to 30 students each year. Scholarships will begin in the 2027-28 school year at its Longleaf Drive campus.

At a Tuesday meeting, the Escambia County school board removed 306 state-listed books from libraries and media centers (273 of which are in school libraries), passing the motion 4-0 amid debate over whether the texts are age-appropriate.

Local insurance agent Josh Marriott warns Pensacola homeowners that filing a hurricane claim for damages below the deductible could raise future rates, so he advises verifying damage with a roofer (for example, a 2%-5% deductible on a $280,000 home may require paying $5,000–$14,000 out of pocket) before filing a claim.

City Manager Ed Spears said 60% of Milton's buildings sustained damage from Hurricane Isaias and cleanup is only 25% complete.

Crews plan to make three passes over six square miles to clear debris (residents should exercise caution around debris).

Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola has named Rick Metzger as its new CEO, and he will focus on boosting charity care and addressing the mental health crisis through expanded emergency departments and legislative efforts.

His journey from orderly to nurse gives him a unique insight (a full clinical view) to improve patient care.