Daily editionTuesday, February 17th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of February.
Community
Parking was scarce at Sunday’s Krewe of Wrecks parade on Pensacola Beach due to pre-staged floats and limited public lots.
Attendees said it took 45 minutes to find a spot and urged plans for more parking options.
WEAR-TVRead more
On Monday, Krewe of Wrecks hosted its annual Red Beans and Rice luncheon on Pensacola Beach - an event that celebrated local tradition and brought neighbors together.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
McDonald’s is launching its minty Shamrock Shake + Oreo Shamrock McFlurry on Tuesday, Feb. 17 in many Panhandle locations including about 30 near Pensacola, giving fans a full month of mint treats ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Fatboys will open its seventh restaurant at 8651 Navarre Parkway, near the Navarre Bridge, on Thursday, Feb. 19.
The 6,000 sqft space has been vacant since 2017 and will serve burgers, wings, and Philly cheesesteaks in a family-friendly setting * supporting local community.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Baja Mexican celebrates 10 years in Pace as founders Sean and Kevin Barrington turned a franchise into an independent restaurant.
It serves fresh California-style Tex-Mex and works with schools and organizations (teacher lunches and local partnerships) to support community events.
Local PulseRead more
Culture
Pensacon 2026 will open Friday, Feb. 20 at Pensacola Bay Center — the pop culture convention will feature celebrity panels, vendor booths, and gaming zones.
Ticket pickup for pass holders begins Feb. 18 at the Youth Center at Wright Place Campus.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Today, Pensacola observes Fat Tuesday with a final Mardi Gras celebration at Seville Quarter featuring a Jazz Royalty Brunch at 11 a.m. plus krewe events at 5 p.m. and a royal coronation around 7 p.m., with festivities ending at midnight before Lent begins.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
American Magic, led by Doug DeVos, acquired Danish ROCKWOOL Racing in a $60 million deal that boosts Pensacola’s plan to repurpose its port for advanced maritime work - teams will begin training there in September.
City leaders also are negotiating a shipbuilding project that could eventually create 2,000 jobs.
WUWFRead more
Education
The new Myrtle Grove Elementary opened Monday in Escambia County on an 87,000 sqft state-of-the-art campus that preserves original details from the 1877 one-room schoolhouse - students have attended since November as the school plans for Phase 3 improvements including more covered play space.
WEAR-TVRead more
UWF secured a $20M loan from its foundation to finish the new football stadium and events center that will expand seating from 3,800 to 7,500 and add club areas — the board approved the loan during a special Zoom meeting, with the first kickoff planned for fall semester 2027.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Residents are concerned over the slow cleanup at Jordan Cemetery on Kingsfield Road in Gonzalez.
County officials said they will assess and begin cleanup soon but have not yet addressed areas behind the maintained front section.
WEAR-TVRead more
Real Estate
The Pensacola Architectural Review Board will decide on Feb. 19 if the 1934 home known as Fairnie Hall in East Hill should have its demolition delayed 60 days to allow interested buyers to assess its historic significance.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pensacola News Journal has selected 14 high school baseball players as preseason player of the year candidates and opened voting for local fans.
Voting closes at 11 a.m. CT on Feb. 24 for those wanting to pick their top choice.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola area girls wrestlers took a big first step in the postseason when three won district titles and seven qualified for regionals on Feb. 14 at the district championships.
The regionals will be held on Feb. 21 at Mosley.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
6th Annual Shamrock Stroll 5K Fun Run
Saturday, March 14th, 2026 · 8 AM – 12 PM — Navarre Beach Marine Park — Registration fee applies — Get ready for fun at the pet parade and costume contest during this festive 5K event.