Daily editionWednesday, November 5th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 5th of November.
Community
Downtown Pensacola kicks off the holiday season today at 5 p.m. when over a half-million lights are lit outside the Pensacola Museum of History—Santa will appear from 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and the festivities continue with Holiday Haul on Palafox and a weekly Holiday Edition at Palafox Market through Dec. 17.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Southwest Airlines will add a seasonal nonstop flight from Pensacola (PNS) to Baltimore next year.
Pensacola travelers can book a Saturday flight that departs at 4:20 p.m. with fares starting around $230 (per Southwest’s website).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
Today, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said that VT MAE at the airport now employs 638 workers—a 73.8% jump since December 31 with an average wage of $87,575.
Reeves noted that this increase in job numbers and pay is unprecedented.
Rick's BlogRead more
Government
Pensacola's Manna Food Bank—partnering with PenAir Credit Union—is distributing food to furloughed workers and military families impacted by the government shutdown and paused SNAP benefits.
Volunteers are handling increased demand as nearly 20,000 pounds of food is being prepared for distribution with a food and funds drive set for November 21.
WEAR-TVRead more
Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May has been named to co-lead the economic development platform in David Jolly’s 2026 gubernatorial campaign—he will work with Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers and bring Northwest Florida’s business experience to fight for affordable, quality opportunities statewide.
Rick's BlogRead more
Gulf Breeze is working to eliminate septic systems as residents in designated zones can convert to sewer service at little extra cost by paying only the required fees — the program, funded by $11 million from city reserves and a $12.2 million DEP grant, has seen 74% of offered participants opt in. Construction is underway in four zones with additional phases planned through 2028.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Escambia County Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. on November 6 in commission chambers at 221 Palafox Place to discuss an ordinance that preserves Navy Point Park as a public space—blocking new structures and any sale; District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler sponsors the measure, which can be repealed only by a unanimous vote.
Rick's BlogRead more
Lifestyle
Pensacola restaurants will offer Thanksgiving dining options on Nov. 27 — a mix of buffets, fixed-price menus, and holiday feasts with some venues accepting walk-ins and others requiring reservations.
Guests can choose from turkey plates, seasonal sides, and special add-ons like live music and craft cocktails at select locations.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Russ Potts Productions Inc., Legends Global and the Pensacola Bay Center have announced the inaugural Pensacola Invitational basketball tournament, which will be held November 22nd—23rd at the Bay Center and feature four college teams including Tennessee-Martin, Prairie View A&M, Southern Mississippi and North Florida. Exclusive presale tickets were available starting October 1st at 10 a.m. CT and public sales began October 3rd at 10 a.m. CT.
Local PulseRead more
Several Pensacola-area high school teams were nominated for the PNJ October Team of the Month award after earning district titles in volleyball, football, cross country, golf and swimming—public voting will remain open until November 10.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage
Friday, November 21st, 2025 · 5:00 – 6:30 PM — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Tickets available — Experience the beloved Peanuts holiday special brought to life on stage.
Downtown Disc Golf Experience
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 · 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Blue Wahoos Stadium — Cost info not specified — Navigate a unique disc golf course with local flair at a scenic stadium venue.