Conde Nast Traveler’s readers picked Pensacola Beach as the Best Beach!

“Taking the top spot on this list, Pensacola is so much more than its beach…”

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Escambia County EMS offers CPR and AED classes to the public. EMS employees teach the hands-on class, and students taking part in either course will gain a wealth of knowledge, learning the proper techniques of CPR and the use of an AED.

If you have a feeling you have read this story before, you are probably right. Since we reprint this fantasy every year at Christmastime, it slides comfortably into Beach lore. We believe it should be repeated every year, because it has good thoughts. It’s all about a devoted married couple, unbroken friendships, loving, sharing, and living life in the exotic lane. It also reveals the secret that thousands of people who visit Pensacola Beach never want to leave, but like Santa some insurmountable obstacle stands in their way. It teaches us that families all over the world are really just like us, Beach folks in their hearts. And all of us Beach dwellers know the lesson we learn from it - that no matter what issues are lapping at our shores, we will somehow protect our enchanted way of life.

We will prevail because every Christmas Eve we are blessed with a sprinkling of elfin dust when Santa stops by to check on his property.

Hey, Santa and Rosa, your island is alive and well.

Escambia County announced the Pensacola Beach Gateway Project will begin in January. Current toll booth will be demolished, overhead gantry will be installed. Read more for details about the $6,559,570 project.

Escambia County has released the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Board of County Commissioners' Annual Report, highlighting numerous county projects, programs, initiatives and accomplishments from the last fiscal year. The Annual Report is available to view online. Click here: escambia-county-annual-report-2024-2025.pdf

Pensacola’s Sister Cities International is ready to celebrate America’s 250^th birthday with a 2026 membership drive, their annual Galvez Essay Contest and a myriad of events in May.

It’s getting very merry on Pensacola Beach. Santa is everywhere and the parties and parades are wrapped, stacked and ready for you!

The Federal government is proposing an aggressive expansion of offshore drilling that would bring rigs  closer to Florida than ever before, threatening the state’s coastal economy and way of life. The new Five Year Plan opens 19.98 million acres of Florida waters to drilling.

The Pensacola Beach Community Church invites every to attend their Advent Series, “FInding Christ in Bedford Falls; The Reconciled Life of George Bailey.” Over three consecutive Wednesdays — December 3, 10, and 17, from Noon to 1:00, in Randle Hall, at The Beach Church (920 Panferio Drive)

The 2025 Jessica Bibza Partner of the Year Award is presented to Rick O’Connor. O’Connor is an Escambia County Extension and Sea Grant agent, who writes “Nature Notes” for Island Times.

His presence in the community is felt deeply because of his unwavering dedication and passion for environmental stewardship

Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger, whose District Four includes Pensacola Beach, will ask her fellow commissioners on November 17 to approve a study of their governmental efficiency.

Longtime ECUA Board Member Dale Perkins was honored November 13 on Pensacola Beach with a commemorative marker unveiling: “Captain Dale Perkins. Fisherman, environmentalist, fierce protector of the people’s purse, and longest serving member of the ECUA Board from 1994 to 2026.”

National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola is reopening to the public on Friday, Nov. 15! Admission is FREE for all visitors. Guests can once again explore the museum’s world-class collection of naval aircraft, interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and the iconic Blue Angels display.

The Santa Rosa Island Authority’s Development and Leasing Committee at their November 12 meeting said to no increasing lease fees to keep step with the Consumer Price Index.

Pensacola Beach Advocates annual meeting packed the Beach Church’s Randle Hall November 5 to seat a new board, review financials and to learn about incorporation.

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Longtime Pensacola Beach resident and community member Morris “Morrie” Calvin Drees passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Savior on Tuesday November 4, 2025.

Visitation and Service will be Monday, Nov 10 1-3 pm at Rose Lawn Funeral home with graveside service following.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Randle Hall, Pensacola Beach Community Church, 920 Panferio Drive.

Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce invites you to “Season Your Holidays with Island Spirit” and enjoy a holiday lineup of coastal celebrations that capture the magic of the season — beachside. From sparkling boat parades and beachy Santas to fireworks lighting up the Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Beach is the place to make lasting holiday memories with family and friends.

NAS Pensacola officials announced the 2025 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show has been cancelled.

Escambia County's Marine Resources Division, the Marine Advisory Committee, and Florida Sea Grant invite the public to the Escambia County Waterways Symposium, a free event open to anyone interested in learning more about the conditions of local waterways. The symposium will take place Monday, Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 W. Park Place,

Visit Pensacola kicked off its new fiscal year Wednesday by hosting community members and tourism industry professionals at its annual meeting. As Escambia County’s official destination marketing organization, Visit Pensacola highlighted how tourism supports local businesses, creates jobs, and enhances residents’ quality of life.