Daily editionTuesday, December 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of December.
Community
The From the Ground Up community garden under Interstate-110 earned the CivicCon Placemaker Award for converting an abandoned lot into a vibrant hub offering fresh produce, art, and educational programs.
Led by Elizabeth Eubanks, the space hosts classes and community events that bring everyone together (a win for innovation).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Pensacola Police Department teamed with Target on Monday for its annual Heroes and Helpers event where ten local kids received a $100 budget and officer assistance to shop for Christmas gifts (strengthening community ties).
WEAR-TVRead more
Law enforcement officials completed Operation Northern Lights that brought 43 missing children home for the holidays as a lead officer noted the mission is deeply personal in reuniting them with their families.
WEAR-TVRead more
Culture
Pensacola will launch weekly Mardi Gras second line parades starting Jan. 6 to bring vibrant music + local celebration to the community.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Ambrea Hobbs, a UWF senior with a 4.0 GPA, became UWF’s first Rhodes Scholar finalist after finding a T-shirt at a local thrift shop.
She will graduate in May and benefits from the university’s new fellowship office built with a 500K-dollar gift.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
After Mayor D.C. Reeves launched Direction ’25 earlier this year, the city completed renovations at 11 parks in Pensacola with $21.7M invested to upgrade ADA accessibility, playgrounds, & athletic facilities.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola named longtime Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Tonya Byrd as the new director pending City Council confirmation in January — her appointment is part of a $21M overhaul to upgrade over 90 parks through 2027.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Health and Hope Clinic in Pensacola offers free medical, dental, mental health and pharmacy services to uninsured neighbors; since 2019 the volunteer-run clinic has grown from 600 to over 2,400 patients and helped save lives, including Freeman Scott who is now cancer-free + continues receiving care.
WUWFRead more
Brian Pieninck, CEO of GuideWell and Florida Blue, discussed healthcare challenges and announced a new localized care strategy at Florida’s Great Northwest Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors in Pensacola last week.
He stressed that local providers will better serve panhandle needs—with a focus on personalized care.
Local PulseRead more
A mutated influenza A H3N2 virus has increased flu cases in 52 Florida counties, yet health officials say flu shots remain key to preventing severe illness.
Local clinics and pharmacies offer free or low-cost shots to help residents stay protected.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Lifestyle
Tocayos Mexican Restaurant, rebranded from 3 Marias at 732 Highway 29 in Cantonment, is now open with tropical decor (inspired by Mexico), family dining, and crowd-pleasing dishes like drenched flautas and sizzling fajitas led by the experienced father-son duo Manuel and Javier Barragan.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Sincere Engineer with The Handsome Scoundrels
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — The Handlebar — Live music concert — Enjoy a night of indie rock with Sincere Engineer and The Handsome Scoundrels.