Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
Good morning, Pensacola.
🏘️ Community
City officials have scheduled the Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup on Saturday, April 25 in the North Hill area, where residents must place eligible bulk items curbside by 7 a.m. for free pickup by Sanitation Services (the program collects appliances, electronics, furniture, and more).
💼 Business
FPL is strengthening over 250 miles of main lines and installing more than 9,000 smart grid devices in Northwest Florida as hurricane season nears.
The utility will hold drills in May to test its response plans & improve outage recovery with local emergency centers.
American Magic will build a 140-foot sail wing for Saildrone's unmanned vessel designed to hunt submarines.
The wing will be fitted at the Port of Pensacola + Mayor Reeves says the project will boost jobs; the first vessel will test at sea in 2027 as part of the Navy's program.
🎭 Culture
Pensacola is set to host its 41st Crawfish Festival from April 24 to 26 at Seville Square where local crawfish plates will be served at last year’s prices and live zydeco music and food vendors will offer festive flavors — Budweiser will mark its 150th anniversary with special drink deals.
🎓 Education
Pensacola State College President Ed Meadows announced Tuesday that he will retire effective Dec.
31, ending nearly 19 years of leadership that transformed the institution. He said his exit will allow for a smooth transition as planned capital projects move forward.
After a visit to UWF's Office of the General Counsel on campus, the university posted board documents ahead of today's meeting.
The board will review a $2 fee increase for Division I athletics, updated public comment rules, holiday changes and new enrollment targets.
Escambia school officials have proposed new rules for 2026-27 that include random drug tests for students and a ban on cellphones and social media in parking areas.
A public hearing on the proposals is scheduled for Jun. 16.
FPL partners with UWF and other universities to build predictive LiDAR models for vegetation management to improve grid reliability and reduce outages.
The project blends field expertise with student analysis to modernize maintenance and target high-growth areas.
🌲 Environment
Wildfires burned 21,000 acres across the state yesterday as officials staged firefighting gear like hurricane preparations.
With 71% of Florida in severe drought (Pensacola reported a 10.5-inch rain shortfall) and little relief in sight, experts warned the fire season may worsen.
🏛️ Government
Escambia County Public Schools faces a $3.2M reimbursement gap for 335 students returning from the voucher program error, and Rep. Andrade expects the state budget to resolve the issue by June + the district has managed this challenge for three years.
📰 Lifestyle
The Garden Bar has opened at The Garden at Palafox + Main, offering a vibrant social space with tropical cocktails and fresh ingredients.
The outdoor venue is expected to draw both daytime and evening crowds seeking a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
🏈 Sports
High school weightlifters from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties will compete in regional championships on Friday at Walton High School in DeFuniak Springs and on Saturday at Arnold High School in Panama City and at Pace.
Top finishers will qualify for state championship bids in May.
🎉 Pensacola Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Warehouse of Speed Spring Open House Dyno Day
5-10 p.m. — Warehouse of Speed — Limited ticketing — Experience thrilling dyno pulls, enjoy food, and tour the shop showcasing impressive car builds.
🏠 Pensacola Real Estate
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💼 Pensacola Job Board
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📣 Pensacola Announcements
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