Daily editionThursday, December 4th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of December.
Community
City staff met with Mike Kimberl Monday afternoon to set guidelines for permitting the weekly Food Not Bombs meal share at MLK Plaza.
The event (providing free hot meals since 2011) will continue even after recent disruptions.
WUWFRead more
Business
Greystar, the nation's largest rental company, will pay $23 million in refunds to tenants misled by hidden fees, according to the FTC (a federal trade body), with local officials evaluating the impact on properties in Escambia County.
The settlement ends costly litigation without admitting wrongdoing.
WEAR-TVRead more
Culture
Pensacola Mardi Gras announced a temporary parade route change that shifts parades one block east to Jefferson due to Palafox construction starting Jan. 5, and it will host Tuesday night second-line processionals to support local businesses while kicking off the season with a parade in reverse on Saturday, Jan. 3.
Rick's BlogRead more
Ballet Pensacola’s retelling of The Nutcracker is set to dazzle audiences at the Saenger Theatre from Dec. 19 to Dec. 21 with new choreography + sparkling costumes.
The show will feature performances by professional dancers and academy students, promising a magical holiday treat for the community.
Local PulseRead more
Nook and Quill, a mobile bookstore run by entrepreneur Shelby Carter, rolled into Pace in August.
The trailer visits community spots like Alyssa’s Gift Market (a pop-up location), and Carter plans to secure a permanent site along Highway 98.
Local PulseRead more
Government
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards are holding tryouts for a job paying $19.76 an hour.
Tryouts will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 20 at the University of West Florida Aquatic Center (11000 University Parkway, Building 72) where applicants must bring certifications and pass physical tests.
Local PulseRead more
Gov. DeSantis' appointees for the University of West Florida board face a Senate confirmation hearing at 10 a.m. CT today and recently joined the Pensacola State College District board.
Pensacola attorney Ed Fleming and Heritage Foundation legal fellow Zack Smith bring local ties to higher education oversight.
Rick's BlogRead more
Health
Pensacola healthcare experts urge residents to get a high dose flu shot as a new strain, Subclade K, spreads and cases rise in the region.
Doctors say symptoms remain typical and advise extra caution for seniors and vulnerable groups during this flu season.
WEAR-TVRead more
Sports
Coach Stephanie Yelton discussed on a podcast the Lady Argos’ rough start, citing road games in Orlando, Puerto Rico, and Columbus State as key learning moments while using all 14 players.
The team returns home today to face Alabama Huntsville at 5:30 p.m. and West Alabama at 2 p.m.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pine Forest linebacker Demetress Mosley signed on Wednesday to play Division I football for the University of South Alabama in Mobile — less than two hours from Pensacola — and he brings intensity and a positive spirit as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola will host 36 professional drivers this weekend as the 300-lap main race is scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 pm.
Rain on Friday forced organizers to move the modified mayhem race to Monday, which prompts drivers to adjust their practice sessions.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pace football's 4-star offensive lineman Grant Wise signed with Clemson University early on Wednesday, marking a significant step in his athletic career as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Steps to Success Holiday Social
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 · 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
Friday, December 19th, 2025 · 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.
Huntsville Havoc vs Pensacola Ice Flyers
Saturday, December 20th, 2025 · 6:05-7:35 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Stream available on FloHockey — Enjoy an exciting hockey match as the Havoc face off against the Ice Flyers.