Daily editionFriday, December 12th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
Community
The Blue Angels have announced the 2026 Pensacola air show schedule — the Pensacola Beach Air Show will take place on July 18 and the Homecoming Air Show is set for Nov. 6 and 7 at NAS Pensacola.
WEAR-TVRead more
Escambia County led this year’s statewide Peanut Butter Challenge by collecting 4,214 jars of peanut butter to stock local food pantries ahead of the holidays—showing strong community support as families face growing needs.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola is enlisting the designers behind the Hashtag project to work on two new segments of the waterfront SUN Trail along Cedar Street and Pine Street, with a contract amendment approved today.
The project will include community engagement and engineering work ahead of work on Bayfront Parkway next year.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
The California-based pizza chain Pieology closed its Pensacola Cordova Mall location on Dec. 11 — a decision made as its parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after reporting debts exceeding its assets by double.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Somerset University Preparatory Academy will open a charter elementary school in Building 85 at UWF in January (charging $3,750 per semester tuition and a $100 fee) replacing the earlier tuition-free plan linked to Diaz.
Rick's BlogRead more
The UWF Center for Cybersecurity was awarded the 2025 Academia Innovator of the Year by EC-Council, marking the only honor given in North America.
Interim President Manny Diaz Jr.—along with Dr. Eman El-Sheikh—said the recognition highlights the Center’s leadership in cybersecurity education and AI integration.
University of West FloridaRead more
Government
Pensacola city council delayed its contract with Bayou District Consulting after residents voiced concerns about gentrification and potential asbestos exposure at the old Baptist Hospital site.
The council will now look for another consultant to guide the redevelopment.
WEAR-TVRead more
Mayor Reeves is asking the city council to approve a one-year exclusivity agreement for Project Maeve at the port, a $250M shipbuilding project that will create 2,000 high-wage jobs.
The city has ended Martin Marietta’s lease (a required step to clear space) for the development.
Rick's BlogRead more
Health
HCA Florida West Hospital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 11 to reveal the latest upgrades to its Pensacola campus after recent renovations.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
A $567K gift from Covenant Care Foundation is ensuring mental health care stays available at Lakeview Center, which treats 3,000+ uninsured locals and more than 500 new clients monthly.
The funding supports three psychiatric nurse practitioners to deliver over 9,000 treatment episodes annually.
Rick's BlogRead more
Real Estate
A developer is considering buying the disrepair former hotel in Warrington (located at the corner of Barrancas Avenue and South Old Corry Field Road) to reopen it as a different hotel.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Pensacola Planning Board approved plans for the 12-story Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel at Community Maritime Park featuring 147 rooms, a 7,000-sqft event space on the 11th floor & a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the bay and stadium.
Construction begins in Q3 2026 with subcontractor fairs soon.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
New Year Celebration at Saenger Theatre
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Experience lively performances and festivities to welcome the New Year.