Daily editionWednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
Community
Surfers, families and local beachgoers will gather on Pensacola Beach Saturday, March 7 for the First Annual Spicy Ricey Surf Contest — held with the Gulf Coast Whale Festival to raise awareness for the endangered Rice’s whale.
Competitors must register with a fee while attendance remains free.
Local PulseRead more
Business
The Studer Community Institute Venture Mentoring Service chose five Pensacola-area small businesses for its Winter 2026 cohort to receive guidance from experienced business mentors + attend networking events.
The mentoring program begins today, and selected ventures will engage in regular sessions and workshops to boost growth.
Local PulseRead more
Culture
Pensacola native Keyla Richardson advanced on 'American Idol' after a soulful performance of 'I Won't Give Up' that earned a standing ovation (she dedicated it to her son, Drew) and now she awaits selection in the Top 30 next week.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Art Gallery at UWF will present TAGGED from March 5-12 with an opening ceremony and awards presentation scheduled for March 5 from 5-7 p.m. at Building 82 (Pensacola campus), offering UWF students a chance to display their work in a professional setting.
University of West FloridaRead more
Education
Pensacola News Journal is running its Student of the Week poll featuring six nominees (from high schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties).
Readers can vote online starting Tuesday, and the poll will close on Friday at noon to decide the top local student.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
Local conservation experts explained that new housing developments in Northwest Florida are using a habitat mapping model and relocation protocols to prevent conflicts with protected gopher tortoises.
Landowners are urged to survey for active burrows before clearing begins.
WUWFRead more
Pensacola EPA plans to begin phase one of the final cleanup at the American Creosote Works site this summer — Mayor Reeves said work at Sanders Beach will start in July while additional funds are still needed for phase two.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
Escambia County is examining methods to boost public access to Perdido Key beaches and reduce conflicts with private property owners as part of an ongoing review.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola visitors are reminded that recreational marijuana remains illegal in Florida while medical marijuana is allowed for residents with a state-issued card; a 2026 proposal to legalize recreational use faces legal hurdles over signature and deadline issues.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
SpaceX Crew-12 launched from Florida on Feb. 13 to restore a full seven-person crew to the International Space Station (ISS) after a medical evacuation left only three crew members.
The four new astronauts are set to undertake nine months of research and station maintenance.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Real Estate
Four days into a (60-day) delay, preservationist Nannette Chandler said negotiations with Sitton Custom Homes broke down over 'unreasonable' terms, leaving Fairnie Hall's future at 1182 E. Lakeview Ave uncertain.
Chandler will form a Pensacola Preservation Guild to focus on saving historic homes.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
High School Baseball Match: Freeport vs. Choctaw
Friday, March 27th, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Blue Wahoos Stadium — Free entry — Catch thrilling high school baseball action as Freeport takes on Choctaw.