Good morning, Pensacola.

Officials have set up a Unified Command Center at City Hall for the Grand Mardi Gras Parade today.

The new emergency management coordinator (Rob Hess) oversaw extensive safety measures including road closures on Garden, Jefferson, and Main streets following Friday night’s Krewe of Latiffe’s Illuminated Parade near the museum.

Cox Communications announced that applications for the 2026 Cox Charities Community Investment Grants are open for Gulf Coast nonprofits until Monday, March 2 through www.coxcharitieseast.org (focus areas include STEAM education, conservation, and advancing equal opportunity).

Alabama and Gulf Coast Railway asked law enforcement to move about 20 longtime campers from tracks behind Bill Gregory Park on Feb.

13 so a brush cutter could clear overgrowth; some worry about losing belongings and finding housing (temporary storage has been arranged on the city side).

Santa Rosa County + The Longleaf Alliance are developing walking trails at Clear Creek Nature Preserve near NAS Whiting Field to offer residents more outdoor recreation.

The project is in progress following a recent tour of the preserve.

Florida Power and Light delivered warm weather kits (with a sensor lightbulb, weather tape, an air filter whistle, and a door seal) to seniors this week through Meals on Wheels and offered sign-ups for the Community Energy Saver Program.

The illuminated Mardi Gras parade will roll through downtown today, showcasing vibrant floats + light displays that invite locals to join the celebration.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District issued a Water Shortage Warning Friday to 16 counties (the data shows 120 days of rainfall was six inches below normal) to encourage water conservation.

Officials said utilities are not yet experiencing drought conditions but urged residents to save water in case conditions worsen.

On Monday, the CRA provided an update on the American Creosote Works cleanup by noting a $8.6M funding gap that may delay Phase 1, while EPA work could allow residential soil remediation to begin this summer if additional funds are secured.

Florida Rep. Alex Andrade has mandated Medicaid managed care plans to reduce infant mortality or forfeit a 2% withholding, a move designed to spur improvements in care.

The rule targets racial disparities in Escambia County (where Black babies face triple the mortality rate of white infants).

Pensacola area high school girls basketball teams advanced in state playoff quarterfinals.

Bartram Trail, Booker T. Washington, Beachside, Ribault, LEAD Academy and Jay won their games as playoffs continue and winners will meet for semifinals on Feb. 20 in their regions — setting up more local matchups.

Local athletes from Pace, Navarre, West Florida and Central took top placements at the FHSAA girls weightlifting state championships held Feb.

11-13, with Pace High School breaking state records and winning multiple medals.

Pensacola Catholic women's soccer defeated South Walton 1-0 in the Region 1-3A championship to avenge last year's loss and secure their first Final Four appearance since 2013 (marking eight shutouts); they will face No. 1 Montverde Academy on Feb.

19 at 12 p.m. at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex.

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.

Eddie 9V with Southern Magnolia

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.

Free Yoga at Bayview Park

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Bayview Park — Free entry — Enjoy a rejuvenating outdoor yoga session suitable for all ages and experience levels.

Sun Belt Basketball Tournament - All Sessions Pass

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.

Sun Belt Basketball Tournament: Quarterfinals

2-3 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Registration required — Enjoy an exciting afternoon of competitive collegiate basketball at the Sun Belt Conference Quarterfinals.

Sunshine State 200 Super Late Model Race

1:05 p.m. — Five Flags Speedway — Ticketed event — Experience high-speed racing with top drivers at one of the country’s iconic short tracks.