Daily editionSaturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
Business
Dunkin' in Pace is giving away 100 days of free coffee to the first 100 guests in line today at 9 a.m. Florida residents aged 18+ who are Dunkin’ Rewards members will receive a code in the app for a free medium hot or iced coffee each day.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
University of West Florida art major Brianna Bailey will debut her months-in-the-making K-2SO cosplay at Pensacon today; she is also building a custom Mandalorian costume that honors her Star Wars roots and personal history.
WUWFRead more
Pensacon opened yesterday at the Pensacola Bay Center and is drawing thousands of pop culture fans through Sunday — event hours are Friday from 1 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WEAR-TVRead more
Economy
Florida residents can now buy a Walt Disney World Annual Pass with a $99 down payment — reduced from $205 — and monthly payments from $36 to $136, as reported on Feb. 20.
The offer applies to all four pass tiers.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Students at Escambia Westgate School celebrated Mardi Gras with their 33rd annual parade for children with special needs.
The event featured about 30 entries, including local krewes, first responders, and UWF cheerleaders — a format that helps prevent sensory overload.
FOX 10Read more
Environment
Florida faced its worst drought since 2001 as state officials issued water restrictions and urged Northwest Florida residents to cut water use, with plans underway to protect Lake Okeechobee and local ecosystems.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
County officials heard heated debate yesterday over a proposed customary use claim on Perdido Key, with property owners warning of legal action and supporters urging public access while alternatives like expanded parking at Johnson Beach are being considered.
WUWFRead more
Real Estate
Pensacola’s Maritime Park district is set for transformation with the REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel, 247 residences including 40% attainable middle-market housing, and a 21,000 sqft public plaza; groundbreaking will occur later this year & city approvals and public hearings are pending.
Rick's BlogRead more
Sports
The PNJ has announced 10 high school girls lacrosse nominees for preseason player of the year from schools including Pensacola Catholic, Gulf Breeze, Booker T. Washington, Navarre, and Tate.
Readers can vote until 11 a.m. on Feb. 27 (this poll will not affect the end-of-season awards).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Jay girls basketball held off the tough Chipley team in a close game, advancing to their first Final Four since 1998 & showcasing strong teamwork.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Yk Niece Concert
Friday, March 20th, 2026 · 9 PM - 3 AM — 8Fifty Event Center — In-person event for ages 18+ — Experience the hit-filled performance of Yk Niece in Pensacola's premier venue.