Daily editionTuesday, December 9th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 9th of December.
Community
Blue Wahoos Stadium will host Wahoos Winter Nights from Dec. 12 to 14 and Dec. 19 to 23 — an interactive walk-through display featuring Santa, mascot Kazoo, a craft area, a bounce house, Sunday movie nights, and a grand fireworks finale on Dec. 23.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Denny's employees report not being paid since before Thanksgiving — over 50 say bounced or missing checks have left them struggling to cover essentials like rent and food.
Management has not yet responded to these grievances.
WEAR-TVRead more
Johnny Brusco's New York Style Pizza opened its new Pensacola location on Dec. 8 at 1491 W. Nine Mile Road.
The pizzeria offers specialty pizzas, Italian dinners, oven-baked subs & custom items like the Blue Angelrita cocktail with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
McAlister’s Deli® will open Monday, Dec. 15 at 9496 W. Hwy 98, suites 400 and 500 with a grand opening beginning at 10:00 a.m. The first 100 guests will receive a free Club for a Year giveaway at 10:30 a.m., and a Community Heroes event will run Saturday, Dec. 13 (12:00–2:00 p.m.).
Local PulseRead more
Economy
Local residents are cashing in by renting parking spots in their yards for Snowball Derby fans today near the racetrack—some charging $20 per spot as the event is expected to draw thousands.
WEAR-TVRead more
Education
Pensacola News Journal is holding its weekly Student of the Week poll today by featuring six top nominees from local high schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa County.
Voting ends Friday at noon on pnj.com (six candidates were nominated by school officials).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Local high schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties celebrated their top student when West Florida High School’s Carly Anderson earned 56 percent of the vote as Student of the Week for Dec. 1-5 (new voting begins Dec. 8).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The University of West Florida will host its 12th annual Women in Leadership Conference on March 12, 2026 at the UWF Conference Center and virtually, offering sessions that help women advance in leadership roles.
Tickets go on sale Dec. 8, with discounts available for alumni, active duty military & veterans and large groups.
University of West FloridaRead more
Government
Pensacola City Council will consider a $310,000 contract with Bayou District Consulting to advise on redeveloping the former Baptist Hospital campus in west Pensacola.
The deal, starting with 180 days of public meetings (stakeholder sessions and town halls), will guide a project that supports local needs and preserves neighborhood character.
Rick's BlogRead more
County Clerk Pam Childers withheld over $1 million in tourism funds for Visit Pensacola, and TDT collections dropped $300K between July and October—delaying local advertising.
The Escambia County Commission may review the disbursement process to ease pressure on regional tourism.
Rick's BlogRead more
Health
Hundreds of Florida students will receive free eye care through the Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program, which will visit local schools this week to conduct vision exams and provide glasses at no cost + parents can still apply to have their children seen.
WEAR-TVRead more
Sports
Steven Nasse won Monday's 58th Annual Snowball Derby in Pensacola after a driver was disqualified during the delayed race due to weather, starting 32nd and driving car 51.
WEAR-TVRead more
Registration is building fast for the Pensacola Double Bridge Run on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
More than 2,300 participants from 43 states have signed up for 15K and 5K races featuring scenic views from downtown to the beach & a finish line festival.
Local PulseRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Christmastime Boards & Brews Charcuterie Workshop
Sunday, December 21st, 2025 · 2-6 p.m. — Coastal County Brewing — $75 per person — Create a festive charcuterie board while enjoying local craft brews for the holiday season.
Ice Flyers Christmas Match
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 · 6:05-7:35 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with thrilling Ice Flyers hockey action against the Birmingham Bulls.
Huntsville Havoc vs Pensacola Ice Flyers
Saturday, December 27th, 2025 · 6:05-7:35 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — $12 for veterans and active military — Celebrate the bravery of our servicemen and women with discounted tickets for military personnel.