Daily editionWednesday, April 16th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 16th of April.
Community
Coby Lefkowitz (urban planner, developer, consultant and author) spoke at CivicCon at First United Methodist Church (downtown Pensacola) on April 14 and explained how affordable housing can make communities more beautiful, desirable and affordable.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Warrington Prep Academy said in a statement that the new ninth-grade class will be delayed until fall 2026 to allow more time to market the option to the community (the decision is not linked to the school’s grade).
Officials expect the school to earn a C grade this year and will eventually add more teachers and staff for the expansion.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
State economists forecast that traditional public school enrollment will drop by 70,000 over the next five years as school choice programs grow to nearly 697,000 students by fiscal year 2029-2030, according to the Education Estimating Conference report.
Escambia County is adding sixth grade to two elementary schools + launching a middle school scholars program at Pensacola High School in 2026-27 to address the drop in middle school students.
Rick's BlogRead more
Tate High School teacher Kristin Maum leads Reader's Digest's contest for America's Favorite Teacher as she teaches ninth-grade English and AP literature—voting ends tomorrow at 6 p.m.—and if she wins, she will use the prize money to pay off medical debt and help with her son's college tuition while the school prepares for an assembly with Bill Nye.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
Starting May 7, travelers will need REAL ID-compliant licenses to fly from Pensacola International Airport and may face delays if their IDs do not show the star stamp—local officials advise updating identification before your next trip.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
FDOT will redesign Bayfront Parkway next year by shifting the eastbound lanes to form a 12-foot multi-use path and new sidewalks along the waterfront; the project is part of Pensacola’s plan to expand SUN Trail networks and is estimated to cost $7.4 million.
A hybrid public meeting on the plan will be held Tuesday, April 22 at Pensacola City Hall — citizens can share their feedback with officials.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Escambia County EMS Chief Chris Watts said overdose calls have exceeded 1,000 this year, with 13 fatal incidents including a double overdose reported Monday on Tommy Street near Cove Avenue.
He noted that more kids ages 10 to 19 are overdosing—21 boys and 38 girls—and suggested that unknown drug strength may be a factor.
WEAR-TVRead more
Real Estate
Navarre was ranked as one of the top 10 U.S. cities to buy a vacation home in a Vacasa report, coming in second among Florida cities after Okaloosa Island—its rental owners earned an average of $43,439 annually while higher home prices and rising fees are reducing returns.
This ranking highlights a growing interest in vacation rentals despite market challenges.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Booker T. Washington High's flag football team holds a 9-2 record and is moving into the district playoffs after a seven-overtime win over Destin—coach Drew Lafontant said the team's hard work and social media recruiting are setting a foundation to grow flag football in Escambia County. The program also plans summer camps and clinics to help boost local competition.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Mad Scientist Jenn: A Food Science Interactive Show! Star Wars Edition
Sunday, May 4th, 2025 · 2:00 – 3:30 PM — A Sweet Party — All ages welcome — Experience a glow-in-the-dark food science adventure with a Star Wars theme and exciting experiments.
U.S. Open Local Qualifying
Monday, May 5th, 2025 · 18 holes — Pensacola Country Club — Entry fee required — Compete for a chance to qualify for the prestigious U.S. Open.