Daily editionFriday, March 21st, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of March.
Community
Sunshine Health opened a new food pantry Thursday on Creighton Road at a shopping center near Walmart+ it is open every third Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.
It fed 50 families and plans to serve up to 100 families in partnership with Farm Share to cut food insecurity+.
WEAR-TVRead more
Culture
The Belmont-Devilliers Street Market will be held on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on a closed block of Belmont.
The event will feature live music—blues, R&B, funk and rap—food and vendors to celebrate the neighborhood’s rich cultural history.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
Pensacola set a new tourism record in FY2024 by welcoming 2.54 million visitors who spent $1.3 billion—straining parking and meeting spaces in downtown and at the beach.
Local officials are planning improvements to conference facilities to support future growth.
Rick's BlogRead more
Last year, Escambia County welcomed 2.5 million visitors that generated over $2 billion in economic impact and supported more than 18,000 jobs—figures that include $65 million in local tax revenue and over $22 million in tourist development tax revenue.
Visit Pensacola will share these numbers with tourism leaders in Tallahassee on March 26 and is accepting Hospitality Hero Award nominations for four winners who will each receive $500; nominations must be submitted by April 25 and winners will be honored at a luncheon on May 8.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Pensacola is nearing a deal that will let Valencia Hotel Group sign a full lease this summer to build a new hotel at Community Maritime Park near the Reverb Hard Rock Hotel—Mayor D.C. Reeves said.
The City Council may vote on the lease extension next week, and the city expects to finalize parking plans, with 100 spaces already arranged and 80 more under review.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The death of August Bucki — a 41-year-old wheelchair-bound local man — occurred on Feb. 21 after he spent a night in near-freezing temperatures outside a homeless outreach facility, and his belongings were removed during an encampment clearance on Feb. 19.
This tragedy has reopened debates over Florida’s anti-camping laws and how they are enforced.
WUWFRead more
Today, the University of West Florida Board of Trustees begins its first meeting at 9 a.m. in the UWF Conference Center with five uniformed FHP officers present at the direction of Gov. DeSantis following a Tuesday town hall where over 400 citizens voiced concerns about his appointees. The meeting is open to the public in person and online via Zoom.
Rick's BlogRead more
Real Estate
A development proposal for a 104-bedroom apartment complex with 106 parking spots was filed on March 10 for a site at 2160 Academy Drive near off-campus housing for UWF students, and the plans were submitted by the Pensacola office of Baskerville-Donovan on behalf of Ameron Homes + led by Todd Brognano who owns the parcel. Escambia County’s Development Review Committee has not yet reviewed the proposal + the project now awaits county approval.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Five Sisters Blues Cafe — The Cat Daddy Blues Band
Friday, April 18th, 2025 · 5-9 p.m. — Five Sisters Blues Cafe — Enjoy Southern-style dishes while grooving to live blues music.