Daily editionTuesday, December 16th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of December.
Community
Abigail Farrington of Red Iron Design led the Hope for the Holidays program, partnering with the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation to shop for nearly 400 foster children in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties this holiday season — each gift reminds the children they are cared for.
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Business
Otaku Japanese Cuisine is set to replace Nori Japanese Sushi and Grill this month at 1741 E. Nine Mile Road.
Chef Robin Stop plans to open the anime-themed restaurant before Christmas + serve creative sushi tacos alongside traditional ramen for local fans.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola's Lobster Cage moved to 9200 N. Palafox St yesterday to offer a larger dining room, indoor golf simulator (for a new league) and expanded kitchen options that will add Asian fusion dishes to its famous lobster roll menu.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Pensacola Mardi Gras will kickoff its 2026 season with the third annual Mardi Gras Mambo on Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The event will feature an expanded talent lineup with headliner Waka Flocka Flame, second line processions, and community introductions of Krewe Royalty (a cherished local tradition).
Local PulseRead more
Education
Pensacola News Journal recognized top high school students from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for Dec. 8-12, naming Pensacola High’s Landon Fernandez winner after he earned 55.2 percent of the vote.
Voting for next week starts Dec. 15 (other nominees were also acknowledged).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola State College clarified that it ended WSRE-TV's PBS affiliation due to funding cuts and confirmed it owns the broadcasting license (PBS programming remains available via streaming).
The College is seeking transfer of decertified Foundation funds to support local programming and is preparing its legal response.
Rick's BlogRead more
Government
ASM Global will unveil improvement options for the Pensacola Bay Center to Escambia County Commissioners on Jan. 22, 2026, with proposals ranging from $22 million for basic updates to over $100 million for major upgrades + potential event center expansion.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Gulf Breeze has redesigned a busy intersection to help protect students crossing to school.
The project removed turn lanes and shifted pedestrian pathways, and will add button-activated signals and flashing lights with work expected to finish in about a week.
WEAR-TVRead more
Lifestyle
Pensacola's New Year's Eve festivities offer many options for ringing in 2026, including live masquerade parties, themed dinners and vivid fireworks at Pensacola Beach.
Ticketed events at Flora-Bama, Coastal County Brewing and Calvert's in the Heights provide music, food and champagne + a night to remember.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Real Estate
The new design for the Hawkshaw project at 50 S. Ninth Ave includes a 227-unit, seven-story residential building with a parking deck on two floors + a resort-style pool overlooking Veterans Memorial Park and Pensacola Bay.
Developers will apply for permits in February and begin construction before October 2026.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Florida Power & Light held community voting for Girls Athlete of the Week for Dec. 8–13 with nominees in basketball, soccer, and wrestling.
Voting closed at 11 a.m. Saturday and winners were announced Monday to receive a PNJ Athlete of the Week shirt from BSN SPORTS.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.