Daily editionThursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
Community
Big Jerk Soda — along with Lensea Film — will host Chump Change carnival at Odd Colony Brewing on Saturday, March 7 from 5 to 7 p.m., benefiting Oakcrest Elementary's media program with professional equipment upgrades.
Rick's BlogRead more
Bright Bridge Ministries will host the grand opening of its renovated South Wing on Mar. 24 at 2600 W. Strong Street, adding 40 beds to raise shelter capacity from 50 to 90.
The opening will feature a Fresh Start graduation at 4:00 p.m.+ a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
Local PulseRead more
American Cruise Lines' American Symphony will dock at Plaza De Luna at noon Saturday, Mar. 7+ the 269-foot ship is expected to carry about 175 passengers, marking Pensacola's first Gulf Coast cruise visit as additional sailings are planned later this month.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
A Falcon 9 launch carrying 29 Starlink satellites occurred at 4:50 a.m. CT from Cape Canaveral and produced a space jellyfish effect seen by Pensacola viewers.
Photos appeared around 4:55 a.m. as the rocket stage landed in the Atlantic — fascinating local watchers.
WEAR-TVRead more
Business
Pensacola’s dining scene saw nine restaurants open in February and four venues close permanently.
New spots like Waldo’s Chicken and Beer and Chef Eddy’s Thai Express offer fresh cuisine, while some closures will transition into new event spaces (such as a waterfront site for community use).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Pensacola welcomes the Gulf Coast Whale Festival this weekend.
Conservation leader Laura Engleby will speak Friday at 6 p.m. at Waterboyz (380 North Ninth Avenue), and the festival continues Saturday at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach with exhibits on endangered Rice’s whales.
WUWFRead more
Economy
Gas prices in Florida jumped nearly 31 cents per gallon yesterday when the average reached $3.19, with pumps in Daytona Beach showing prices up to $3.29 (a sharp two-day increase) amid ongoing supply concerns.
Pensacola drivers may see these trends reflected at local stations.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Matthew Pusch received a life-saving liver transplant on Feb. 2, and community fundraising by Help Hope Live and local organizations helped cover his $1.8 million bill — a testament to Pensacola’s strong support.
FOX 10Read more
Lifestyle
Pensacola animal shelters currently list adoptable pets for residents looking for a new companion (cats, dogs, and small animals are available).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Yesterday, Day 2 of the Sun Belt Tournament unfolded at the Bay Center with tight women's games at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and men's contests at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The venue will host a baby crawl for non-walkers on Sunday.
Rick's BlogRead more
Braydon Nowling, a junior at Jay High, returned to sports after his trainer detected myocarditis during a workout — tests confirmed heart inflammation and he now feels ready for a track meet on Friday.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Cliff Cash - Comedy + Punk Night
Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 · 6-8:30 p.m. — Perfect Plain Brewing Co. — Tickets available — Enjoy a unique blend of comedy and local punk music in an intimate setting.
Transformation Church's Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 · 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Pensacola Interstate Fair — Free entry — Enjoy family-friendly carnival games and age-specific egg hunting zones for children nursery aged to 5th grade.