Daily editionThursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
Community
Officials will remove barricades from one lane of the Bob Sikes Bridge ahead of the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Parade on Sunday, Feb. 15 as the $4.5 million ECUA water main project nears completion (extra signage and parking updates are set to ease traffic).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Four African lion cubs will make their public debut at Gulf Breeze Zoo Saturday and visitors can view them near the alligator exhibit while listening to keeper chats about conservation efforts.
WEAR-TVRead more
Business
Pensacola Beach's Water Pig BBQ closed permanently to make way for The Landing (a waterfront event venue by Innisfree Hotels) that will host private events and community gatherings; a community expo is scheduled for March 6 to introduce the renovated space.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Frank and Jane Taylor opened Global Grill in 2003 and kept it running through challenges like flooding from Hurricane Ivan and the COVID-19 shutdown.
Over 22 years, the couple built a tight team (including long-time staff) that turned a risky venture into a local mainstay on Palafox Street.
Local PulseRead more
Education
Construction on the new Darrell Gooden Stadium began Wednesday night in Pensacola as hundreds gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony, where officials previewed renovations including a jumbotron, bleachers, and locker room updates for the UWF football team; it is set to finish by fall 2027.
WEAR-TVRead more
Escambia Christian School in Escambia County will close next month due to low enrollment, prompting questions about its transparency and accreditation—teacher Brenda English said staff recruitment efforts failed amid declining numbers.
WEAR-TVRead more
Environment
The Environmental Protection Agency may soon start a six-month cleanup of the American Creosote Works site on J Street that has been contaminated since 1983.
The project will install an underground barrier wall to cap the affected soil — thermal extraction will occur later if funded.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
Pensacola temporarily changed its downtown parade route due to New Palafox construction.
Starting Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14, parades will follow a new path via South Jefferson Street after crossing Garden Street as road closures and no-parking rules are enforced.
City of PensacolaRead more
City officials extended MLK Plaza hours to 10 p.m. in downtown Pensacola after public pushback prompted a review of park hours.
The new hours took effect yesterday to better serve evening visitors.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Lifestyle
Andy D's on Pensacola Bay is set to open mid-February at 905 E. Gregory St., pending final permits, to bring a seafood-focused menu and coastal casual — upscale dining options to downtown.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pensacola Catholic boys soccer advanced to the Region 1-3A final after upsetting North Bay Haven 1-0 in Panama City on Feb. 11.
The team will face Alachua Santa Fe for its first regional title since 2019 on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Wine on the Water
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 · 1-4 p.m. — Blue Wahoos Stadium — Enjoy an afternoon of exquisite wine tasting by the water.