Daily editionThursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
Community
Spectrum Sailing will host a free three-day camp at Pensacola Yacht Club from April 10 to 12 for autistic youth, offering hands-on sailing lessons and water safety training.
Local PulseRead more
Blue Angels fans gathered on April 7 in the Walmart and Target parking lots on Blue Angel Parkway to watch their practice since access to NAS Pensacola was limited.
They also supported the event by purchasing souvenirs at the National Naval Aviation Museum’s mobile kiosk.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Family Promise of Escambia County will host the Bed Race on April 18 in Seville Square, where teams push beds down Zaragoza Street over a 100-yard course to raise funds for temporary shelter.
The event offers awards, food vendors, and a children's area with $150 registration per team.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Great Harvest, a bakery and cafe, will open in May at 321 N. DeVilliers St. in Belmont-DeVilliers as part of a broader development; the adjacent Savoy Marketplace (featuring vendors like a wine bar, gelato, a yoga studio and a farm stand) is set to open in June.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
American Magic sold three racing yachts to American Racing Challenger Team USA for its 38th America's Cup next spring in Naples.
The Pensacola-based firm will support the team from its advanced engineering center at the Port, which is set to add 170 high-wage jobs.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Life’s A Dance Pensacola’s Benefit Dance Showcase is set for Saturday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. at Pensacola Bay Center; the event features dance stars Tristan MacManus, Artem Chigvintsev, and Sharna Burgess, plus co-host Brian Austin Green, all supporting Capstone of Pensacola — with a surprise celebrity announcement soon.
Local PulseRead more
Education
The University of West Florida will hold its eighth annual Founders Week from April 13 to 18 with events such as a color-themed day, a day of service and campus activities at Pensacola and Emerald Coast.
Community members, alumni + friends can join volunteer and festive activities to back local initiatives.
University of West FloridaRead more
Students zoned for Soundside High who opt for School Choice to attend Gulf Breeze or Navarre high schools may ride Santa Rosa buses (if space allows) for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years; the new high school will open this fall with only 9th and 10th grades, officials said.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
The EPA has filled an $8.6 million gap for Sanders Beach’s ACW site cleanup + the project will remove contaminated soil and install an underground cap this summer at 701 S. J St, with residential remediation beginning in July.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Pensacola Beach lifeguards advise visitors to check the flag system and National Weather Service rip current forecast before swimming given high water rescue activity; text alerts (PBFLAGS to 88877) will keep beachgoers updated on hazards.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Real Estate
McDowell Housing Partners closed financing for Ekos at Warrington, a $41.9M affordable housing project near Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The 120-unit community (planned for completion in the third quarter) will offer a mix of apartments, amenities, and designated military housing.
Local PulseRead more
Sports
Booker T. Washington coach Jade Brown was named Florida Dairy Farmers Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year after her Wildcats posted a 24-3 record and won a Class 5A state title — she is one of only two local coaches to earn the distinction.
Rick's BlogRead more
UWF introduced Tanner Smith as its new men’s basketball coach on Wednesday, Apr. 8 in Pensacola.
He replaces Justin Mann and plans to build a fast, team-first program as the Argos transition from Division II to Division I.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
American Racing Challenger Team USA has been confirmed as the official U.S. challenger for the 38th America’s Cup in 2027 after acquiring American Magic assets (including the AC75 Patriot) and may train in Pensacola as US Sailing joins to support youth and female sailor opportunities.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
BRNCHLLA on the Beach
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 · 3-8 p.m. — Gulfside Pavilion — $25 General Admission — Celebrate spring with music, delicious food, and beach games at this vibrant margarita brunch party.