Daily editionWednesday, February 11th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 11th of February.
Community
Workers are removing asbestos from the former Baptist Hospital as demolition may begin in March.
Officials note strict safety and monitoring protocols and will host a public forum on March 5 at Fricker Center to explain the salvage of furniture and plants.
Rick's BlogRead more
Culture
A Conde Nast Traveler survey published yesterday ranked Pensacola Beach as the nation’s best based on over 750,000 reader votes.
Four Florida beaches made the top 15 + Navarre, Siesta Key and St. Augustine Beach were recognized.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola celebrates Mardi Gras week with parades, concerts, brunches, and family events.
Starting Tuesday, Feb. 10, local venues such as The Dog House, Bay Center, and downtown streets host festivities, culminating with a Fat Tuesday celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 17 (with events across the city).
Local PulseRead more
Education
University of West Florida received a $2 million NSF grant to support 38 Pell-eligible STEM students with scholarships and mental health services.
The six-year program led by Dr. Karen Molek will combine academic and social supports in the STEM Living Learning Community (a campus effort) to boost student success.
University of West FloridaRead more
The Escambia Children's Trust approved the Bright Pathways program to replace out-of-school grants with stricter standards for after-school and summer programs.
The RFP will be released Thursday, Feb. 12, with proposals due April 10 and contracts starting Aug. 1 (future plans for ages 0-5 will follow).
Rick's BlogRead more
The UWF Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will host the Kamerman Piano Series with pianist Albert Cano Smit on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. in the Rolfs Music Hall (tickets are required for this public event).
University of West FloridaRead more
Environment
On Feb. 6, the Florida Forest Service shut down a contractor’s burn at a Midway townhouse site near the Gulf Breeze Zoo after residents complained + the contractor will restart work once it uses its air curtain correctly.
Development plans for Soundview Cove Estates with 377 homes continue along U.S. 98.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
ECUA crews finished a 5-week upgrade on Palafox as the water main expanded from 800 to nearly 2,000 linear feet; the new 12-inch line will improve water flow + fire protection for nearby development.
WEAR-TVRead more
Reimagine Palafox is in week five as crews finish utility work and install stormwater, concrete, and hardscape to complete South Palafox by May 24 while intersections extend to November; downtown parade routes shift to South Jefferson on Feb. 13 and 14 with updated digital signage + parking enforcement.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola approved a project to build 9 affordable homes on a donated former gym site - the plan ensures affordability for 99 years.
CEO Sam Young detailed the Land Trust project to secure housing options for local residents.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Pensacola resident Carolyn Caplinger, 69, improved her quality of life after her uncontrolled AFib was treated with cardiac ablation and new pulse field technology, allowing her to return to gardening and gym visits.
Her experience during American Heart Month highlights the need for early AFib detection and treatment.
WUWFRead more
Real Estate
Developers of OLF 8 propose that Escambia County keep the 165-acre employment, technology and innovation district for job creation grants, cutting the purchase price by $15 million from the agreed $42.5 million; the changes require a DPZ Master Plan amendment and county approvals and could delay the July 15 closing.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Moonshine Saloon Country Music Night
Friday, February 27th, 2026 · 8 PM – 12 AM — Moonshine Saloon — Cost Info TBD — Enjoy award-winning country music from a duo sharing stories through their songs.
Eddie 9V with Southern Magnolia
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — The Handlebar — Cover charge may apply — Experience the soulful sounds of Eddie 9V as he showcases his blues roots in a vibrant club atmosphere.
Ballet Pensacola Presents: A Night of Four Seasons
Sunday, March 1st, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — VIP Experience available — Immerse yourself in the beauty of ballet with original choreography inspired by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Sun Belt Basketball Tournament - All Sessions Pass
Monday, March 2nd, 2026 · 9:30 PM — Pensacola Bay Center — Ticket price varies — Catch the exciting action of the Sun Belt Conference's top basketball teams in a thrilling tournament atmosphere.