🌱 Patch AM: How dangerous is the new flu variant spreading around Pensacola?

Good morning Pensacola! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How dangerous is the new flu variant spreading around Pensacola?
• How the new Pensacola Beach gateway will change your drive
• Will a new loan agency soon join Pensacola Square?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Cloudy with a shower in spots, with a high of 72 and low of 56 degrees.
• Monday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 68, low: 52.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 72 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New flu variant spikes in Northwest Florida counties ahead of Christmas (wkrg.com) — Pensacola-area doctors are warning that a new H3N2 flu variant is driving rising cases in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties right as Christmas approaches. Local health officials say more people are ending up in the hospital and urge residents to get vaccinated, cover coughs, wash hands often, and seek care quickly if flu-like symptoms appear.
   

2. Construction for Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements Project to begin in January 2026 (weartv.com) — Drivers heading to Pensacola Beach should prepare for major changes as Escambia County begins replacing the Bob Sikes Toll Plaza with a new toll gantry in January 2026. Funded by local taxes and toll revenue, the weekday construction aims to reduce congestion and improve emergency access while keeping beach access open, though lane closures and detours are expected through summer 2026.
   

3. Crunch Fitness, Petland could get a new neighbor at Pensacola Square (pnj.com) — A new Regional Finance branch is proposed for Pensacola Square, next to Petland, with renovation plans now under review by city officials. If approved, it would join Crunch Fitness and other busy retailers off North Davis Highway, continuing the plaza’s recent revival and adding another financial services option for nearby residents and shoppers.
   

4. Pensacola man convicted in drive-by shooting death of 70-year-old woman (wkrg.com) — A Pensacola man has been convicted of first-degree murder and related charges in the drive-by shooting that killed 70-year-old Myra Hayes while she sat outside with family in Escambia County. Prosecutors say he was part of a group in a stolen car that led officers on a high-speed chase before fleeing into the water; he faces mandatory life at sentencing in January.
   

5. 16 children in 'Operation Northern Lights' return home to Northwest Florida (weartv.com) — Law enforcement based in and around Pensacola helped bring 43 missing North Florida children home during a two-week effort called Operation Northern Lights, including 16 from Northwest Florida. Agencies from Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties describe how detective work, tips, and social media searches led to recoveries and several arrests, with more investigations still underway.
   

📸 Around Pensacola

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Pensacola

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday December 20

• Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
  Methodist Children's Academy at First United Methodist Church of Pensacola , 6 E Wright St , Pensacola
  8:30 pm

Tuesday December 23

• Code Enforcement Authority - Building Inspections
  Pensacola, FL Calendar
  2:00 pm

Sunday December 28

• Ongoing Senior Programs for ages 50+
  Bayview Senior Center :

Wednesday December 31

• The 52 World is Hosting A Food + Toy Drive Now until Dec. 31st
  8511 Myslak Way
  9:00 am

Thursday January 1

• Pensacola Dermatology by Amy Watson MD
  4850 Grande Dr, Pensacola, FL 32504
  9:00 am

📣 Pensacola Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 21

• Ballet Pensacola - The Nutcracker
  Saenger Theatre Pensacola , 118 S Palafox St , Pensacola
  10:00 am
• Christmastime Boards & Brews - Charcuterie Workshop
  Coastal County Brewing , 3041 E Olive Rd , Pensacola
  2:00 pm
• Pensacola Bay Center Holiday Skate 6:30-7:30pm
  Pensacola Bay Center , 201 E Gregory St , Pensacola
  6:30 pm
• Festive Nutcracker Afternoon Tea
  221 E Zaragoza St , Pensacola
  8:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• A guy with a Navy Federal badge came to my door claiming Navy Federal sent him to verify occupancy & he gave me a last name.
  I told him I didn't know, but I'll call Navy Federal. He said okay & left. I called Navy Federal & they said they would never send anyone out to… (Nextdoor Canterbury Woods)
• I’m looking to adopt a small dog.
  My 8 year old dog died 2 weeks ago due to diabetes complications. I’m not looking to replace him because there is no replacement. But my heart is… (Nextdoor Summit Blvd)

• New Candidate: Darcy "." Reeves has pre-filed for Mayor of the City of Pensacola. This is a nonpartisan office for the 2026 Election. To view a... (X: EscambiaVotes)
• PENSACOLA Dec 19 Climate: High: 65 Low: 48 Precip:" Snow: Missing... (X: iembot_mob)

• ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for General Cleaner in Pensacola. Apply here.
• Coleman Worldwide Moving, LLC posted a job opening for Helper / Packer / Mover in Pensacola. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Pensacola here.

Ok Pensacola! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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