Good morning, Pensacola.

Pensacola businesses are getting creative ahead of Pensacon this weekend with Azalea Cocktail Lounge offering Stranger Things-themed cocktails & exclusive claw machine prizes while The Fish House revamps its annual Harry Potter Experience to draw excited fans.

Anderson Subaru and United Way will host a free shoe giveaway for Pensacola kids on Saturday, Feb.

21 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at My Father’s Vineyard (7895 Pensacola Blvd), providing new shoes and socks on a first-come, first-served basis.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Krispy Kreme offered a free Original Glazed Doughnut to anyone wearing Mardi Gras beads at their drive-thru or in-store.

The deal followed Pensacola’s four-day Mardi Gras celebrations featuring lively parades, music, and festive events.

Local parishes in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties can submit their 2026 fish fry details (including location, menu, and cost) for a guide to be published soon by the Pensacola News Journal.

The initiative connects readers with local Lenten dining options.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said a power failure at Ascend Performance Materials on Feb.

17 at 10 a.m. caused a nitrogen oxides leak at the Cantonment plant (operators restarted the Adipic Acid Unit).

The Pensacola Museum of History opened a new military textile exhibit, 'Dressing History: Fabric of War,' on Feb.

13, featuring uniforms and other textiles that document military innovation from the mid-1800s to the modern era (inside the Textile Gallery on the second floor).

At last week's University of West Florida Board meeting, President Manny Diaz outlined bonus-eligible performance goals including targets met during his interim term + plans for a new football stadium and enhanced campus improvements.

The board's review coincides with a record-breaking enrollment year.

Escambia County will vote on a $6,421 service agreement with the USDA to control beaver dams that block drainage and cause flooding.

The board meets tomorrow at 9:45 a.m. at 221 Palafox Place.

The city’s Architectural Review Board will meet this Thursday to decide if the 1930s home in East Hill should be marked historically significant, limiting demolition to a 60-day delay.

Mayor Reeves said the owner cited repair costs and noted that no legal remedy stops the process.

Escambia County now accepts applications for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program for residents aged 16-24, with training and documentation required.

Applicants must submit by Friday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. to work up to 30 hours a week at $14 per hour in various county departments.

The Pensacola News Journal nominated 11 high school softball players for preseason player of the year and invited votes until 11 a.m. CT Feb.

24. Nominees include athletes from Pace, Northview, Escambia and other schools who had strong 2025 seasons.

Yesterday, Pace High School completed a district sweep in District 1-2A wrestling at Choctawhatchee High School — winning three individual titles while Gulf Breeze claimed five.

Twenty-two area wrestlers qualified for the Region tournament in Tallahassee scheduled for Feb. 27-28.

On Feb. 17, Booker T.

Washington boys soccer lost 2-1 to Beachside in the Region 1-5A final, marking the third straight regional final loss for the Wildcats. They plan to return key players next season to build on this past effort.

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.

6th Annual Shamrock Stroll 5K Fun Run

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.