Daily editionThursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
Community
Pace Center for Girls Escambia-Santa Rosa will host its 2nd Annual Masquerade Soirée at The Sanctuary, where guests will celebrate and support programs (providing education and counseling) that empower girls.
The event promises live music and interactive performances for an evening of purpose-filled fun.
Local PulseRead more
Business
Costco lowered prices on popular food items such as chicken pot pie + bacon + whipped cream + walnuts as it introduced new Kirkland Signature items last week.
The retailer is expanding its Florida footprint with planned new stores in Pensacola and other cities.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
A new exhibit called Return with Honor, Vietnam is on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola that guides visitors through the experiences of POWs and their families using artifacts and interactive displays.
WUWFRead more
Education
At a Pensacola State graduation on Dec. 17, 2025, 54-year-old Carl Brooks suffered a heart attack and died after being taken to Baptist Hospital; PSC President Ed Meadows said future ceremonies will include improved procedures to alert on-stage staff during emergencies.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will pass about 170 million miles from Earth on Dec. 19 and can be seen with a small telescope by keen skywatchers before dawn.
Scientists say its close approach offers a rare chance to study an object from another star system (and it poses no threat).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Finance
On Dec. 17, Florida Lotto drew winning numbers to set its jackpot at $7.25 million while Powerball reached $1.25 billion as no top prize was claimed — spurring holiday hopes for a life-changing win in the local market.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Escambia County approved an amended ordinance that bans camping on public property at all times starting the week of Dec.22, and Waterfront Mission supports the change for safety and sanitation even though some campers fear displacement + county officials have yet to discuss options for a managed shelter campground.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Florida cabinet approved $27.4 million to buy a 7,437-acre parcel that will act as a buffer for Whiting Field and protect local waterways and wildlife.
The land will be managed under a conservation easement as part of a larger effort to secure over 21,500 acres.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Jodie Buttrey donated her live kidney to her father Randy Zychowski at Ascension Sacred Heart in 2023 when he faced a long wait for a transplant.
After a tough recovery due to an allergic reaction, he moved permanently to Pensacola and resumed woodworking and hunting.
WEAR-TVRead more
Lifestyle
Chef Alex McPhail, who owns Iron, rose from Pensacola roots after studying at Pensacola State College and working in New Orleans kitchens — his journey brings southern and Creole flavors to the downtown restaurant and draws food lovers from across the city.
Local PulseRead more
Sports
Pensacola will host the International WASZP Games in March, 2026—a major foiling event that gathers elite sailors for high-speed hydrofoiling racing and marks a new coaching and technical partnership with America One Racing.
Rick's BlogRead more
The FHSAA finalized football classifications for local high school teams for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons on Dec. 17.
Six teams will drop divisions, with Pine Forest moving to 3A, Gulf Breeze and Milton to 4A, and Navarre, Pace, and Tate to 5A (the FHSAA is reducing classes from seven to six and adding an open division championship).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Mac & Cheese Festival
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 12-6 p.m. — Gary's Brewery & Biergarten — Entry fee applies — Indulge in a cheesy extravaganza featuring food trucks, vendors, and fun for the whole family.