Daily editionFriday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
Community
Cantonment veteran Hunter Girdner, injured in Iran while aiding a squad mate, will be honored tomorrow at the University of West Florida at 6 p.m. Local officials (Rep. Michelle Salzman and Sheriff Chip Simmons) will welcome him home.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Friends of Downtown Pensacola launches Wine Madness, a six-week wine tasting tournament where guests sample and vote on wines at local businesses each Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., starting on March 19 and ending on April 23 (tickets are limited to 75 guests each night).
Rick's BlogRead more
Education
Most Florida counties will begin spring break March 16, 2026, with 44 districts following that schedule.
Three counties started break earlier and will return March 16, while other districts have different dates (check your school calendar to be sure).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
Florida law prohibits the removal of bats from structures using one-way exclusion devices during their maternity season (April 16 to Aug. 14).
Pensacola homeowners must either remove bats before the season begins or wait for permits afterward to comply with state rules protecting these beneficial animals.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Florida returned $88 million in forgotten funds to residents in February, with Pensacola receiving $2.6 million.
WEAR-TVRead more
Lifestyle
Corndog by Mr. Cow debuted at Cordova Mall’s food court in March with a Korean twist on the classic corndog — offering both fruity cereal and Flamin' Hot Cheetos-inspired versions for curious appetites.
Locals can visit the kiosk to try the unique flavors.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Real Estate
An Atlanta-based developer has proposed a new shopping center with a 31,000-sqft grocery store on the former Waverly site at Garden and Spring streets.
The project, which also features retail, dining space, parking and a pocket park, will undergo conceptual review by the Pensacola Architectural Review Board on March 19 (details remain pending).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pensacola’s Woods McCue, a 14-year-old top disc golfer, will compete against legends in the Elite Series tournament in New Orleans from March 13 to March 15 (his first pro tour event sponsored by local Flight Factory) with his father as his caddy.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola hosted the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Tournament where Pensacola Sports CEO Ray Palmer said Troy won back-to-back men's titles and James Madison took the women's crown at the Bay Center (new lighting impressed ESPN’s broadcast).
Rick's BlogRead more
SailGP CEO Russell Coutts explained what the global racing league is and why it chose Pensacola as its training base (underscoring the city's growing role in competitive sailing).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
14th Annual Gala of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
Thursday, April 9th, 2026 · 5:30-9:30 p.m. — Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center — Tickets available — Celebrate community support while benefiting the Alfred Washburn Center & Outreach Ministries.