Daily
Pensacola
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The CivicCon Awards honored winners in ten categories, including a vegan cafe, a church that erased $6.5 million in medical debt, and a project that will open 429 acres for public use—nominations came from the community. The award ceremony will be held at the SCI Building on Dec. 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. and will be livestreamed on pnj.com and Facebook. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ Pensacola was ranked No. 8 on U.S. News and World Report’s Best Places to Live in Florida list for 2025-2026—its score of 6 out of 10 came just .4 points short of top-ranked Parkland, and the city also appeared on the Best Places to Retire and Best Places to Live in the U.S. lists. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ Over the weekend, community leaders cut the ribbon on the new VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center at Pensacola State College’s Milton Campus as House Representative Michelle Salzman and Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger joined to mark a new resource for veterans and their families. Later, a gala at the historic Pensacola Yacht Club brought keynote speakers Rudy Ruettiger and CAPT Chandra Newman together — messages that celebrated unity and support for local service members. Local Pulse
- ➤ The 18th Annual Fill the Mayflower food drive raised nearly 50,000 healthy meals for neighbors in need at Cordova Mall. Coastal Moving and Storage presented the event to benefit Manna Food Bank, which will use the donations to support its 18 food security programs in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties — boosting community efforts amid rising food requests. Local Pulse
- ➤ Local Pulse is launching three days of holiday giveaways starting today and continuing on November 29 and December 1 — the Instagram reels will show prizes from local businesses such as board games, massages, gift baskets and gift cards to ease holiday stress. Residents can join the giveaways by following the steps on each reel. Local Pulse
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University of West Florida announced Manny Diaz Jr. as the lone finalist for president after reviewing 84 applications—community members expressed concerns over the process and his lack of an earned doctorate, and a public forum along with an interview with the board will follow. Critics say the costly search wasted money and did not offer a broad pool of candidates. Pensacola News Journal
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ If you plan to walk off your Thanksgiving meal, Escambia County offers 13 trails for local residents to explore, from a short 0.32-mile scenic route at The Way to an 8.5-mile coastal journey at Pensacola Beach. The paths provide historic sites, nature views, and options for families and dog walkers + ensure a variety of outdoor experiences for everyone. Pensacola News Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pensacola began installing two Portland Loo bathrooms — one at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza and one at Blake Doyle Skatepark — after delays from high construction bids and utility issues; city officials expect the units to be finished by the end of November and are considering a new site for the fifth unit. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ Drivers in Escambia County are urged to slow down and move over when they see any vehicle stopped on the shoulder as a AAA study found 1 in 3 drivers ignore these laws—Pensacola police will deploy extra officers this holiday season to curb impaired driving. WEAR-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Nine-year-old Russell Maughon, who has Type 1 diabetes, gave out handmade bracelets with strong messages Tuesday to support other children with the condition; Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital will add the bracelets to welcome bags for new patients (an effort during National Diabetes Awareness Month). WEAR-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sixteen top NAIA women’s soccer teams will compete for the Red Banner from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8 at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in Pensacola—Pensacola Sports expects the tournament to boost economic activity and draw visitors from across the nation. Local Pulse
- ➤ The UWF Argos will face Newberry on Saturday at 1 p.m. in a playoff rematch after a comeback win over North Greenville followed an overtime loss to Valdosta, and they aim to avenge a 2021 playoff defeat; the game will be broadcast on ESPN Plus and ESPN Pensacola. Rick's Blog
- ➤ Pensacola Christian Academy head cross country coach Scott Cochran retired after eight seasons on Saturday, leading his Warriors to district championships and a girls' state title in 2023. He and his wife—who also retired—plan to hike the Appalachian Trail and run marathons this spring, noting the team needs a coach who can fully commit to year-round training. Pensacola News Journal
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Thanksgiving Feast at Five Sisters' Blues Café
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.
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Birmingham Bulls vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers
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.
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Fall Pensacola Outdoor Community Flea Market Extravaganza
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.
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Noche Tropical – Latin Night
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.
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Holiday Shopping Soirée for Childhood Cancer Research
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.
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Pensacola Downtown Holiday Market
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.
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Saint Nick Photoshoot
2-6 p.m. — Coastal County Brewing — Photo session fees apply — Capture festive memories with Santa Claus in a brewery setting this holiday season.
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Huntsville Havoc vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers
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.
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Pensacola Children's Chorus Concert
6:30 – 8:00 PM — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticketed event — Experience an enchanting evening with talented young vocalists showcasing their musical artistry.
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Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Pensacola
4-9 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — Tickets required — Wear your ugliest holiday sweater for a festive evening filled with games, contests, and cheer.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The creative adult is the child who survived.
~ Ursula K. Le Guin
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