Daily editionSaturday, November 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of November.
Community
This Thanksgiving, Waterfront Rescue Mission will serve 1,500 free meals in Pensacola from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 348 W. Herman Ave, and Harbor Docks in Destin will host its 31st annual feast for about 2,000 people from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.—both events support community members facing rising costs.
WUWFRead more
Pensacola residents can help fill an interactive map of Christmas lights displays in Escambia and Santa Rosa by entering their address, number of lights, and a short description into a form — the map will be updated throughout the holiday season.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
One thousand families in need in Pensacola received Thanksgiving turkey dinners from the Watson Firm's annual giveaway on Friday morning at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds—local partners helped distribute the meals amid rising living costs.
The event provided crucial support for residents facing high food and utility prices during the holiday season.
WEAR-TVRead more
The Watson Family Foundation provided Thanksgiving meals to 1,000 families during its 9th annual giveaway at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds last night—over 700 cars lined up early to secure their orders.
Volunteers from local organizations helped distribute turkeys, hams, and groceries amid rising costs, meeting urgent community needs.
FOX 10Read more
Business
Quint Studer is launching an interest-free loan program to help downtown Pensacola businesses affected by the upcoming Reimagine Palafox street reconstruction scheduled from January 5 to May 24, and Mort O’Sullivan will manage applications based on past financial statements and current projections. Approved businesses will receive unsecured loans to cover cash flow gaps during construction and must repay within two years after the project ends.
Rick's BlogRead more
Retailers in Florida will start early Black Friday deals as many stores close for Thanksgiving and reopen with set hours—Walmart and Target will open at 6 a.m. on November 28 while others begin online sales ahead of time.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Families in Pensacola can enjoy festive holiday light displays including Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display at 7650 Sowell Road in Milton, open nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 25, downtown Pensacola’s Winterfest through Dec. 24, Christmas Zoobilee at Gulf Breeze Zoo on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14, and Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens, open from 5 to 9 p.m. until Jan. 6 — each event offering lights, rides and treats to spark the season.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Mobile band The Red Clay Strays won Vocal Group of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards.
The group, which once performed on Pensacola's StudioAmped, also earned Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards plus a Billboard Music Award for Top Country Group.
Rick's BlogRead more
Education
Pensacola State College dedicated its new Mission Next Center (a hub for military veterans and active-duty personnel to access community services) on its Milton campus on Nov. 21.
The center will provide veterans a one-stop resource to connect with local support.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Pensacola administrative offices, City Hall, and community resource centers will be closed on November 27 and November 28 for Thanksgiving—sanitation collection schedules will also change due to the holiday.
City of PensacolaRead more
IHMC unveiled Alex — an 85kg humanoid robot built for disaster and military operations — on Wednesday in Pensacola; the project is funded by the Office of Naval Research to advance field-ready robotics design.
Rick's BlogRead more
Sports
Pensacola's Five Flags Speedway will host the 58th annual Snowball Derby from Dec. 4—7 where 36 racers, including two-time champion Kyle Busch, will compete on a half-mile oval.
Race fans from around the country are expected to attend the event—boosting local hotels and restaurants as the area prepares for a busy weekend.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Pensacola Children's Chorus Concert
Friday, December 12th, 2025 · 6:30 – 8:00 PM — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticketed event — Experience an enchanting evening with talented young vocalists showcasing their musical artistry.