Daily editionFriday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
Community
SNAP benefits will not be distributed on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown, leaving many low-income families without grocery funds.
Pensacola residents can visit local food banks and Manna Food Pantries—located at 3030 North E Street, with donations accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Marine 1st Lt. Chris Holzworth started the Semper Fi 5K Charity Run 41 years ago to help children of Marines lost in the 1983 Beirut bombing, and the race has raised nearly $800,000 for local nonprofits supporting kids.
The event on Nov. 8 will start and end at Seville Quarter—registration fees are $20 for active-duty military and $35 for general registration before Nov. 1, rising to $40 on Nov. 2.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
ReadyKids! invites local volunteers to mentor pre-K students in its ReadingPals program by committing 45 minutes weekly—an effort aimed at boosting literacy and social-emotional skills in Escambia County—while the Junior League of Pensacola will hold its annual Pins for a Purpose fundraiser on Nov 1 at Cordova Lanes, Gulf Winds Credit Union donated $20,000 to Studer Family Children’s Hospital, and a veteran support event was held Oct 30 at Smoothie King in Pace.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
During a press event on October 29, the Friends of Downtown unveiled the Afterburn installation above Intendencia St.—a centerpiece of the Foo Foo Festival that runs from October 30 through November 10.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
Visit Pensacola's report showed that 2.5 million visitors spent over $1.3 billion and raised more than $22 million in Tourism Development Dollars across Escambia County—challenges with the Pensacola Bay Center limited large events.
Officials noted a steady decline in Canadian visitors and said they would continue marketing to these travelers despite facility limits—hoping to boost local tourism further.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
The NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is set for November 14-15 but Congressman Jimmy Patronis said it will be cancelled if the shutdown continues—he noted the event draws tens of thousands and is a local icon.
WEAR-TVRead more
Health
The Florida Department of Health released its report on fetal and infant deaths on October 1, which reviews factors that affect mother and baby health in Region 1.
The Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition led the reviews to find ways to improve care and prevent these deaths.
Rick's BlogRead more
Sports
Pensacola high school football teams played on Oct. 30 and are competing today as part of Week 11 with live updates of scores, written reports, photos, and a full matchup schedule—fans can follow their local teams as they gear up for state playoffs in November.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola area swimmers and divers competed at the District 1-3A championships where seven local athletes earned individual titles and Niceville claimed the team title—qualifiers will advance to the Region 1-3A meet in Tallahassee on Nov. 5.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola native Derrick Brooks, an NFL Hall of Famer, is joining USF Athletics as Chief Operating Officer effective immediately—he will help boost sports tourism and generate more revenue for the department.
Brooks, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star, is well known for his local charity work—hosting golf tournaments and donating shoes.
WEAR-TVRead more
The top-ranked Florida Gators will open their season against number 13 Arizona on November 3rd after last season’s buzzer-beater win in the NCAA title game.
Other teams (Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Florida State, and West Florida) have scheduled openers as they prepare for a competitive season.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Memphis May Fire Concert
Monday, November 17th, 2025 · 6:00-7:30 PM — Vinyl Music Hall — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the uplifting sounds of Memphis May Fire, a band spreading hope through music.
Floyd Nation Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute
Thursday, November 20th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Experience a tribute to 50 years of Pink Floyd's iconic music.