Daily editionFriday, April 11th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of April.
Business
The Lowe's SpringFest sale offers up to 40% off on GE appliances, DeWalt power tools and other home improvement items — with a $2 mulch deal prompting local homeowners to begin spring garden projects.
Shoppers can visit Lowe's from today until April 16th to save on essential items — ensuring their projects stay on track.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Idaho professor Scott Yenor resigned from the UWF Board of Trustees effective immediately—he said a small group in Florida’s Senate opposed his nomination because his ideas did not match local values.
Sen. Don Gaetz said Yenor’s departure helped ease a growing conflict over the university’s future.
Rick's BlogRead more
Nine UWF sport management students gained firsthand experience at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in San Antonio — where they helped run the event and promoted sustainability — while eight other students volunteered at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans last February to support event operations.
University of West FloridaRead more
Environment
Forecasters urged Pensacola residents to start preparing for the Atlantic hurricane season by checking their supplies, making plans for bigger purchases, and reviewing home insurance—tips that include updating emergency plans and stockpiling medications—so they are ready when storms approach.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Colorado State University’s forecast shows Florida is most likely to see a named storm in the 2025 hurricane season with a 92% probability and the Panhandle faces a 35% chance of a major hurricane, along with a 65% probability for any hurricane.
The prediction expects above-average totals of 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes—figures that call for increased readiness as the season starts on June 1.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Yesterday, Mayor Reeves said the city's selection committee chose L.M. Sessler Excavating & Wrecking, Inc—whose bid fits within the $15.9 million budget—to handle the Baptist Hospital demolition and announced a plan for a local subcommittee to develop the Bay Center's future.
He also condemned a video showing teenagers attacking an unhoused person near Graffiti Bridge and said police are working with the state attorney’s office on the case.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Rep. Michelle Salzman carried a stool marked 'step right up' on Thursday morning at the Florida House to answer online insults by Anthony Sabatini over her bill that would make the process for choosing college presidents public and set new rules for board appointments.
The dispute is part of a wider fight between Gov. DeSantis and the legislature following recent UWF board controversies — the bill passed every committee without a no vote — and it reflects rising tensions among lawmakers.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Florida Department of Transportation is studying a $345M project to expand Blue Angel Parkway from two lanes to four between Pine Forest Road and Highway 98 (a busy stretch used by 21,000 drivers daily) and held a public forum last Thursday for community feedback.
The study is scheduled to be completed next year and the expansion may take 10 to 15 years to begin while nearby homeowners could be affected.
WEAR-TVRead more
On April 9th, Rep. Andrade grilled AHCA officials during a House Health Care Budget Committee meeting about a $10M Medicaid settlement payment directed to the Hope Florida initiative and questioned why the funds were not returned to general revenue.
He plans to invite agency heads (including the chairman of the Florida DSO and the executive director of Hope Florida) to testify before his committee as questions about data sharing and financial accountability remain unresolved.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Mimosa Derby Day Party
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 · 3-8 p.m. — Emerald Republic Brewing — Pricing varies — Experience the festive elegance of the Kentucky Derby with mimosas, VIP options, and live music.