Daily editionSaturday, April 4th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of April.
Community
Pensacola residents and visitors enjoyed Good Friday on Friday, Apr. 3 at Pensacola Beach as they kicked off Easter weekend, drawing crowds to bask in warm weather and enjoy sun + surf, sand, and fishing.
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The April 2 Inweekly showcased the Blue Wahoos’ 2026 season, the return of healthcare to North Hill, a possible Visit Pensacola+FloridaWest merger, and a Poetry Month challenge from Perfect Day Books.
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Business
After a four-week remodel, the Walmart Neighborhood Market on East Nine Mile Road reopened on April 3 with a new sushi bar + wider aisles, enhanced pharmacy, and upgraded online grocery services.
Local officials joined the ribbon-cutting as the store donated funds to community groups.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Nine new restaurants opened in Pensacola during March, offering cuisines from Korean corndogs and Italian pastas to Cajun dishes and Philly cheesesteaks across locations like Baja Coastal Kitchen and Jack’s Family Restaurants, while Atlas Oyster House closed on April 1 to merge with The Fish House for expanded waterfront dining.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Rocket to Saturn Vintage is a quaint shop on Palafox that shows curated vintage clothing, jewelry and more in a 330 sqft space.
Co-owners Vanna Smith and Valorie Taylor source pieces from yard sales and antique malls to offer a unique in-person shopping experience downtown.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
Scientists report that a strong El Niño is likely to form between June and August and may lower the number of storms this season in Pensacola, although experts warn major hurricanes can still occur.
The next forecast will be issued on Thursday, Apr. 9.
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Government
Pensacola Beach Boulevard’s northbound, inside lane remains closed until April 10 for toll plaza improvements under the Pensacola Beach Gateway Improvements Project + drivers should use caution and follow posted signs in the work zone active Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Health
State health officials ordered The B-12 Store closed at Cordova Mall after a customer reported nerve damage from a vitamin injection given by unlicensed staff.
The order was issued Friday, April 3 at 9:27 a.m.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
University of West Florida athletics will move to Division I in fall 2026.
The football team will join the UAC while all other sports move to the ASUN.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The University of West Florida will move its programs to Division I this fall, joining the United Athletic Conference for football & the Atlantic Sun Conference for other sports and entering a three-year transition that bars NCAA championships until 2029-30 and a $50 million stadium renovation finishing in fall 2027.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Pensacola Unplugged Songwriter Showcase
Saturday, April 25th, 2026 · 6:30-9:30 p.m. — Studer Community Institute — Free entry — Experience a night of raw talent and intimate performances from talented local artists.