Daily editionFriday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
Community
Three local groups will host free Thanksgiving food events in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with a drive-up turkey and ham giveaway at Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds on Nov. 21, a drive-thru dinner at Epps Christian Center on Nov. 22, and holiday meal boxes at designated spots in Milton and Pensacola on Nov. 25. A food donation drive, Fill the Mayflower, will run at Cordova Mall from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 for those wishing to help local families.
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United Way of West Florida announced its Emergency Relief Fund today to help local families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties dealing with delayed SNAP benefits and missed paychecks after a federal shutdown — the fund will give grants to local nonprofits to support food, utilities and housing, and community members are encouraged to donate.
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Business
Prime & Beyond Wagyu Steakhouse will open in mid-January at 650 E. Nine Mile Road and will serve Texas-raised Akaushi beef in an upscale yet affordable menu.
Chef Wayan Sumadi, who recently sold Sake Café, will lead the restaurant and design a modern venue for up to 200 diners — it will feature private event space and a wine cellar.
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Most major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy will close on Thanksgiving in the Florida Panhandle—while stores such as CVS, Walgreens, Starbucks, and Wawa operate on varied hours.
Shoppers can also rely on Bass Pro Shops, Family Dollar, and similar outlets for last-minute essential needs.
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Frontier Airlines will launch nonstop flights from Pensacola International Airport to Orlando International Airport twice a week starting Feb. 13, 2026—tickets at introductory rates as low as $29 will be available until 11:59 p.m. ET on Nov. 26 with select travel blackout dates in February, March, and April.
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Culture
A sold-out gala celebrated 35 years of the African American Heritage Society when 200 guests gathered to honor co-founder Dr. Christine Fulwylie with a dandy-themed event that showed Black style—blending African American and European traditions.
The group has spent three decades sharing local African American history and keeping this legacy alive.
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Economy
Okaloosa County and Visit Pensacola entered a $1.5 million agreement to reef the historic SS United States near Pensacola, scheduled for early 2026 once environmental and safety inspections are completed — the ship will lie 32 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass.
Local tourism leaders expect the new artificial reef to boost diving tourism, with the vessel placed about 12 nautical miles from the already reefed USS Oriskany — a setup that promises significant benefits for Northwest Florida's diving industry.
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Education
An audit report revealed that Florida’s school choice program overspent nearly $398 million for the 2024-25 school year and left school districts with funding gaps, while the Department of Education said it took steps (including reducing duplicate payments) to address the shortfall. State Sen. Gaetz announced he will file a bill this week to restructure funding and improve tracking of scholarship funds.
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The University of West Florida ranked No. 15 on the Best for Vets: Colleges list and No. 1 on the Best for Vets: Education Employers list by Military Times.
The ranking reflects UWF's strong military support programs — including VetSuccess and veteran recruitment efforts that help guide students and employees.
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Government
State regulators approved a four-year rate settlement that will increase FPL customers’ bills by about $6.9 billion over the period, with traditional service areas seeing rates rise from $134.14 to $136.64 in 2026 while Northwest Florida customers see a small decrease to $141.36 before later increases. Consumer advocates plan to challenge the settlement at the Florida Supreme Court—arguing that the allowed return on equity of 10.95% is excessive.
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Sports
Taylor Clements, West Florida’s first swim state champion, signed with West Virginia University to join its women’s swimming team after winning the 2A girls 50 free and 100 breaststroke state titles on Nov. 7.
She earned PNJ Girls Swimmer of the Year honors for two seasons and will train for NCAA Division I competitions going forward.
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Fifteen Pensacola area high school girls basketball players were named as top players to watch for the 2025-26 season in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties—highlighting talents from Booker T. Washington, Jay and other schools as teams begin their campaigns today.
The list features returning Florida State signee Chamiah Francis along with new head coaches at Central, Gulf Breeze and Pine Forest who aim to build on last season’s near-state runs.
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Pensacola Events
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.
Huntsville Havoc vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers
Thursday, December 11th, 2025 · 6:05-7:35 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Ice Flyers as they take on the Havoc during College Night festivities.