Daily editionSaturday, December 20th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
Community
Pensacola police officers sponsored 91 local children and secured their full Christmas lists; they will hand out the gifts on Dec. 22 at First Baptist Church (with Santa Claus set to attend).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Escambia County Sheriff's Office hosted its annual Shop with a Cop program on Friday, Dec. 19, giving holiday gifts to one student from every elementary and middle school (funded by donations).
WEAR-TVRead more
Flora-Bama will host its annual Make It To The Line Run/Walk on Dec. 27 at Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Bar at 17401 Perdido Key Drive.
The event offers a Four-Mile Run/Walk starting at 9 a.m. and a One-Mile Fun Run with fees, benefiting a Secret Santa program for local families.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Travelers at Pensacola International Airport enjoyed holiday music when the Pensacola Children’s Chorus performed a pop-up concert on Friday, Dec. 19 — the event featured Santa and the airport’s Pup Patrol to spread Christmas cheer.
WEAR-TVRead more
Education
Bailey Middle principal Tara Palasciano and WFHS assistant principal Erin Cramer were named outstanding school leaders at the Escambia County Public Schools board meeting on Dec. 16 (the awards honor their commitment to bettering local education).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Santa Claus made a special visit to C.A. Weis Elementary last Friday morning, arriving by LifeFlight helicopter as part of Baptist Health Care’s Helping Hands program that provided over 500 students with Christmas gifts to celebrate winter break.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
Bids for the Veterans Memorial Park restroom project came in over budget, so city officials are reviewing a menu of options to move forward.
The delay may lead to alternative designs as funding is considered before the grant expires — a permanent facility has been long awaited.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Construction to replace the Bob Sikes Toll Plaza with the new Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements Project will begin in January on Pensacola Beach.
The county and its contractors plan to add upgraded toll equipment, enhanced safety features, and reduced congestion, so drivers may face lane closures & detours as work proceeds.
WEAR-TVRead more
Health
Flu cases are rising across 52 Florida counties due to a new influenza A H3N2 subclade K; Pensacola hospitals reported a 1-point increase in flu diagnoses from last week.
Medical experts say the flu shot helps reduce severe illness & spread despite a less exact match to the mutation.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Dr. Charles Hartin from Studer Family Children's Hospital warned Pensacola parents on Dec. 19 that recalled products containing button batteries and small magnets can cause severe injury if swallowed (particularly items aimed at children).
WEAR-TVRead more
Real Estate
The Florida Power and Light building in downtown Pensacola has been on sale for two weeks and city leaders are exploring options for job growth by linking it with the nearby Tech Park (a vacant site ready for new opportunities).
Officials expect a buyer could be announced within 18 months.
WEAR-TVRead more
Corporate Contractors Inc. will hold a meeting for subcontractors and suppliers on Monday, Dec. 22 at Maritime Place (350 West Cedar St.) to review the Maritime Park project set to build a 247-unit apartment complex, 147-key hotel, and 325-space parking podium in 2026.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Jake Klark Comedy Show
Sunday, January 18th, 2026 · 7-11:59 p.m. — Seville Quarter — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy comedy of Jake Klark and friends in a phone-free environment.