Good morning, Pensacola.

Escambia Animal Welfare took in nearly 4,000 animals last year, leaving its outdated 1997 facility overcrowded with 211 animals—most of which are dogs.

Shelter leader John Robinson said officials are considering a new 60,000-square foot facility costing around $30 million and have approved a new coordinator position to improve services and public outreach.

The Fred Levin Way Fest will take place April 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near Palafox and Government Streets in downtown Pensacola and is expected to draw more than 10,000 people who will receive free goods and services provided by 65 nonprofits—assisted by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. The event honors late Fred Levin and will feature family activities such as free museum admission, kids games, local food trucks, and live performances.

Bands on the Beach returned on April 1 with a show featuring Cristi Dee & Bad JuJu at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach.

The Santa Rosa Island Authority hosts the free concert series, which will run every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. through the summer.

Pensacola News Journal has teamed with high schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa County to launch its weekly Student of the Week poll—readers can choose from eight nominees selected by school officials.

The poll opens Tuesday and voting ends Friday at noon, allowing the community to highlight top academic achievers.

The Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee approved Senate Bill 1622—designed to restore public beach access by repealing a 2018 law that let private owners block entry—that will move to the full Senate floor for debate and vote.

Mayor Reeves announced that retired Rear Admiral Lance Scott will be the new Port Director pending City Council approval as repairs for the American Magic headquarters near completion and funding now covers the project’s cost jump from an initial estimate of between 11 million and 12 million dollars to approximately 17 million dollars—construction will begin immediately after repairs. He added that demolition of the former Baptist Hospital campus will be delayed for two weeks so county staff can finalize costs, with community input planned for May or June, while other city projects and affordable housing efforts continue to progress.

Governor DeSantis proposed a plan to cut Florida property taxes for homeowners by eliminating the state portion that funds public schools and offering about a $1,000 rebate to homesteaded property owners—legislators must agree on the state budget by May 2 to move the proposal forward.

Escambia County approved over $2 million in opioid abatement funds for five local groups to boost recovery and addiction care; Ministry Village at Olive will get $775,000 to expand its women’s recovery program — doubling its capacity from 22 to more than 50 beds while Waterfront Rescue Mission, Lakeview Center, and Community Health North West Florida received funds for transitional housing and new services. The money will be given out over the next 17 years to help address the opioid crisis.

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.

Five Sisters Blues Cafe — The Cat Daddy Blues Band

5-9 p.m. — Five Sisters Blues Cafe — Enjoy Southern-style dishes while grooving to live blues music.

Easter Sunrise Service

11 AM — Westernmark Park — Free entry — Celebrate Easter with a morning service featuring Pastor Dave Crenshaw and complimentary coffee and donuts.

Midnight Release Slumber Party for Great Big Beautiful Life

10:30 PM - 12:00 AM — Bodacious Bookstore and Cafe — Ticket required — Celebrate the launch of Emily Henry’s new book in cozy PJs with snacks, drinks, and surprises.

Cumberland School of Law Pensacola Alumni Reception

5-7 p.m. — Clark Partington Attorneys at Law — Free entry — Connect with fellow alumni in a welcoming environment.

Victory Emerald Nationals 2025

April 25-27 — 201 E Gregory St, Pensacola, FL — In-person participation — Cheerleading competition featuring all-star teams.

Do The '80s Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — The Kennedy — 25% OFF tickets available — Relive the raddest decade with retro contests and social media challenges at Pensacola's '80s-themed pub crawl.