Daily editionWednesday, October 29th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of October.
Community
The Honor HER Foundation in Pensacola provides housing and essential services to homeless women veterans through community donations and volunteer work led by veteran Barbara Francis.
The center was founded by late Navy veteran Nancy Bullock-Prevot who secured a building through faith and persistence—her legacy lives on through ongoing local support.
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Nights in Lights by MSEG began installing holiday lights last week at Blue Wahoos Stadium for 'Wahoos Winter Nights,' a walk-through display scheduled 6—9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting December 5.
From December 19 through December 23, the event will be open daily and feature Santa visits, community Christmas trees, festive food and drink, and holiday movie nights every Sunday at 6:30.
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Plans have been submitted for a 2,116-square-foot wellness wing at the Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA in Navarre—proposing a space for adult fitness classes and wellness activities.
The proposed addition will be built between the main building and the pool if county officials approve the project—no review date has been set yet.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Pensacola High School will host about 300 seventh and eighth graders in the new Middle School Scholars magnet program starting fall 2026, with the students housed in a dedicated wing that includes separate classes and lunch times—parents can learn more at an Expo on Oct. 28, an open house on Nov. 1, and enrollment is open until Dec. 5.
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The University of West Florida’s School of Education hosted its yearly Doctoral Residency on campus, where students, alumni and staff learned together during a weekend of workshops and talks.
The event also marked the start of its sixth group of new doctoral students — a milestone that linked classroom ideas with real work.
University of West FloridaRead more
Environment
International Paper’s Cantonment mill spilled nearly 2 million gallons of treated wastewater and stormwater into Eleven Mile Creek after heavy rains caused an overflow that began at midnight on Oct. 27 and lasted for seven hours—state permits were met and water tests confirmed no environmental threat.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Escambia County recorded an infant mortality rate of 7.3 per 1,000 births in 2024 with 27 infant deaths and notable racial disparities, prompting Rep. Michelle Salzman to form a 16-member Maternal Health Task Force that met on Oct 24 and Rep. Alex Andrade to seek funds in the 2026-27 budget next week — both lawmakers aim to lower the rate.
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County officials are moving ahead with the South Navy Boulevard Improvement Plan to add new bike lanes, a turnaround for traffic, and a small park near Bayou Grande to clean up the area as veterans pass through; officials also noted the removal of rundown properties and increased federal support for the project.
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Pensacola removed the skate park equipment from Gull Point Resource Center last week as a safety inspection showed it had worn out—and city officials are exploring ideas to improve the space while other park upgrades continue under the Directions ‘25 initiative.
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Lifestyle
This week, locals came together to honor Monsignor Crawford, reconnect with childhood friends, and enjoy gatherings like a dinner at Global Grill, a kindergarten mom meetup at Union Public House, and the 41st Sacred Heart Cathedral Pumpkin Run.
A Rat Pack event supported the Council on Aging—a reminder that Pensacola thrives on the bonds of community and shared fellowship.
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Sports
Pensacola Catholic volleyball beat North Bay Haven Charter Academy in a reverse sweep—winning the sets 20-25, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17, 16-14—to secure its first regional title since 2015 and move to the 3A state semifinals on Nov. 3 at Polk State College’s Winter Haven Health Center.
Jay lost to Chipley in the Rural Region 1 final, ending a historic season for the team.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
American Magic announced on Oct. 28 that it will not join the 38th America’s Cup — scheduled for 2027 in Naples — because the team found the current rules insufficient for a competitive and financially sustainable campaign.
The team remains committed to Pensacola and will focus on athlete and technology development while preparing to move into its new $20 million headquarters at the Port of Pensacola in November.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Pensacola Catholic boys golf team won its fifth straight district title at Eagle Springs Golf and Rec Park in DeFuniak Springs, and both they and Northview qualified for the Region 1-1A championship on Nov. 4.
West Florida senior Abby Vernier won the District 1-2A girls event at Sandestin Resort & Club in Destin with a round of 65— the lowest score by any Pensacola area girls golfer this fall.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Pensacola News Journal is hosting a poll for voters to pick the front-runner for the PNJ Boys and Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year from five nominees each based on regular season performances + voting ends November 3 at 10 a.m. The poll does not affect the PNJ all-area postseason teams and comes as the regular season wraps up before upcoming district, regional, and state championship meets.
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Pensacola Events
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.
Pensacola Greek Festival
Friday, November 7th, 2025 · 11 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. — Pensacola Greek Festival — Admission varies — Celebrate 65 years of Greek culture with traditional dances and delicious cuisine.
Christmas Creations Holiday Market
Saturday, November 8th, 2025 · 4-8 PM — 6 E Wright St, Pensacola, FL — Free entry — Discover handmade treasures and unique holiday gifts from local artisans.
Suerte Tequila Dinner
Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 · 5:00-10:00 p.m. — Restaurant Iron — $125 + tax & gratuity — Experience a five-course meal paired with Suerte Tequila cocktails in a cozy Southern dining atmosphere.
Fayetteville Marksmen vs Pensacola Ice Flyers
Friday, November 14th, 2025 · 7:05 – 11:05 PM — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket prices not specified — Experience thrilling ice hockey action as the Fayetteville Marksmen take on the Pensacola Ice Flyers.
Fall Pensacola Food Truck Fest
Saturday, November 15th, 2025 · 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park — $5, kids 12 and under free — Experience a vibrant festival of food trucks, live music, and fun activities for the whole family.