Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 10th of April.
Good morning, Pensacola.
🏘️ Community
The 2026 Rising Stars program has named 64 young professionals chosen from over 120 nominations.
The accolade celebrates emerging leaders in law, healthcare, education (and more) and continues a 20-year legacy to boost local talent.
Epps Christian Center will host its 19th annual Homeless Awareness Day on April 11 at 10 a.m. The event offers free haircuts, hot meals, 30,000 lbs of food, clothing, health screenings, and live entertainment for those in need, and the center has long served as a trusted support hub.
Local expert Seth Kaplan will speak on building neighborhood ties at CivicCon on April 14 at 2 E.
Wright St. in downtown Pensacola, with free community workshops on April 15 at Maritime Place — events that offer practical steps to connect and strengthen local bonds.
💼 Business
Chick-fil-A will open its new Mobile Highway restaurant (4735 Mobile Highway) on April 16.
Customers wearing cow-themed accessories can redeem a free entrée or kid’s meal on opening day, and the location is set to create about 130 jobs and donate $25,000 to Feeding the Gulf Coast.
A contract dispute between Scripps and Comcast has left TV viewers unable to watch key local channels & Fox in Pensacola since April 9, with disruptions also seen in West Palm Beach, Sarasota, Gainesville, and Tallahassee.
The blackout affects viewers amid ongoing negotiations over local NHL game broadcasts.
Perfect Plain Brewing launched The Yard, a crisp amber lager brewed in collaboration with Pensacola Naval Air Station that offers hazelnut and toasted-bread flavors (4.5% ABV) and a smooth finish.
The beer is available on draught and in 6-pack cans at the downtown taproom.
🎓 Education
UWF will welcome its inaugural Fredric G.
Levin Scholars cohort this fall in an invitation-only program that offers leadership development, priority registration, up to $5,000 yearly support, and hands-on experiences (including projects and community service) to help scholars excel during their four years.
🌲 Environment
Colorado State University forecasts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season with 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes — a moderate-to-strong El Niño may ease hurricane risks even as the Panhandle and Big Bend remain most vulnerable.
During alligator mating season, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises residents to call the free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR if a gator is spotted in a yard or pool — removal is only allowed through state programs and unauthorized hunting is illegal.
🏛️ Government
Florida’s minimum wage for non-tipped workers will rise to $15 an hour on Sept.
30, 2026 following annual $1 increases approved by voters in 2020, while tipped wages will rise to $11.98. Future increases after 2026 will tie to inflation.
🏥 Health
Experts warn that invasive Asian needle ants are spreading in the US including Florida—residents need to be cautious around mulch, potted plants and logs to reduce painful stings that may trigger allergic reactions.
🏈 Sports
UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. and Athletic Director Dave Scott announced on April 2 that the university will move to Division I athletics this fall by joining the Atlantic Sun and United Athletic Conferences to boost profile and revenue (with plans for a new stadium).
🎉 Pensacola Events
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15th Annual Navy Federal Credit Union 5K
12:58 p.m. — Seville Quarter — Cost varies — Participate in a community-driven 5K benefitting local charities.
Pensacola Pickles & Wings Family Festival
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
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
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.
Archaeology Bicycle Tour of Fort Pickens Area
9:30 AM - 12 PM — Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore — Fees required for entry — Discover local archaeological sites while biking through stunning natural beauty.
Brunch with The Mylo Crew
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Perfect Plain Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy brunch while meeting adoptable pups and supporting a local rescue organization.
Candlelight Concert: The Soundtrack of the 60's
6:00-7:15 p.m. — First United Methodist Church — Tickets required — Experience the timeless music of The Beatles performed live under candlelight.
Pensacola Tattoo Expo 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
3-8 p.m. — Gulfside Pavilion — $25 General Admission — Celebrate spring with music, delicious food, and beach games at this vibrant margarita brunch party.
Free Yoga at Bayview Park
9:30-10:30 a.m. — Bayview Park — Free entry — Enjoy a refreshing outdoor yoga session with certified instructors in a beautiful park setting.
🏠 Pensacola Real Estate
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💼 Pensacola Job Board
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📣 Pensacola Announcements
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