Daily editionWednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
Community
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.
WEAR-TVRead more
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.
Rick's BlogRead more
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
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).
Local PulseRead more
Education
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.
Rick's BlogRead more
Environment
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
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.
WEAR-TVRead more
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.
WEAR-TVRead more
Sports
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Accidents
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).
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.