Daily editionThursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
Community
Council on Aging will host its fifth annual kite festival on Casino Beach from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15 — a free event featuring massive show kites, food trucks, and kids’ activities while supporting vital senior services.
Local PulseRead more
Pensacola residents are invited to the 6th Annual Spring Shop Hop on Sunday, Mar. 8 from noon to 4 p.m. as the Shops of Palafox and DIB host an event where shoppers can win prizes by uploading receipts from participating stores.
Local PulseRead more
Business
MariCarmen turned her lifelong passion for food and travel into Carmen’s Lunch Bar along Palafox Street after winning a Pensacola Business Challenge; the venue (739 sqft) opened in October and offers cozy Southern comfort blended with international flavors, serving as a warm space for locals.
Local PulseRead more
Education
Over 1,000 local high school students are exploring well paying building jobs at a two day event happening today where industry leaders + state officials share insights on new job openings.
Students from five counties learn they can start careers close to home.
WEAR-TVRead more
Environment
Residents in Sanders Beach will begin having toxic soil removed from their yards this summer as EPA funds spur bids in March while an underground cap isolates creosote; the project still needs ($8.6 million) to start the thermal injection phase to treat deeper contamination.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
A strong cold front is moving through Florida and will drop Pensacola's temperatures while raising wildfire concerns.
Dry winds and widespread drought (with burn bans in 35 counties) may also harm local iguana populations that suffered last week.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Sen. Gaetz said UWF trustee candidates Adam Kissel and Zack Smith will soon appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections after Kissel's reappointment — while his proposed voucher reform bill remains stalled amid House — Senate leadership friction, delaying needed voucher system fixes.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Board is weighing options for Fairnie Hall, a nearly 100-year-old local building, as demolition is being considered amid heritage concerns.
Officials expect to announce a decision soon.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Residents in Walnut Hill say ambulance wait times remain too long during emergencies, prompting county officials to order 22 new ambulances & raise staffing levels for rural areas.
Officials said mutual aid from neighboring agencies will continue when local units are busy.
WEAR-TVRead more
Sports
Pensacola high school lacrosse fans can cast ballots for the nine preseason player nominees until 11 a.m. Feb. 26.
The online poll features players from Milton, Gulf Breeze, Navarre and Pensacola Catholic and will not affect end-of-season awards.
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.