Daily editionThursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
Community
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada and New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza will join a community forum at Brownsville Community Center tomorrow — a chance for fans to revisit their Pensacola roots — with tickets required in advance.
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New England transplants gathered at Sammy Barker’s on Nine Mile Road to watch Patriots games and bond over shared humor & hometown favorites; the group now numbers around 75 fans and plans to attend a season game together despite some members, including Avanah Weix, missing the Super Bowl LX gathering.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola is ready for Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8 as local venues host watch parties with food, drinks and live streaming for fans to enjoy community game day celebrations.
Organizers include Pine Forest High School, Coastal County Brewing Company and others.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Musician Logan Pilcher is shaping Pensacola's music scene with his live album 'Every Color of the Sun' recorded to capture authentic songs live & to support local venues and fellow artists, reflecting his commitment to genuine community connections.
Local PulseRead more
ZZ Top will perform at the Saenger Theatre on April 2.
Tickets for the blues rock concert go on sale Feb. 6, with prices from $80 to $150 + fees.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
The University of West Florida will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Darrell Gooden Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at PenAir Field from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. speaking and a reception soon after at the Darrell Gooden Center (next door).
University of West FloridaRead more
Escambia Children's Trust funds YMCA's Y-Sports free after-school program at Global Learning Academy from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, where children receive homework help, snacks, and sports; the current funding supports 20 students, with plans to expand in the future.
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The Pensacola Interstate Fair has opened applications for the John E. Frenkel, Sr. Educational Grant (supporting local students).
Graduating seniors from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties must submit applications by mail or in person by April 3 to win $1,250 for college or $1,000 for technical training.
Local PulseRead more
Government
The FAA imposed a temporary flight restriction on drone usage near federal activity that affects Pensacola, limiting flights near mobile assets for agencies (such as the Department of Defense and Homeland Security) starting today.
Drone pilot Charles Wallace warned that vague rules may risk criminal charges for commercial operators.
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Health
A Pensacola teen has measles, the first reported case in Escambia County in 20 years, and doctors urge all unvaccinated people 6 months and older to get the MMR vaccine to protect against the highly contagious virus (amid a statewide outbreak today).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
HCA Florida West Hospital and Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola earned national recognition when Premier and Modern Healthcare named them among the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals.
Ascension Sacred Heart was ranked fifth while HCA repeated its honor for the second time.
WEAR-TVRead more
Real Estate
Recycled concrete and asphalt from Palafox Street is now being used for a new Costco parking lot on Nine Mile Road.
The $10.7M project, including expanded sidewalks, landscaping and an upgraded stormwater system, is set to finish improvements by May 24 (with Costco construction expected to follow 110 days later).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pensacola area high school girls basketball teams will play for district titles tomorrow as Navarre, Booker T. Washington, Pensacola and LEAD Academy advance from the semifinals; winners will earn spots in the regional playoffs starting Feb. 13 (at local school gyms).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
Incantation Concert
Friday, February 6th, 2026 · 5:30-8:30 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heavy, atmospheric sounds of Incantation live in Pensacola.
Clothing Swap Party
Saturday, February 7th, 2026 · 2-5 p.m. — Forge Fitness — Free entry — Refresh your wardrobe sustainably and meet great people while swapping clothes.
Super Bowl LX Watch Party
Monday, February 9th, 2026 · 12-4 a.m. — Neighborhood Brewpub — Costs vary for food and drink — Celebrate Super Bowl LX with great beer, food, and friends on big screens.
Second Line Tuesday
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 · 5:30-7:00 p.m. — Downtown Pensacola — Free entry — Experience Mardi Gras energy with live brass bands and vibrant costumed Krewes.
Waka Flocka Flame Concert
Thursday, February 12th, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket prices from $110 — Catch Waka Flocka Flame live in an electrifying concert event.
Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade
Saturday, February 14th, 2026 · 2-8 p.m. — Pensacola Mardi Gras — Free entry — Celebrate with vibrant floats and local culture at this festive parade.
Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
Sunday, February 15th, 2026 · 4:30-5:30 p.m. — Museum of Commerce — Tickets available — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring beloved Beatles classics.
Galentine's Sing-Along Brunch
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 · 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Bounce Beach Pensacola — Bottomless mimosas included — Celebrate Galentine’s Day with bold singing, brunch bites, and bubbly drinks.
Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese Fest
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 · 10 AM - 6 PM — Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park — $5 entry — Indulge in a day of chocolate and cheese delights with food trucks, live music, and family fun.
Brantley Gilbert's Tattoo Tour
Thursday, February 26th, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket prices vary — An unforgettable night featuring Brantley Gilbert alongside Travis Denning and Austin Snell with epic country music hits.