Daily editionThursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
Community
United Way of West Florida has set up an Emergency Relief Fund to help families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who still face missed paychecks and delayed SNAP benefits from the federal shutdown—even though it has ended.
The fund will support local nonprofits in helping households meet basic needs like food, utilities, and housing.
WEAR-TVRead more
Business
Patti Marine completed construction of an 800-ton dry dock funded with a matching $1.2M DOT grant and is already working on a Navy vessel— the expansion is expected to double the shipyard’s size and create more jobs in Pensacola over the next five years.
Rick's BlogRead more
Patti Marine launched its new 800-ton Dry Dock today—already serving a U.S. Navy vessel—and plans to expand its projects for commercial and government ships while marking 47 years in shipbuilding.
Local PulseRead more
Culture
After a brief government shutdown, the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola reopened on Nov 14 (free admission for all visitors).
Visitors aged 18 and older must show a REAL ID or valid passport and enter from the West Gate between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. (following all security requirements).
Local PulseRead more
Comedian Daniel Tosh will perform his My First Farewell Tour at Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.—tickets for the general public go on sale at 10 a.m. on Nov. 21 at Ticketmaster or in person.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Attorney and business leader Wilmer Mitchell died last week and was known for recounting how a $5,000 loan in 1967 helped Bob Snow open a venue that drew 400 people outside its doors in downtown Pensacola.
His family now runs Seville Quarter — a local landmark that preserves a treasured part of the city’s past.
Rick's BlogRead more
Santa Rosa Band Creek Fest '25 in Milton will honor Muscogee heritage on Nov.22 and Nov.23 at 4750 Willard Norris Road, featuring a new Native American roundhouse that stands 54 feet tall by 80 feet wide.
The roundhouse—built with modern materials—will host dancing, storytelling, and craft demonstrations to share the band's traditions with guests.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
On November 17, the UWF College of Business inducted 13 leaders into its Hall of Fame at the UWF Conference Center in Pensacola.
Dean Scott Keller said the honorees showed bold ideas and strong dedication that have enriched the college and local community.
Rick's BlogRead more
The University of West Florida’s new AI specialization in its B.S. in Cybersecurity program was validated by the NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Artificial Intelligence Program of Study through 2030, making it the second institution to receive the approval + one of only 6 schools among over 495 recognized nationwide.
University of West FloridaRead more
Seventeen Escambia County Public Schools were recognized by the Florida Department of Education as Purple Star Schools of Distinction for the 2025-2026 school year — a program that requires a military contact, a dedicated webpage, and transition support for military families — underscoring the schools’ commitment to addressing the needs of military-connected students.
WEAR-TVRead more
Lifestyle
Local restaurants across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are taking pre-orders for Thanksgiving meals to go — choices include complete family dinners and a la carte options to ease holiday cooking.
Pensacola diners can order by calling or visiting each restaurant’s website to pick up ready-to-reheat meals on set dates.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola will host many Thanksgiving events this week—starting with a pre-gaming party at Coastal County Brewing at 11 a.m. on Nov. 26 and Turkey Trots for adults and kids at Seville Square and Pensacola Beach on Nov. 27, followed by a potluck dinner at Flora-Bama and a college night party at Seville Quarter; a Winterfest Elf Parade will take place on Nov. 28 and a Christmas Crafts & Drafts event is planned for Nov. 30 and Dec. 7.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola schools (in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties) will be closed for the Thanksgiving break while local organizations will offer free meal supplies for families in need.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts warm, sunny weather for the Florida Panhandle on Thanksgiving, and local restaurants and grocery stores will offer pre-cooked meals and dinner specials (helping residents plan their holiday gatherings).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Huntsville Havoc vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 · 6:05-7:35 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — $5 Night — Celebrate Thanksgiving early with discounted tickets and thrilling hockey action.
Thanksgiving Feast at Five Sisters' Blues Café
Thursday, November 27th, 2025 · 11 a.m.-7 p.m. — Five Sisters Blues Cafe — $24.95 for adults — Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings in a vibrant blues café atmosphere.
Birmingham Bulls vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers
Saturday, November 29th, 2025 · 6:05-7:35 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Check FloHockey to catch the action with the Birmingham Bulls taking on your local Ice Flyers.
Fall Pensacola Outdoor Community Flea Market Extravaganza
Sunday, November 30th, 2025 · 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park — $2 entry, kids free — Declutter or shop at this vibrant community flea market with food trucks on site.
Noche Tropical – Latin Night
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — Phineas Phogg's — Special drink offers available — Enjoy a vibrant night of Latin dances and a lively DJ set in downtown Pensacola.
Holiday Shopping Soirée for Childhood Cancer Research
Friday, December 5th, 2025 · 4-10 p.m. — 220 W Garden St, Pensacola, FL — Free entry — Kick off the holiday season while supporting childhood cancer research with local shopping and festive fun.
Pensacola Downtown Holiday Market
Saturday, December 6th, 2025 · 10 AM – 5 PM — Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park — $5 Entry — A festive market featuring local vendors, food trucks, live music, and holiday cheer for all ages.
Saint Nick Photoshoot
Sunday, December 7th, 2025 · 2-6 p.m. — Coastal County Brewing — Photo session fees apply — Capture festive memories with Santa Claus in a brewery setting this holiday season.