Daily editionWednesday, December 10th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 10th of December.
Community
FPL surprised veteran Brian Johnson and his family by transforming their home on Rossi Way Monday evening into an energy-efficient holiday display with thousands of LED lights — part of FPL’s 18-year tradition of honoring local heroes.
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Culture
Waka Flocka Flame will headline the Pensacola Mardi Gras Mambo concert on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The event will also feature the DeLuna Brass Band, New Orleans Ramblers and Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters as it kicks off Mardi Gras weekend.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Danny Zimmern, who has led Pensacola Mardi Gras for 25 years, built the festival into a cherished tradition.
A temporary parade route for 2026 is set due to Reimagine Palafox construction — a move that shows his lasting influence on local celebrations.
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Pensacola residents can reflect on holiday heartache through a personal essay sharing enduring memories and the comfort of lost loved ones.
The piece emphasizes that while time does not erase loss, it creates space for healing during the season — a message meant to support the community.
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Economy
Between Nov. 29 and Dec. 8, four Florida ticket buyers won $1 million prizes after matching five numbers on Powerball tickets bought at 7-Eleven (Stuart), Circle K (Fernandina Beach), Town Star (Apopka), and Thorntons.
Drawings were held on multiple evenings ahead of a near-billion-dollar jackpot.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
UWF student Ambrea Hobbs became the institution’s first Rhodes Scholarship finalist after interviewing in District 7 competition in Birmingham, Alabama.
Her achievement aligns with the launch of the John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships (supported by a $500,000 gift) to guide future applicants.
Rick's BlogRead more
Escambia and Santa Rosa County public schools, Pensacola Catholic High School, PSC/PSC Charter Academy and UWF have announced winter break schedules for the holiday season — details include specific closure dates to help families plan ahead.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Executive Landscaping trimmed a protected oak at Belvedere Park around Thanksgiving without city permission, prompting officials to consider fines based on inches removed (up to $100 per inch).
Council members and residents expressed discontent over the canopy, and the company plans to return to fix the cut.
WEAR-TVRead more
Sports
UWF head coach Stephanie Yelton explained how coaching has changed and praised her players after a tough week; the Lady Argos host Valdosta State at 2 p.m. Saturday — Santa Claus will bring a festive twist to the toy drive ahead of Christmas break.
Rick's BlogRead more
Ascend Community Park in Cantonment has opened a new 9-hole disc golf course today at 3098 Old Chemstrand Road.
Ascend volunteers built the course with design help from Flight Factory Discs and funding from the Ascend Cares Foundation.
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.