Daily editionTuesday, April 7th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 7th of April.
Business
Insomnia Cookies will open its first Pensacola location at 90 E. Garden St. on Apr. 11 with a grand opening event offering free classic cookies to Insomnia Rewards members and a free delivery promotion code through Apr. 27.
The store will operate late-night hours to serve cookie lovers downtown.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition unveiled its all-electric humanoid robot, Alex, built for dangerous tasks and outdoor use.
The robot will perform interactive demos, including shadow boxing, this Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the IHMC open house in Pensacola.
WEAR-TVRead more
Bodacious Shops has expanded its Bodacious Olive brand to include a cafe, cooking classes, and a retail shop at its Palafox location, supporting downtown Pensacola's resurgence—remodeling the space while retaining its focus on olive oil and gourmet vinegars.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Pensacola native Keyla Richardson earned a Top 12 spot on American Idol on Monday with a strong performance of 'Jireh' and received local support at a watch party at Margarita's Fusion (Pensacola Bay) as fans began voting early to help her advance further.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola singer Keyla Richardson advanced to American Idol’s Top 11 after giving a strong rendition of 'Zombie' on Monday night.
She stepped out of her usual gospel style as local watch parties rallied behind her to boost live votes.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola State College Milton campus will host the free Spring Festival of Flowers this weekend, featuring local plant nurseries, rare plant vendors, UF student club plant sales, arts + crafts, and food.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday at 5988 Highway 90 in Milton.
WEAR-TVRead more
Education
The University of West Florida will host a free half-day virtual mini-institute on antisemitism, free expression, and respectful dialogue on Friday, Apr. 17 from 8:15 a.m. to noon.
The event will feature experts and faculty leaders to help participants engage complex topics (registration required).
University of West FloridaRead more
Government
City and the General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Memorial Foundation will meet April 14 to address the stalled memorial plaza at Wayside Park; they differ on binding commitments and funding requirements (this meeting may set the project's future direction).
Rick's BlogRead more
Health
Over the weekend, Pensacola Beach lifeguards raised purple flags to warn of venomous Portuguese man o’ wars; the flags were lowered on Monday as winds pushed the creatures offshore (experts advise beachgoers not to touch them since even dried remains can sting).
WEAR-TVRead more
Real Estate
Developers behind a $250 million Maritime Park project are requesting up to $60 million in tax rebates through an Area Reinvestment Agreement for a hotel and 247 residential units; city officials are reviewing the application, and construction is planned to begin this fall — the proposal meets affordable housing requirements.
WUWFRead more
Sports
The richest winged sprint car race in history will begin on Friday, Apr. 10 at Five Flags Speedway.
The Race for the Million series opener features a purse of over $600,000 and will open its gates at 3:00 p.m. with racing starting at 7:00 p.m.
Rick's BlogRead more
Studers plan to transform the former Pensacola Sports Association building at 101 West Main into a sports heritage destination featuring a flagship store, memorabilia vault and community lounge near Blue Wahoos Stadium and Palafox Street.
The project proposal—open for discussion—is under review by the City.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Pensacola Tattoo Expo 2026
Friday, May 1st, 2026 · 11 a.m. — Pensacola Interstate Fair — Entrance fee required — Experience live tattooing from over 100 talented artists and participate in exciting raffle giveaways.