Daily editionThursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
Community
Delta and Pensacola International Airport hosted Wings for All on Feb. 24, a mock flight experience that helped travelers with special needs and their families feel comfortable with air travel.
Volunteers guided participants through TSA screenings and simulated boarding to ease concerns.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
Electric bills in Florida have surged with higher air-conditioning use and a multi-billion-dollar rate hike, impacting Pensacola residents.
Local lawmakers are proposing bills to curb costs while utilities plan fee adjustments in the coming months (as consumer groups push for relief).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Local K-12 and college students in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have spring break from March 16 to 20.
Extra off days vary by district (Escambia skips April 3, Santa Rosa has a planning day on March 23 and Good Friday off, and Pensacola Catholic adds April 5).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The UWF Center for Behavior Analysis has initiated an internship partnership with Escambia Westgate School that offers graduate students practical experience in the Snoezelen Complex & interdisciplinary collaboration with therapists and teachers.
This program supports board certification efforts while serving students with exceptionalities.
University of West FloridaRead more
Government
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced that out-of-state owners of the long-abandoned clinic on Palafox now face $250 in daily fines—a sharp rise from the $50 fines imposed starting December 2024—as residents press for the building's removal amid safety concerns.
WEAR-TVRead more
Lifestyle
Pensacola Beach was named the best beach in the nation by Conde Nast Traveler in a December report — a boost for local tourism.
Schools set spring break for mid-March and visitors can enjoy many restaurants, water tours and street-legal golf cart rides along the beach.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Real Estate
Isaiah Waters is nearly finished converting a used shipping container into a tiny home in his parents’ yard (near Davis Highway), a project he began in January 2024 with guidance from his grandfather; he is completing the final touches with move-in day set soon.
Local PulseRead more
Sports
At the Pensacola Sports Awards Banquet on Feb. 24 at Brownsville Community Center, Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin and former NFL star Doug Baldwin were inducted into the local Sports Hall of Fame alongside Peter Dyson and David Williams.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Bay Center will host the Sun Belt Basketball Championships from March 3 to March 9, with 14 schools competing in 26 games.
The event features special promotions (Youth Night on March 4, Education Night on March 5, Fan Fest and Dribble Drive on March 7, Baby Race on March 8) and tickets start at $15 for adults.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Bayou Hills Run: City of Pensacola 5K / 10K Championships
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 · 7 AM – 12 PM — Bayview Park — Entry fees apply — Pensacola’s historic running event serves up competitive racing and community spirit.