Good morning, Pensacola.

Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference at Pensacola State College on Tuesday criticizing local GOP members for supporting a higher education bill that the Florida House passed 104-8.

Earlier that day, Pensacola angler David Shepard caught a 721 lb bluefin tuna about 112 miles offshore in a challenging expedition.

Longtime locals known as the Warrington Boys will meet on May 3 at Civitan Park to share memories of past landmarks such as Turner-Lee Day School and Bill's Fine Foods.

The reunion will highlight cherished community history as many familiar places have faded over time.

On April 19th, 2025, ARC Gateway held its Over the Edge event at Studer Community Institute where participants shimmy'd down the 11-story building—raising funds to support its mission of empowering those with disabilities.

Escambia County deputies responded at 2:30 a.m. Saturday near the CEFCO and 8 Fifty Event Center on Delano Street — they found a man shot in the head and are interviewing witnesses.

A Pensacola man was indicted on federal charges including attempted murder of a DEA agent during a search at his home—federal agents said he fired shots at an officer—and he will be arraigned on Tuesday, with a possible sentence of up to life in prison if convicted.

A C-5 Galaxy from the USAF-312th Airlift Squadron landed at NAS Pensacola on April 18 as part of a planned evolution - it will next carry a disassembled F/A-18 Hornet that shot down a MiG during Operation Desert Storm from the National Naval Aviation Museum to the USS Hornet Museum, with the aircraft scheduled for delivery on April 23 and its unveiling on April 26.

Three Northwest Florida GOP lawmakers pushed back against Gov. DeSantis' plan on education and government openness, with Sen. Don Gaetz asking for a UWF board member to resign before his meeting on Tuesday, Rep. Michelle Salzman passing a bill that opens up searches for university leaders, and Rep. Alex Andrade questioning a $10 million move in the Hope Florida plan—actions that show their drive for local control.

The FHSAA released the beach volleyball district tournament brackets on April 19—eight teams from Northwest Florida, including Gulf Breeze and Pace, will compete at the Fort Walton Beach Rec Center starting April 22 for an automatic bid to the state tournament.

The quarterfinals are scheduled for April 22 while the semifinals and championship games will take place on April 23, leading to a full region tournament before the state Final Four at FSU in Tallahassee.

Midnight Release Slumber Party for Great Big Beautiful Life

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

5-7 p.m. — Clark Partington Attorneys at Law — Free entry — Connect with fellow alumni in a welcoming environment.

Victory Emerald Nationals 2025

April 25-27 — 201 E Gregory St, Pensacola, FL — In-person participation — Cheerleading competition featuring all-star teams.

Do The '80s Pub Crawl

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

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

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

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

18 holes — Pensacola Country Club — Entry fee required — Compete for a chance to qualify for the prestigious U.S. Open.

Hot Glass Cold Brew: Summer Fest

5-9 p.m. — First City Art Center — $30 members/$40 non-members — Kickoff summer with crafts, food trucks, and live glass art demonstrations.

Spring Bling Festival

12-7 p.m. — Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park — Free entry — Enjoy an exciting day of 2000s music and vibrant vibes with local DJs and delicious cookout favorites.