Daily editionSaturday, February 14th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 14th of February.
Community
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.
WEAR-TVRead more
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).
Local PulseRead more
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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.
WUWFRead more
Culture
The illuminated Mardi Gras parade will roll through downtown today, showcasing vibrant floats + light displays that invite locals to join the celebration.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
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.
WEAR-TVRead more
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.
Rick's BlogRead more
Health
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).
Rick's BlogRead more
Sports
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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 News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Sunshine State 200 Race Event
Friday, March 13th, 2026 · 1 p.m. — Five Flags Speedway — Tickets required — Experience thrilling racing action at the ASA STARS National Tour's Sunshine State 200 in Pensacola, Florida.