Good morning, Pensacola.

Veteran Duane Brewton (one of Florida’s oldest World War II veterans) celebrated his 109th birthday Thursday with family, friends and servicemembers at a Cantonment assisted living facility.

Born in Pensacola and known for helping found a local church, his celebration reminds the community of his remarkable service and lasting legacy.

In Pensacola, Inweekly explores MLK Plaza’s grassroots legacy, notes PSC trustees denied President Ed Meadows a raise despite stellar achievements, and highlights a Community Land Trust easing housing challenges; the Saenger Theatre will host Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw in a concert Saturday night.

Pizza Hut announced it will close over 250 underperforming locations in the first half of 2026 (local Pensacola outlets remain open as details on any closures are pending).

Pensacola's 2026 Bands on the Beach will offer free concerts every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach starting April 7 and running until Oct.

27, showcasing a mix of new acts and crowd favorites.

After yesterday's freeze, local experts advised Florida residents to test plants by scratching the bark (green means life) and water them to rehydrate roots while postponing heavy pruning until warmer weather.

They also recommended covering plants before gusty winds to minimize further damage.

The EPA's Gulf Program grant of $750k funds the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program to create a water quality monitoring collaborative with partners from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, Orange Beach and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Data will be collected monthly over three years to guide improvements, with the dashboard launch expected this summer or fall.

Doctors confirmed one measles case in Escambia County today and school officials are following protocols that keep students with fevers away until they are clear; health experts warn that the highly infectious disease may spread if vaccination rates remain below the needed threshold.

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola welcomed Joy, a new facility dog donated anonymously in November, to comfort adult patients and families in its Emergency Room and Level I Trauma Center.

With her handler Donna Holland, she brings calm to hospital staff and visitors.

Dr. Maria Toledo (Ascension Sacred Heart) discussed stroke awareness on WEAR News Dayside on Thursday, sharing key information for Pensacola residents.

The segment highlighted important stroke signs for early action.

Health officials reported 20 confirmed measles cases (with 14 tests pending) in Collier County, and Florida now has an estimated 30 cases with new reports from Escambia and other counties.

CDC data shows Florida ranks fifth nationwide, while Johns Hopkins figures suggest a rank of fourth.

Clothing Swap Party

2-5 p.m. — Forge Fitness — Free entry — Refresh your wardrobe sustainably and meet great people while swapping clothes.

Super Bowl LX Watch Party

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

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

5-8 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket prices from $110 — Catch Waka Flocka Flame live in an electrifying concert event.

Valentine's Day Celebration with Chrisette Michele

11 PM - 3 AM — Sanders Beach — Ticketed event — Experience a luxurious Valentine’s Day dinner and live music by Grammy winner Chrisette Michele along the Pensacola waterfront.

Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles

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

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

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

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.

Moonshine Saloon Country Music Night

8 PM – 12 AM — Moonshine Saloon — Cost Info TBD — Enjoy award-winning country music from a duo sharing stories through their songs.