Daily editionFriday, November 28th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 28th of November.
Community
Gulf Winds Credit Union donated $20,000 to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity during the annual Women Build event and its staff volunteered to help build a house for a family in need—supporting the new home with community messages on pink framing boards.
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Regular Charlie Hicks received a dinner delivery at his temporary home in Warrington on November 21 after Shrimp Basket staff saved his life when they found him in need of medical help in September — manager Donell Stallworth said the team acted quickly to call 911 — with Hicks saying he is grateful for their help.
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Pensacola Beach will host holiday events that start with a Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 5 featuring a fireworks show and a kids’ party at Shaggy’s Harbor Bar — the festive schedule continues with a Surfin’ Santa Beach Parade on Dec. 7, New Year’s Eve fireworks, and a Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day to benefit the local chamber.
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Culture
The Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade ran from the early 2000s until it ended in 2013 due to rowdiness, featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, riders on horseback and unexpected throws like Slim Jims, peanuts and ramen packs.
The event remains a notable part of local history — a quirky holiday tradition that many recall — and stands out for its unconventional celebrations.
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Government
Pensacola city council approved contracts to demolish the old Baptist Hospital on Moreno Street, with work set to begin in December and finish in 2027.
Some residents, including longtime neighbor Patrick Cardwell, worry about a lack of clear plans for the site's future redevelopment — they want more openness and choices like a park or affordable housing.
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Health
At the Pensacola Beach Turkey Trot, 2,025 participants raised more than $35,000 for Duke University's brain cancer research — the fundraiser honored a family member's recovery and has grown over 15 years while fighting a disease that claimed over 18,000 lives last year.
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Lifestyle
Pensacola restaurants will host eight Santa/Grinch-themed holiday brunch events in December — featuring festive menus, cookie decorating, and charitable toy drives — with advance reservations required.
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Pensacola residents began their holiday season at Bailey's Produce and Nursery on November 26th when shoppers including Haleigh Williams and Wes Hudson picked fresh cut Christmas trees for their homes.
The nursery trimmed and wrapped each tree for safe transport as local families prepared to celebrate the season.
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Santa Rosa County has published a list of 12 scenic trails for residents to burn off Thanksgiving dinner and enjoy nature at historic sites—such as Arcadia Mill with museum displays and paved routes like Blackwater Heritage State Trail open from 8 a.m. until sundown.
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Sports
The UWF football team held an early practice on Thanksgiving and is now preparing to host Newberry College in an NCAA Division II playoff game on Saturday that could move them one game away from the semifinals.
Head coach Kaleb Nobles—an NCAA Division II Coach of the Year nominee—stressed that maintaining routine is key despite holiday distractions.
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Pensacola Events
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.
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Pensacola
Saturday, December 13th, 2025 · 4-9 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — Tickets required — Wear your ugliest holiday sweater for a festive evening filled with games, contests, and cheer.
Paws for the Clause - Ugly Sweater Pup Paw-ty
Sunday, December 14th, 2025 · 2-6 p.m. — Coastal County Brewing — Free entry — Celebrate the season with your pups in festive ugly sweaters and enjoy a day of fun, treats, and community cheer.