Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ US Navy and Air Force squadrons performed a rare Super Delta formation during a surprise flyover above Pensacola Beach on Tuesday, Apr. 14. Pensacola News Journal
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pensacola's newest Wawa opened Thursday at 6658 Pensacola Boulevard — the store celebrated with a sandwich contest, a dancing goose appearance and free coffee for all through Sunday. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ Pensacola’s Fitology, a new gym offering fitness training and medical tests (like biomarker testing and IV drips), has opened for founding members today at 21 N. New Warrington Road in West Pensacola, with memberships beginning at $99 per month. Pensacola News Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pensacola will host its first Cigar Weekend from May 1 to May 3 & Dr. Charletha Powell has organized a Kentucky Derby-themed celebration featuring vendors from several states at local venues including Cigar Factory, Museum Plaza, and Cordova Cigars with live music and a VIP lounge. Rick's Blog
- ➤ Soulful Movement Dance is a free multicultural program established in 2017 by Pensacola native Fallon Earlington to help kids (8 and older) learn dance and share their faith at local events and churches. The group rebuilt after a COVID-19 lull and now performs at community celebrations nearly a decade later. Pensacola News Journal
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The $280M Hard Rock project in downtown Pensacola, which includes 247 residential units, a Reverb hotel, and public space near Blue Wahoos Stadium, may face delays if city officials do not approve its required $58M tax rebate and address concerns over added infrastructure costs. Rick's Blog
- ➤ Experts say that although oil futures have dipped amid the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, high physical crude prices keep Florida gas prices above $3 a gallon — and analyst Tom Kloza warned that even small declines at the pump may only be temporary. Pensacola News Journal
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On April 16, 69 wildfires burned over 7,800 acres across Florida from Collier County to Escambia County — residents reported air quality ranging from good to moderate and no major road closures were noted. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) is brightening in the pre-dawn sky and should be visible today in Florida with a telescope or binoculars; it will reach its closest approach to the sun on April 19 and to Earth on April 27. Pensacola News Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The University of West Florida named David Fugett as its new general counsel effective April 15; Fugett, who brings extensive legal experience from higher education and strong Pensacola ties, will lead the Office of General Counsel after the abrupt departure of his predecessor last summer amid a governance dispute. Rick's Blog
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Military families in Pensacola can save up to 70% on meal kit orders from HelloFresh, Factor, Home Chef and others (using ID.me for verification), offering discounts that cut food waste and save time during busy days. Pensacola News Journal
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Anime Town Pensacola 2026
May 8-10 — Pensacola Interstate Fair — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate all things anime with celebrity guests, panels, and an after-hours prom.
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Sal Vulcano Live Show
6-10 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — $45-$53 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Sal Vulcano at the beautiful Saenger Theatre.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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