Daily editionThursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
Community
NASA's Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover, both naval aviators with Pensacola roots, trained locally before the four-person crew's historic ten-day moon journey.
They connected with local students and visited the Naval Aviation Museum to honor the community's aviation heritage.
WEAR-TVRead more
The Pensacola News Journal reported on April 1 that new palm trees have been planted on Palafox, Casey's gas stations will soon open and Keyla Richardson is pursuing her American Idol journey, offering locals a roundup of missed updates.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Raising Cane's is planning to expand in Florida with an approved new restaurant in Pensacola at 5100 N. Ninth Ave - replacing a former Red Lobster.
Opening dates have not been announced as details remain pending.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
Florida saw gas prices jump overnight as the state average reached $4.219 on April 1 while Pensacola recorded a lower price at $3.825, according to AAA; experts point to high oil costs amid ongoing conflict (with Iran) affecting supply.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Pensacola residents must file their 2025 tax return or request an extension by midnight April 15 to avoid penalties (up to 25% extra) and extend their deadline to Oct. 15.
Free filing help is available via IRS Free File and local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Baptist Hospital was named to the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list with a four-star rating for clinical excellence, quality outcomes and patient-centered care (reflecting 75 years of local commitment).
It joins other recent awards by Baptist Health Care.
Local PulseRead more
Sports
Pensacola's Ice Flyers set a season attendance record with 168,493 fans, marking four straight years of growth at the Hangar during numerous sellout events.
Their first home playoff game starts April 10, with further schedule details to follow.
Rick's BlogRead more
The Blue Wahoos are set to begin their season on Friday at 6:05 p.m. with a new $2M batting cage boosting player training and upgraded fan spaces (a redesigned lobby and expanded party deck) for a closer view of the action.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Oyster Restoration Initiative Constructability Meeting
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 · 10 AM – 12 PM — Bayview Community Center — Free entry — Engage in a workshop to shape the future of oyster reef restoration in Pensacola.
Live Well, Age Well Conference
Thursday, April 16th, 2026 · 5:30-8:30 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Downtown — Event pricing not specified — Discover the latest in wellness, longevity, and aesthetic medicine with expert speakers and live demonstrations.
Strong Girls, Strong Minds: Mental Health Summit 2026
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 · 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Pensacola State College - Warrington Campus — Free entry — Explore mental wellness with therapy dogs, expert talks, and fun activities.
Brunch with The Mylo Crew
Sunday, April 19th, 2026 · 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Perfect Plain Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy brunch while meeting adoptable pups and supporting a local rescue organization.