Daily editionFriday, April 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of April.
Community
NASA astronaut Victor Glover (Artemis II pilot) returned to Escambia County in November 2023 for Aviation Community Day.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Travelers departing for Easter will see TSA wait times of under 15 minutes at Pensacola International and many other Florida airports as of 8 a.m. Thursday, Apr. 2, with private contractors aiding security at select hubs.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Fish House merged with Atlas on April 1, after 28 years, to expand its waterfront dining space and update its menu.
The restaurant consolidated seating, doubled its oyster station, and upgraded its kitchen to prepare for peak season with 300+ feet of dining space.
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Government
Pensacola City Council will consider donating city land at 801 West Avery Street to Community Health Northwest Florida Foundation, which must spend at least $850,000 on renovations to open a clinic within two years and follow a 15-year use restriction (including purchase options) to protect public interests.
Rick's BlogRead more
Developers for the upcoming Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel and Rhythm Lofts at Maritime Park applied for a 20-year, $2.9M-a-year tax rebate to finance their $250M project later this year.
City officials will review the proposal using public benefit criteria + a third-party evaluation.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Escambia County’s board directed the Supervisor of Elections to put a ballot question on the Aug. 18 primary asking voters if the superintendent should be elected rather than appointed.
The measure was requested by the Escambia School Board (despite community pushback favoring a general election vote).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Real Estate
Escambia County waived nearly $400K in fines on April 2 for the old Suburban Extended Stay lodge in Warrington so developer John Olinger could close on the property and secure a construction loan; he will renovate the 129-room hotel while fines resume if repairs are not completed by year’s end.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
University of West Florida announced yesterday that its athletics would move from Division II to Division I, with football joining the United Athletic Conference in fall and other sports competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference; the change comes with a $2 million entry fee that will expand campus opportunities.
WUWFRead more
The Blue Wahoos introduced over a dozen new food items for today's season opener, including a crawfish étouffée stuffed crepe and interactive doughnut holes with injectable fillings.
The menu will remain available throughout the season at the ballpark based on customer demand.
Pensacola News JournalRead 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.