Good morning, Pensacola.

Local veterans organizations helped nearly 900 displaced NAS Guantanamo Bay families at NAS Pensacola on Wednesday by serving free hamburgers and over 1,000 hot dogs—donations including baby food, Halloween costumes and coloring books for children were welcomed at AmVets Post 292 on Dogtrack Road from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bright Bridge Ministries in Pensacola will nearly double its men's shelter capacity from 50 to 90 beds with a $1.3 million grant for renovations—this project is expected to finish in 4 to 6 months and add rooms for veterans while expanding support services for residents.

At a City Council meeting on October 23, downtown business owners warned that the $10.3 million Reimagining Palafox project will harm local shops by closing a key street from January to June and reducing parking spaces, which could force long-standing businesses to close.

City officials said they will support merchants with free street parking and a marketing campaign—steps intended to ease the coming disruption.

Tacos Mexicanos on N 12th Ave. in East Hill will close permanently on Nov.

30 — the owner explained that moving his family back to Mexico due to immigration issues prompted the decision — and he thanked customers for their support over the years.

Pensacola butchers reported that American beef prices have surged as the domestic cattle supply hit its lowest point since 1951 due to COVID cuts and drought—prices for hamburger meat have doubled and beef fat has tripled with local shops also using imported stock.

The University of West Florida School of Education received a $578,792 NSF grant to lead a four-year project comparing virtual reality simulations with traditional peer-teaching methods for preparing future STEM educators.

The project—part of a larger $1,498,899 award involving five universities—will engage about 250 college students in hands-on research.

Nearly 2 million gallons of treated wastewater spilled into Eleven Mile Creek near International Paper Mill in Cantonment on Monday after heavy rains on Sunday.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said tests confirmed no environmental threat—permit requirements were met during the spill.

Steve Rosseti, president of the American Logistics Association, said that if the shutdown continues, commissaries—supplying over one million households—could lose orders next week and may begin closing early December.

Congressman Jimmy Patronis opposed plans to privatize the stores that help military families save money and expects no changes before after the November elections.

State Rep. Alex Andrade of Pensacola is proposing Medicaid changes to cut preventable infant deaths that disproportionately affect Black families.

He revealed his outcomes-based plan on a podcast and will hold committee hearings next week with experts to set clear goals with major insurers — aiming to improve maternal and infant care.

Pensacola Coastal Cat Cafe owner Adrienne Brynteson is stranded in Jamaica after her flight was canceled by Hurricane Melissa — she rescued a blind kitten from a beach amid heavy wind and debris.

She will remain on the island until Sunday while she seeks local adoption options or plans to bring the kitten back home.

Escambia County will host the SEC Soccer Tournament at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park from Nov.

2 to Nov. 9 with the top 12 women’s soccer teams vying for the title—District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said he looks forward to welcoming teams and fans and praised local staff and Pensacola Sports.

Pensacola-based American Magic announced yesterday that it will not compete in the 38th America's Cup due to disagreements with the event’s structure and financial framework.

The team said it will focus on long-term development—expanding operations at its new local headquarters and strengthening programs for athletes and technology.

Halloween Costume Contest

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

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

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

5 PM — Flora-Bama — See website for cost — Celebrate the legacy of Frank Brown with live music from talented songwriters.

Pensacola Greek Festival

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

4-8 PM — 6 E Wright St, Pensacola, FL — Free entry — Discover handmade treasures and unique holiday gifts from local artisans.

Suerte Tequila Dinner

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.

Ice Flyers Adult Jersey Giveaway Night

7:05-11:05 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket info available online — Be one of the first 1,500 adults to snag an exclusive Navy Ice Flyers Giveaway Jersey.

Paddling the Pensacola Waterfront

9-11 a.m. — Bartram Park — Free participation — Enjoy a social paddle exploring the downtown Pensacola waterfront and learn about local marine ecosystems.

RHCSA Exam Preparation Training

November 17-21 — Hope For Tomorrow Safety Services, LLC — $2250 — Fast-paced, comprehensive course for aspiring RHCSA certified professionals.