Good morning, Pensacola.

Several new restaurant projects are underway across Pensacola—with national chains such as Raising Cane’s and McAlister’s Deli and local spots like Biscuit Belly, Insomnia Cookies, and an upscale makeover at The 5 Barrel—set to open later this year or early next year as developments continue at areas like Ransley Station and East Nine Mile.

A new photo gallery shows how Pensacola celebrated Christmas in decades past—families picked trees and joined holiday parades that brought the season to life.

The images offer a look back at cherished traditions and invite locals to reflect on festive memories.

Escambia County signed a contract with Pensacola State College to train future paramedics through a scholarship program.

On November 25th, Emergency Medical instructor Don Lee taught a class as part of the initiative—students took notes during the lecture.

Escambia County will begin replacing the Pensacola Bay Fishing Bridge this December after Hurricane Sally damaged it in September 2020—Russell Marine, LLC is the main contractor and the project will cost $22,873,000.

The new bridge will mirror the original design and include upgrades to meet FEMA and county standards, and it will remain closed until it is completed by summer.

Pensacola’s Institute for Humanoid and Machine Cognition has introduced Alex, a new robot powered by electricity and government funds that will soon test its ability to climb stairs and move on rough ground outside the lab (replacing Nadia, the first robot that played ping pong) (to help guide future rescue work).

Pensacola sports fans have cast votes for the Florida Power & Light PNJ Athlete of the Week awards — Pensacola Catholic’s Sam Quebedeaux and Gulf Breeze’s Kenna Borras won last week while new girls nominees from basketball and wrestling have been announced.

Voting closes at 11 a.m. Saturday and winners will be announced each Monday, with each recipient getting a PNJ Athlete of the Week shirt from BSN SPORTS.

PNJ hosted its weekly poll (for Nov.

24–29) for Pensacola’s top boys and girls athletes, asking local fans to vote on nominees including Kade Calderon and Jayden Coleman. Voting closed at 11 a.m. Saturday and winners were announced today (each winner received a PNJ Athlete of the Week shirt from BSN SPORTS).

The University of West Florida Argos lost their NCAA Division II semifinal game to Newberry College 24-17 Saturday at PenAir Field—Newberry scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter after UWF’s starting quarterback sustained a head injury.

This loss marks the second playoff upset by Newberry in five years, and UWF now looks to refocus on recruiting for 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Paws for the Clause - Ugly Sweater Pup Paw-ty

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.

Steps to Success Holiday Social

6-8 p.m. — 8Fifty Event Center — Free admission — Celebrate 9 years of community impact with networking, live music, and family fun.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — First United Methodist Church — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed by the Palafox String Quartet by candlelight.