Daily editionFriday, April 4th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 4th of April.
Community
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area announced its 2025 membership drive ended with a record 1,242 members and will award 12 project grants of $103,500 each—totaling $1,242,000—to nonprofit groups in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties on October 19.
Nonprofit leaders can attend a free workshop on April 10 from 9 to 2 at Brownsville Community Center where Capt. Chandra Newman will be the keynote speaker.
Rick's BlogRead more
Today in Pensacola, the Fork Cancer Gala at Supposey Warehouse and Gardens is raising funds with a $125,000 goal to support the Road to Recovery program that provides free transportation for cancer patients, while a $5 million grant will improve the Hollice T. Williams Stormwater Park project to reconnect the Eastside neighborhood. The Estuary Program has launched a Living Shoreline Assistance Program to help property owners address erosion with an open house on May 1 and a webinar today from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
On April 3rd, GE Vernova opened a new customer experience center at its nacelle manufacturing hub in Pensacola as it doubled down on local investments amid shifting federal support for offshore wind projects—over $70 million has been invested since 2023.
The facility, which currently employs 700 people including many veterans, will increase its output to more than 1,000 nacelles to meet rising clean energy demand.
WUWFRead more
Education
Students who took the digital SAT on March 14 got their scores by 8 p.m. on April 3—College Board made the scores available in phases—with future tests set to release scores on scheduled dates.
Florida colleges have set different deadlines for score submissions, with UF and UCF due by May 1 and UWF by April 11.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded $25 million to local governments for 13 water supply projects to update water mains, storage tanks and distribution systems in Northwest Florida.
The funds will upgrade systems in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Escambia and Walton counties—improving emergency water access for residents—by replacing aging pipes and tanks over the coming months.
WUWFRead more
Government
A proposed Florida bill would waive the $75 fee for medical marijuana cards for honorably discharged veterans while still requiring a qualifying doctor's exam.
The measure is part of a broader effort to update the state's medical marijuana laws.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Lifestyle
Southern Living readers voted Pensacola’s Flora-Bama bar as the top beach bar of 2025, praised for its live music, fresh seafood and signature Bushwacker (located at 17401 Perdido Key Drive) while two other Florida bars also appeared on the annual list.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday, April 20th, 2025 · 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
Monday, April 21st, 2025 · 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
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 · 5-7 p.m. — Clark Partington Attorneys at Law — Free entry — Connect with fellow alumni in a welcoming environment.
Victory Emerald Nationals 2025
Friday, April 25th, 2025 · April 25-27 — 201 E Gregory St, Pensacola, FL — In-person participation — Cheerleading competition featuring all-star teams.
Do The '80s Pub Crawl
Saturday, April 26th, 2025 · 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.
2025 Pensacola Tattoo Expo
Friday, May 2nd, 2025 · 11 AM - 11 PM — Pensacola Interstate Fair — Entrance pass required — Immerse yourself in the artistry with live tattooing from award-winning artists and exciting raffle giveaways.