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Pensacola top stories: Old state hospital up for sale, state fair entertainment announced

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Pensacola top stories: Old state hospital up for sale, state fair entertainment announced

Here’s a roundup of our top stories from the past week.

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Pensacola No. 4 city nationwide for book enthusiasts per explore.com

The erudite sojourner might cogitate upon Pensacola when reconnoitering locales to peruse their next chosen tome. (Did that sound fancy? I hope it does. Wouldn’t want to embarrass our smart, bookish town. I was basically just saying if you like books, come to Pensacola.)

See, Pensacola might be known for its beaches, bars, history, fried mullet and military roots, but it’s also gaining a little national notice as one of the top spots in the United States for book lovers.

Explore.com has listed Pensacola as No. 4 in the nation on its list of “Top Cities for Book Enthusiasts.” Miami was the next Florida city listed, ranking 17. The top three cities for book enthusiasts were Lancaster, Pennsylvania; New York City; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Keep reading: Pensacola is more than beaches, breweries and history. Book lovers have found a home, too.

Old state hospital on N. Palafox listed for $2 million. Neighbors just want it gone.

Looking to invest in a prime piece of Pensacola real estate near downtown? Escambia County’s old Medical Center Clinic at 1750 N. Palafox is up for sale for $1,990,00. The condition of the long empty building leaves much to be desired, but the location is in an area of the city that is growing and earmarked for government improvements.

People who live and work nearby say they would love to see something, anything done to the blighted behemoth with its broken windows and overgrowth that some call an “eyesore,” which is standing in the way of progress.

Keep reading: Old state hospital on N. Palafox listed for $2 million. Neighbors just want it gone.

Chicago Bears resign Austin Reed to practice squad after being cut Tuesday

Austin Reed is staying in the Windy City.

The former University of West Florida and University of Western Kentucky quarterback has been signed to the Chicago Bears’ practice squad after he cleared waivers, just a day following his release from the team’s active roster on Tuesday. The news was first reported by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

The door initially looked open for Reed to make the 53-man roster after Chicago cut backup quarterback Brett Rypien earlier on Tuesday, but the organization opted to go for two quarterbacks instead. The team’s quarterback room is left with Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Tyson Bagent, a fellow Division II alum who played at Shepherd University in West Virginia.

Reed was signed by the Bears immediately after the NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent.

Keep reading: Chicago Bears quickly re-sign former UWF, WKU QB Austin Reed to team’s practice squad

Pensacola Interstate Fair 2024 entertainment schedule announced

Pensacola Interstate Fair returns Oct. 17-27, bringing with it exhilarating rides, live music, exotic shows, colorful attractions and exhibits, flavorful fair food, and fun for the whole family. 

Fair officials on Thursday announced the entertainment lineup for the 10-day event. All musical performances are located on the Pepsi Open Air Stage. Entertainment shows at the Pensacola Interstate Fair are free with the price of admission. There is no reserve seating.

Keep reading: Pensacola Interstate Fair 2024 entertainment schedule announced

Escambia County wants to build indoor sports hall and upgrade Bay Center for $90 million

Escambia County officials and Pensacola Sports want to build an up-to-$60 million indoor sports facility and fund a $30 million upgrade to the Pensacola Bay Center with tourism tax dollars.

The Tourist Development Council was close to voting on recommending the proposal but held off after members said they wanted to see the complete feasibility study for the indoor sports facility that is proposed for Ashton Brosnaham Park.

The council voted unanimously to hold a special meeting focused on the proposal.

Keep reading: Escambia County wants to build indoor sports hall and upgrade Bay Center for $90 million

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