Daily editionFriday, March 27th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of March.
Community
ULA Atlas V rocket carrying Amazon Leo satellites will launch from Cape Canaveral at 3:53 a.m. ET Sunday, March 29 if weather permits, and the bright display may be visible across Florida.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Atlas Oyster House is merging with The Fish House to form an expanded waterfront dining complex as part of The Great Southern Restaurant Group's plan to offer 300 feet of seating 7 days a week.
The menu - featuring Atlas' Tuesday oyster special - will introduce favorites starting April 1st.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
Gas prices in Florida remain high as buyers see slight drops but rising jet fuel costs drive airlines to raise fares & the U.S. Postal Service plans to add an 8% fuel surcharge on April 26 pending regulatory approval.
Pensacola gas stations still offer rates near $3.19, according to AAA.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
The University of West Florida was recognized as a Gold-level Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School for 2026-2027.
The school also launched a new Office of Military Services to centralize support for military students (its eighth such designation).
University of West FloridaRead more
UWF President Manny Diaz will announce a jump from Division II to Division I as rising costs could push the athletic budget into the red in three years without help, and Dr. Clifford Humphrey will exit his chief of staff role effective April 1 as duties shift to Alex Smith.
Rick's BlogRead more
Government
The Booker T. Washington High School girls basketball team celebrated its state championship win in Jacksonville, and county commissioners clashed with County Clerk Childers over a $1,000 discretionary fund for the team trip on Thursday morning & Commissioner May said he would secure alternative funds as the dispute unfolded.
WEAR-TVRead more
Escambia County board approved revised OLF 8 terms on March 26 that drop $14 million in price while letting the county keep 171 acres for job-creation in Beulah; some residents raised process concerns as leaders expect the change to attract public funds for infrastructure.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
In Pensacola, Visit Pensacola’s Board of Directors voted Wednesday not to renew CEO Darien Schaefer’s contract, set to expire Sept. 30; he will serve until an interim CEO is appointed and a national search begins.
WEAR-TVRead more
Health
Health advocates will launch a pilot program in 32505 neighborhoods as early as May to address high infant mortality and preterm birth rates; they plan to meet residents through home visits, library sessions, and pop-up shops to offer prenatal care education and support.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
The Blue Angels crew performs daily morning turns to secure safe flying conditions for their air show season, ensuring pilots are ready for upcoming events in Pensacola.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Junie B. Jones The Musical
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 · 2:30-4:30 p.m. — Pensacola Little Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a heartwarming and comedic adventure with the beloved character Junie B. Jones in a sensory-friendly performance.
Pensacola Pickles & Wings Family Festival
Monday, April 13th, 2026 · 10 AM – 8 PM — Seville Square — Free admission — Experience the fun with the legendary Pickle Priest and a day filled with pickle-themed festivities.