Daily editionSaturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
Community
Blue Origin will launch its New Glenn rocket carrying AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday, Apr. 19 during a two-hour window, and locals may watch the liftoff from designated spots (weather permitting).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Escambia County Public Schools may adjust operations as the board projects a loss of 7,000 students and considers closing schools and reducing staff.
The board is evaluating measures that could delay construction and other projects heading into the 2026-27 school year.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The University of West Florida will break ground Thursday, Apr. 23 at 3 p.m. on a 55,000sqft center called The Synapse to boost research + innovation on campus.
Manny Diaz Jr. and Dr. Jaromy Kuhl will speak at the green space south of the John C. Pace Library.
University of West FloridaRead more
Finance
Florida returned a record $92 million in unclaimed property in March, including $3.5 million for Pensacola, and residents can search for any forgotten funds free on FLTreasureHunt.gov.
The state holds old accounts and uncashed checks until they are claimed.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
The $35 million Pensacola Beach dredging project nears completion and will soon start work in front of the busy Casino Beach area between Park East and Park West.
Officials say crews use safety measures to protect wildlife and expect to finish by early May.
WEAR-TVRead more
K9 Rigby of the Escambia County Sheriff's Office was voted the state's top dog in the Florida Sheriffs Association's K-9 March Madness Competition and stopped by WEAR News studio Friday morning to celebrate the win; local businesses and community votes played a key role.
WEAR-TVRead more
Sports
Five Pensacola-area high school lacrosse teams have advanced to state playoffs after brackets were revealed Friday.
Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Catholic teams secured spots while Navarre girls earned their second playoff bid, with quarterfinal games set next week and state semifinals at Paradise Sport Complex in Naples May 7-9.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Northview baseball beat Jay 2-1 Friday night to secure the Rural District 1 title on local fields.
The win adds to their season momentum and was marked by strong plays from key players.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Accidents
Two children have died this year after being left in hot cars, including one case in Florida, and officials stress that even moderate weather can dangerously heat vehicles+ local residents are advised to leave a personal item in the passenger seat as a reminder to check for children.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.