Daily editionMonday, December 29th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 29th of December.
Community
Visitors enjoyed the Kids Pajama Pawty at Coastal Cat Cafe on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, with kitty playtime, hot drinks, and snacks (organized for children and families).
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The Escambia Children’s Trust has awarded $29.3 million to 38 local providers to support afterschool, mental health and early childhood programs that fill critical service gaps — starting today, the Pensacola News Journal will feature a series spotlighting nine providers including YMCA’s Y Reads.
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Business
Escambia County’s DRC approved several commercial projects in 2025 that include a 172,580 sqft Costco near E. Nine Mile Road—expected to open in 2026—and a new Chick-fil-A on Mobile Highway, along with Chipotle expansions in Bellview and northwest Pensacola.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
El Jalisco expanded its local footprint by opening a second Santa Rosa County restaurant in Milton at 5820 Dogwood Drive.
Known for its fresh Mexican dishes such as pineapple fajitas and birria flautas, it operates today from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekdays + until 10 p.m. on weekends.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
The African-American community celebrated Kwanzaa from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1; Sunday’s event at 4 p.m. at Kukua Institute on Reus Street featured cultural performances, music, poems, and prayer.
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Pensacola Events
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.
Pensacola Wellness Collective
Saturday, January 24th, 2026 · 10 AM – 1 PM — 5eleven Palafox Event Hosting — $30 sliding scale — Experience community-driven wellness through yoga, sound bath, and holistic health activities.
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show
Sunday, January 25th, 2026 · 12-3 a.m. — 8 S 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL — Ticket required — Experience an interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show where the culprit could be sitting right next to you.