Daily editionFriday, October 24th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of October.
Community
Local organizations have announced several community events, including Brunch & Bubbles—set for Oct. 26 at Portofino Island Resort to benefit Gulf Coast Kid’s House—with guests set to enjoy champagne, brunch bites, and live entertainment.
UF/IFAS Escambia Extension’s Peanut Butter Challenge accepts donations until Nov. 24, Escambia County Animal Welfare will host a free pet adoption Howl-o-Ween event on Oct. 25, and Ascension Sacred Heart is launching a program to provide free medications to low-income residents.
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UWF and PSC received millions in Triumph grants while Ferry Pass announced plans for a new food truck court and local disc golfers hosted a Swig and Swap event on October 23rd.
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Bright Bridge Ministries is building a new South Wing with a $1.3 million grant from FloridaCommerce that will add 40 beds and expand services for people in need.
The ministry will host a Hard Hat Happy Hour on Tuesday, October 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 2600 W. Strong Street where visitors can tour the site, enjoy appetizers from Fresh Start Culinary graduates, and listen to live music by Jesse Bumann.
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Business
Local coffee roaster Alla Prima reported that its cost for a coffee pallet has nearly doubled as prices hit a 50-year high, putting pressure on local budgets.
Consumers are trying new ways to save money—buying beans in bulk and joining loyalty programs to help offset rising costs.
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The new VR Adventure Zone on Pensacola Beach will open in late October—bringing classic arcade-style attractions and virtual reality games for a fun interactive experience.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
UWF got a $32 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant to help build new labs and centers (for cybersecurity and smart computer research) as part of its $130 million campus plan.
Pensacola State College also got a $3.25 million grant to fix up Building 21 (a large space for training) so it can offer 970 new industry certificates.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane early Saturday and strengthen into a major hurricane by Monday morning as it moves near Jamaica — forecasters say the chances of a direct impact to Pensacola remain low.
The storm is tracking north before turning west-northwest, and its progress will be closely monitored as conditions evolve — officials urge residents to stay updated.
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Government
Residents in the Seville Historic District won their fight against the planned 10-unit condo — located at 672 E. Government St. — when the City Council voted 4-1 on Oct. 22 to send the ARB review back after it failed to follow proper procedure, and the proposal must be reheard before moving forward.
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Lifestyle
Pensacola baker Shanelle Long, owner of Indulgence Bakehouse, will appear on the Food Network’s Bake Master Battle on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.—she will compete in Halloween-themed challenges that honor Pensacola.
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Real Estate
Developer George Hawthorne proposed a $48M plan to renovate the vacant Grand Hotel—damaged by Hurricane Sally—into a full-service destination with a rooftop restaurant and adjacent food hall, but the city declined his request to sign a bond inducement letter for up to $45M in tax-exempt bonds on Oct. 13. He remains under contract to purchase the property and further talks on downtown redevelopment are expected to continue next year.
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Sports
Jay High School's volleyball team won its first district title in 30 years with a five-set win over Baker on Oct. 16 that ended Baker's 22-year title streak.
The Royals will host Cottondale in the Rural Region 1 semifinals on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola area high school football teams played on Oct 23 and will take the field today as they push for postseason spots—live updates from matchups like Gulf Breeze at Mosley and Escambia at Pine Forest are provided by The Pensacola News Journal.
The report includes game photos and a real-time scoreboard for local competitions.
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Pensacola Events
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.
Color The Void Concert
Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — The Handlebar — Ticketed event — Experience an evening of Alt Rock, Indie Pop, and Emo music with local talent.
Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival
Thursday, November 6th, 2025 · 5 PM — Flora-Bama — See website for cost — Celebrate the legacy of Frank Brown with live music from talented songwriters.