Daily editionFriday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
Community
US Navy and Air Force squadrons performed a rare Super Delta formation during a surprise flyover above Pensacola Beach on Tuesday, Apr. 14.
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Business
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.
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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.
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Culture
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.
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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.
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Economy
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.
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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.
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Environment
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.
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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.
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Government
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.
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Lifestyle
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.
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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.