Daily editionTuesday, March 18th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of March.
Community
Pensacola will spend $21.7M on park improvements that add sidewalks, scoreboards and new playground surfaces—projects set to begin in Spring and finish by 2027.
Dozens of local parks, including Belvedere and Zamora Square, will get upgraded amenities that boost access and safety.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Legal Services of North Florida filed an injunction on March 12 asking Landmark Asset Services Inc. to repair Johnson Lakes Apartments, remove mold, allow inspections, and stop evicting tenants after years of neglect worsened since Hurricane Sally damaged the complex in 2020.
County officials fined the owner about $450,000 and will enforce further actions if repairs are not made—more than two dozen affected residents continue to suffer from uninhabitable living conditions.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Community leaders are meeting today at Studer Community Institute—5 p.m.—to discuss new UWF trustee appointments that could change the university’s role in the panhandle.
A panel including Belle Bear, Quint Studer and former UWF board chair Suzanne Lewis will speak and urge citizens to sign petitions and contact key state senators.
Rick's BlogRead more
Education
The Pensacola News Journal worked with high schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to honor top students for March 3-7, naming West Florida High School’s Trevor Rogers as Student of the Week with 47.39% of the vote.
Voting began on March 17—readers can vote for next week's winner.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Pensacola city officials released the results of the 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey, with 1,504 residents participating and 70% saying the city is on the right track; the feedback highlights strong support for waterfront access, arts, and public safety while affordable housing remains a concern — city leaders will use the survey to set future budget priorities.
Local PulseRead more
Santa Rosa County churches will face new fire assessment fees this year after local lawmakers passed bills requiring 109 places of worship to pay for fire services—church leaders at churches like Immanuel Baptist are now dealing with bills as high as $16,000 that may force cuts in ministry budgets. Pastors are urging officials to support a united request for relief as many civic groups and charitable organizations are also unexpectedly hit by the new charges.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Lifestyle
Pensacola residents can enjoy a wide range of spring break activities without leaving town.
The Local Pulse Team with The Zimmern Team has prepared a bucket list that includes historic tours like the SS United States in Mobile Bay, outdoor adventures, family events and sports—featuring a pub crawl today and Ice Flyers games on March 21—23.
Local PulseRead more
Accidents
A 22-year-old Fairhope woman was critically injured when her gray Nissan SUV caught fire in a single-vehicle collision on US-29 north of Highway 164 in McDavid Sunday night at around 8:41 p.m.—troopers said she was airlifted to a hospital while investigators probe the crash.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Events
Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Friday, March 21st, 2025 · Experience a unique live candlelight concert featuring music from Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by the Palafox String Quartet in a beautiful setting.
House Hunting in Pensacola
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 · 1-3 p.m. — 3461 Carlotta St — Free entry — Explore 1753 homes for sale with Compass and find your dream home in Pensacola.
Kelli Baker Concert
Monday, March 24th, 2025 · 7:30-11:30 p.m. | Seville Quarter | Ticket prices vary | Enjoy an evening of vibrant live music from Kelli Baker in a lively Pensacola venue.
Ballet Pensacola's Don Quixote
Friday, March 28th, 2025 · 7:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. | Pensacola Little Theatre | Ticket prices vary | Experience Don Quixote's whimsical journey through Barcelona filled with adventure and romance.
7th Annual Pensacola Vegfest
Saturday, March 29th, 2025 · The 7th Annual Pensacola Vegfest features a variety of vegan food options, local art, live cooking demonstrations, and a beer garden.
Zarzaur Law Maritime DeLuna Duathlon
Sunday, March 30th, 2025 · 8-11 a.m. | Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park | Registration required | A thrilling youth duathlon event welcoming participants aged 6-15 from local schools.
Anjelah Johnson Reyes Stand-Up Comedy Show
Friday, April 4th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Prepare for a night of laughter with one of today's most successful stand-up comedians.
Daddy & Daughter Date Night
Saturday, April 5th, 2025 · 5-8 p.m. — Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of fun activities and bonding between dads and daughters.
The Market at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten
Sunday, April 13th, 2025 · 1-6 p.m. — Gary's Brewery & Biergarten — Free entry — Explore local vendors while enjoying craft brews and delicious food truck offerings.
Dog Man - The Musical
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 · 6:30-8:00 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Experience the humorous adventures of Dog Man in this captivating musical adaptation for families.