Daily editionSunday, March 8th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 8th of March.
Community
Blue Angels practice dates at NAS Pensacola were announced and the team will begin public sessions this month; 13 new restaurants soon open to bring diverse flavors, while a Pensacola Beach investor works to fix permitting issues—meeting county rules.
A state proposal may leave a $9M budget shortfall next year.
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This week, residents can cheer on Division I basketball at the Bay Centre and enjoy a wide range of local events including live concerts, art shows, sports tournaments, film screenings and themed bar crawls scheduled through March 15 at venues like the Handlebar and Saenger Theatre.
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American Cruise Lines brought its ship American Symphony to Plaza de Luna around noon Saturday, marking its first stop in Pensacola and starting a new chapter for local cruise travel.
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Culture
The American Symphony Riverboat docked at Plaza De Luna on Saturday, Mar. 7, marking its Pensacola debut; it is the first of four planned visits this year.
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Artist Sarah Soule Webb opened her gallery and studio on Palafox St on March 3, featuring paintings, prints, and textiles inspired by family moments + creative vision for local art lovers.
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Economy
Gas prices in Pensacola and across the state have been rising amid the Iran war, with AAA reporting a 54-cent hike since March 2 and a Saturday average of $3.428 while Pensacola holds at $3.091.
Drivers are advised to use gas apps and fuel-saving techniques (AAA data).
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Education
Pensacola summer camp registrations are now open for programs in arts, STEM, sports and more, with sessions scheduled from June to August.
Parents can contact providers (such as Pensacola State College and University of West Florida) to secure spots for their kids.
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Sports
Gulf Breeze wrestler Camdyn Elliott won her second state title with an undefeated 38-0 season by pinning Strawberry Crest’s competitor today (a key moment in local wrestling).
Pace’s Kiaana Gavere became her school’s first girls wrestling state champion by beating Sunlake’s Ennis Coakley at Silver Spurs Arena.
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Nearly 12,000 runners participated in the 49th Annual McGuire’s 5K in Pensacola Saturday morning, with four medical calls and five public assists reported.
Organizers will start planning next month for the 50th anniversary run — the largest yet — which will benefit local groups and the city.
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Accidents
Family and friends held a funeral for a 5-year-old whose body was found in Perdido Bay in February, and local residents gathered to pay their respects.
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Pensacola Events
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.
Free Yoga at Bayview Park
Sunday, April 5th, 2026 · 9:30-10:30 a.m. — Bayview Park — Free entry — Enjoy a rejuvenating outdoor yoga session suitable for all levels amidst nature.