Good morning, Pensacola.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Huntsville Havoc vs Pensacola Ice Flyers

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

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

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

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.