Daily editionMonday, March 16th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of March.
Community
Hundreds gathered Saturday after a motorcycle and law enforcement processional to honor local retired serviceman Hunter Girdner, who suffered critical injuries overseas while saving a teammate.
Officials, family, and community members celebrated his recovery following multiple surgeries at Walter Reed Medical Center.
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The Sunday Market on Palafox returned yesterday for its grand opening in downtown Pensacola, offering live plants, baked goods, fine art and live music.
Shoppers enjoyed local performances (including poetry and face painting) as part of the festive event.
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Readers can support local pastry talent as the Pensacola News Journal holds a Sweet 16 contest for non-chain bakeries.
Email nominations are accepted until noon on March 19, with online voting starting March 23 and ending with the championship round on April 16.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
WSRE-TV's StudioAmped started its 16th season on March 5, showcasing local acts at Pensacola State College.
Plans for season 17 remain uncertain — WSRE will end its PBS affiliation on June 30.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Pensacola High School’s Jatina Brown was named the Escambia and Santa Rosa County Student of the Week for March 9–13 after receiving 61.1 percent of the vote; voting for next week’s honorees begins March 17.
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Environment
The Gulf Islands National Seashore lets visitors explore sugar-white sands, unspoiled beaches, and rich natural beauty (and history) along the Southern Gulf Coast.
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Government
Pensacola International Airport reported 0–15 minute TSA wait times on Sunday as spring break travel increased across Florida, while major hubs experienced longer delays.
Orlando International Airport hosted a food drive for TSA workers affected by the partial government shutdown.
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Former congressman David Jolly said on March 10 in Pensacola that DeSantis undermined UWF leadership by appointing unqualified board members.
He promised to remove those members if elected governor & ensure the university serves Florida’s economy.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Voting for the PNJ Athlete of the Week is underway with nominations open for local high school athletes; voting closes at 11 a.m. Saturday and winners are announced Monday (submissions are accepted by phone or email until Sunday night).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Hail The Sun Concert
Friday, April 10th, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — $76 each — Catch Hail the Sun live with great energy at this popular local venue.