Good morning, Pensacola.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

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

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

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.

JP Soars & The Red Hots

5:30-8:30 p.m. — 21 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL — Free entry — Enjoy live music and a vibrant atmosphere at this local favorite spot.

Yewz at 850 Fusion Bar

8 PM - 2 AM | 850 Fusion Bar | Ticket purchase required | Enjoy a galactic night of low bass with Yewz and support acts in Pensacola.

Zarzaur Law Maritime DeLuna Duathlon

8-11 a.m. — Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park — Registration required — Cheer on youth athletes aged 6-15 as they tackle the duathlon in a supportive, fun-packed environment.

Anjelah Johnson Reyes Stand-Up Comedy Show

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.

Kids Empowerment Day Anti-Bullying

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — 8Fifty Event Center — Free admission — A day of fun activities and workshops dedicated to empowering kids against bullying.

The Market at Gary's Brewery and Biergarten

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

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.