Good morning, Pensacola.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Yk Niece Concert

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

5-9 p.m. — Blue Wahoos Stadium — Free entry — Catch thrilling high school baseball action as Freeport takes on Choctaw.