Daily editionTuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
Community
Carpenter Creek Headwaters Park — a 2.6-acre restored wetland with walking paths, boardwalks and a pollinator garden — opens for public use this week, and a ribbon cutting will be held Thursday, March 19 at 1 p.m. at 725 East Olive Road.
WUWFRead more
Waterfront Rescue Mission opened Monday at 3:30 p.m. at 348 West Herman Ave to offer shelter from cold.
It served men and women and coordinated with community partners to shelter women with children when temperatures dropped below 40°.
WEAR-TVRead more
Hunter Girdner (27-year-old), a Cantonment veteran wounded in Iran during Operation Epic Fury, received a hero’s welcome this past weekend as community members lined the road with flags to honor his brave effort to save a teammate; he is leaving ICU at Walter Reed and will soon return home.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola area U-Pick farms are open today as they start a busy berry season – inviting locals to enjoy fresh picks and family fun at nearby fields.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Coldwater Gardens in Milton canceled dozens of weddings scheduled after April 1 after accepting an offer to sell the property + refunds are expected by mid-April.
Affected couples with bookings from 18 days away to 2028 said they received no notice until they contacted the venue directly.
WEAR-TVRead more
J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company continues its century-long legacy by crafting traditional pecan treats and new snack mixes set to debut at Blue Wahoos games.
The family business operates at its Fairfield Drive location, keeping Pensacola connected to its Southern heritage.
Local PulseRead more
Culture
Pensacola native Keyla Richardson returns for a week after competing in Hawaii as she advances to American Idol’s top 20 and attended Monday night’s show at Andy D's on Pensacola Bay.
Fans can watch the next episode on March 23 at 7 p.m.
WEAR-TVRead more
Economy
Pensacola gas stations reported regular fuel at an average price of $3.49 on Monday, and experts warn that global supply issues + a switch to summer blends may push prices higher in the coming days.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Florida does not set a legal minimum age for kids to stay home alone, but state agencies recommend waiting until age 12 (with older siblings only supervising at 15) as many students enjoy spring break this week in various counties.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
Severe storms passed through the Panhandle on Monday, bringing strong winds+hail and a chance for isolated tornadoes, while a freeze warning affected Pensacola overnight.
Meteorologists reported that additional rain and a sharp temperature drop were expected statewide as cold air moved in.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Despite a partial government shutdown triggering 300 TSA resignations nationwide, Pensacola International remains fully staffed with wait times under 30 minutes.
Airport Director Matt Coughlin said local leadership stays in regular contact to address any potential staffing issues.
WEAR-TVRead more
Lifestyle
Pensacola spring break staycation offers locals creative ways to relax without traveling.
It features historic tours, harbor visits, zoo adventures, a today St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl, and Gallery Night (March 20) along with ferry rides, farm trips, and art walks to give a taste of local fun.
Local PulseRead more
Real Estate
Eli Rushing became the first buyer to get a new affordable home downtown through the Blueprint to Homeownership program, a partnership among the city, Northwest Florida Community Land Trust, Habitat for Humanity and the Home Builders Association.
The initiative will offer two more housing opportunities soon (2300 W. Jackson St.).
Local PulseRead more
Sports
Pensacola Bay and Pensacola Yacht Club will host the 2026 International WASZP Games from March 24–28, where elite foiling sailors from around the world will race in the biggest fleet assembled in the Americas (designer Andrew McDougall may also compete).
Rick's BlogRead 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.