Daily editionFriday, February 27th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of February.
Community
The new Girl Scout cookie Exploremores debuts today as local booths open at markets, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Fans can also pick up favorites like Samoas and Thin Mints across Pensacola.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Lifeguards return to their towers Saturday for the 2026 season at Pensacola Beach, with Casino Beach staffed 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until hours change to 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 8; staffing will increase for Memorial Day weekend after 10 new and 65 returning lifeguards complete training.
WEAR-TVRead more
Education
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education approved Zack Smith and Adam Kissel to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, sending both to the Ethics and Elections Committee on March 2 for final confirmation—Smith receives one dissent over his Heritage Foundation ties and past remarks.
Rick's BlogRead more
The University of West Florida marks 20 years of Explore Camps that give K-12 students hands-on learning in art, coding, science, and more.
Registration for summer camps starts March 4 (online), offering new ways for local kids to spark their creativity.
University of West FloridaRead more
Environment
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discovered eight unexploded ordnances a few feet below the seafloor near the historic USS Massachusetts at Fort Pickens early Friday.
The agency is assessing risks and will seek public input on safety measures (per guidelines).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
A CDC analysis found that fewer pregnant people in Escambia received early prenatal care, with late or no care rising from 9.1% in 2021 to 11.4% in 2024 and local infant mortality at 7.3 per 1,000 births (5.7 statewide); experts say early intervention can lower risks for mother and baby.
Rick's BlogRead more
Lifestyle
Florida law permits alcohol on designated beaches this spring break season.
Pensacola Beach allows drinks except in an alcohol-free zone (a 1.75-acre area defined by Escambia County), so visitors should check local rules before partying.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Alumni, including former MLB players Kevin Saucier and Scotti Madison, are reuniting for a championship-reunion baseball game today at Blue Wahoos Stadium as Escambia and Tate honor past state titles.
A 50th-anniversary luncheon will precede the game at Pensacola Yacht Club.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament starts on March 3 at the Pensacola Bay Center with seven teams competing under a new bracket format that gives top seeds fewer games.
Local teams from South Alabama and Troy boost interest as the event also hosts education days for high school seniors.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Zarzaur Law Maritime DeLuna Duathlon
Sunday, March 29th, 2026 · 8-11 a.m. — Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park — Entry Fee Required — Watch young athletes race in youth duathlon while promoting fitness and fun.