Daily editionSaturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
Community
Pensacon is calling for expansion of the Bay Center as growing crowds and vendor demand strain the current facility; county officials are reviewing a $189 million renovation proposal with a study due in early March.
The convention will return in 2027 from Feb. 19 to 21.
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On Tuesday, March 3 at 6:38 a.m. ET, Florida skies will show a full moon paired with a total lunar eclipse known as the blood moon.
Residents should look low to the west (with the eclipse starting at 3:44 a.m.) as clear conditions are expected.
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Business
Frontier Airlines ended service to JFK and 10 other airports while adding 14 new Florida routes.
New routes include Pensacola to Orlando (2x week, started Feb. 13) and others launching through April as the carrier streamlines its fleet following a 2025 loss.
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Culture
WSRE’s StudioAmped music series returns March 5 with the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival special recorded at Pensacola State College.
The season features performances by Gary Nichols, Billy Droze & The Burney Sisters with guest Kensie Coppin, and will include additional concerts on March 12, 19, 26, April 2 & 9.
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Environment
Pensacola residents may catch a glimpse of the blood moon as a partial lunar eclipse starts at 4:50 a.m. Tuesday, Mar. 3, but sunrise may quickly cut the view short so a high, clear western location is advised.
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Government
Residents near downtown face ongoing standing water issues as a stormwater upgrade remains paused after Joe Patti’s halted access, and the city + restaurant will begin mediation within 60 days from Feb. 19 to restart work.
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Residents can learn details about the demolition of the former Baptist Hospital and environmental abatement work at a public info session on Thursday, March 5, at the Fricker Resource Center on North F St. City and Jacobs Engineering staff will answer questions about the project’s timeline and safety measures.
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Save Our Beaches proposed a 75-foot public easement along Perdido Key to secure clear beach access and address condo owners' concerns, and the Escambia Board of County Commissioners will review the compromise at their March 5 meeting & local officials aim to avoid lengthy court battles.
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Lifestyle
Florida offers many dog-friendly beaches for pet owners planning spring break, with Pensacola Beach East Dog Park serving as a local option; visitors are advised to follow rules and pack gear (such as a leash and water) as spring break begins next month.
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Real Estate
Mortgage rates have dropped below 6% for the first time in three and a half years, according to Freddie Mac, and may boost affordability for first-time buyers.
The change comes ahead of Pensacola's busy spring buying season and could spur local market activity.
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Sports
The Jay girls basketball team lost to Williston 66-49 in the FHSAA Rural state championship on Feb. 27 at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, ending a 17-game winning streak in what was their best season in 30 years.
Junior forward Hattie Locklin left the game early with a leg injury.
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Today, Booker T. Washington Wildcats girls basketball beat the Ponte Vedra Sharks 51-40 in a tight game and moved to the Final Four.
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Accidents
On Feb. 18, Secon Recovery & Towing driver James blocked a wrong-way driver on I-110 during his late night shift, stopping the driver twice before Pensacola troopers arrived; his quick action was recognized by Florida Highway Patrol for averting a potential head-on collision.
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Pensacola Events
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.
ServSafe Certification Live Class in Spanish
Monday, March 30th, 2026 · 4-hour class — Hampton Inn Pensacola-Airport — From $159 — Fast-track your ServSafe certification with expert instruction and same-day exam results.