Daily editionThursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
Business
Pensacola's new Wawa opens today at 8 a.m. on 6658 Pensacola Blvd; the first 100 customers get free t-shirts (while free coffee is available for all through Sunday) amid carnival festivities with music, dancing and a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring local fire and police teams.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The free Founders’ Innovation Summit runs April 17 to 18 with a reception at 300 N. Reus St. Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and a boot camp on Saturday at 321 N. DeVilliers St. where local experts will share AI tools and tips for early-stage founders.
Rick's BlogRead more
Culture
Pensacola Opera announced its 44th Season for 2026/27, opening with the chamber opera The Falling and the Rising (Nov. 20-21) at the University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts before moving to Tosca (Jan. 22-24) and The Elixir of Love (Mar. 12-14) at the Saenger Theatre.
Local PulseRead more
Education
ECPS honored students, teachers & business partners at a Career Academy Awards Ceremony on April 8 at Culinary Productions in Pensacola.
Award winners ranged from middle to high school programs as organizers praised the robust career academies for preparing students for post-graduation success.
Rick's BlogRead more
Environment
Earth Day Pensacola will take place Saturday, Apr. 18 at Bayview Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local environmentalist Christian Wagley shared a starter kit with tips like choosing plant-based meals & carpooling to reduce pollution.
WUWFRead more
Government
Cmdr. Logan Peck was selected to lead the Blue Angels during the 2027-2028 show seasons, replacing Capt. Adam Bryan.
He was introduced at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola on April 14 (after a Pensacola flyover with the Thunderbirds).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola City Council rejected a Pensacola Heritage Foundation proposal to erect a statue of Alexander Stoddart near Bayview Community Center after a tie vote on April 9 — the privately funded project featuring the businessman and his St Bernard will not move forward.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Escambia County Area Transit is redesigning fixed routes to improve service and connect residents to jobs, schools and healthcare + the public is invited to share feedback via an online survey.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola applied for a demolition permit for the 1940s-era Motor Lodge to ease its sale to Paces Preservation Partners for a 72-unit affordable housing project.
Demolition will occur once the sale finalizes, unless the Community Redevelopment Agency votes for an earlier teardown.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Lifestyle
Jimmy John's offered a buy-one-get-one toasted sandwich deal on April 15 and now features its dream rotation meal through April 26; Wingstop launches its Hot Box on April 17 and Mellow Mushroom offers $4.20 pretzel bites and Rollz on 4/20, inviting Pensacola locals to enjoy themed treats.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Local dessert pop-up Itsa Cookie brings hand-crafted cookies to live music nights at The Handlebar and Saturday setups at Palafox Market.
Owner Katie Kralick combines music and sweets to offer an inviting taste of our local community.
Local PulseRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Free Yoga at Bayview Park
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 · 9:30-10:30 a.m. — Bayview Park — Free entry — Enjoy a refreshing outdoor yoga session with certified instructors in a beautiful park setting.
Anime Town Pensacola 2026
Friday, May 8th, 2026 · May 8-10 — Pensacola Interstate Fair — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate all things anime with celebrity guests, panels, and an after-hours prom.
Sal Vulcano Live Show
Friday, May 15th, 2026 · 6-10 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — $45-$53 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Sal Vulcano at the beautiful Saenger Theatre.