Daily editionTuesday, April 28th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 28th of April.
Culture
East Hill Neighborhood Association will host the free Bands on the Bayou concert series at Bayview Park, offering live music and family fun while raising funds for local nonprofits; concerts run May 22, July 31 and Oct. 2 from 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. with vendors opening at 4:30 p.m.
Local PulseRead more
Pensacola native Keyla Richardson, fresh off American Idol Season 24, will perform at the Saenger Theatre on July 25 at 7 p.m.—tickets are on sale now.
The concert, Keyla Richardson and Friends, is a hometown celebration of music, faith and community.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
In April, a federal report showed that in 2024 Florida had over 2.1M electricity cutoffs and nearly 12M final notices sent to households, a rate far above the national average (with about 10.5M electric accounts) caused by high utility costs and no winter protections.
Rick's BlogRead more
Education
UWF broke ground on The Synapse, a $53.5M research facility at its Pensacola campus to house the Center for Computational Intelligence and the Center for Cybersecurity and AI.
Construction began April 23 and the building will feature specialized labs + state-of-the-art technology for advanced research.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Pensacola News Journal is launching its Student of the Week poll today in partnership with high schools in Escambia and Santa Rosa to spotlight six nominees; readers can cast their votes online until Friday at noon.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Escambia County Public Schools is hosting a teacher hiring event on May 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at West Florida High School (150 East Burgess Rd) for positions in the 2026-27 school year; applicants must complete an application with transcripts by May 1 and bring resume for interviews.
WEAR-TVRead more
Environment
Pensacola Beach surfers report a greasy film on their skin and fishermen note fewer fish near an ongoing nourishment project expected to finish in early May.
Officials say the film is natural — a settlement from the ocean floor that will clear once dredging ends.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
Pensacola Beach resumed free trolleys on Apr. 18 through a partnership between Escambia County Area Transit and the Santa Rosa Island Authority.
Three routes run (weekend: 2 p.m. to midnight until May 17; daily: 4 p.m. to midnight from May 22 to Sept. 7).
Local PulseRead more
Pensacola’s Roger Scott Pool at 2130 Summit Boulevard will close for the summer as construction begins on a $670,000 restroom facility, replacing condemned facilities since Hurricane Sally hit.
Mayor D.C. Reeves announced the decision on April 20 — an overdue fix for the historic pool.
Rick's BlogRead more
Downtown Pensacola's $10.3M Reimagine Palafox project, which is 80% complete, is scheduled to finish May 24.
Detours start Monday, Apr. 27, and the Main & Palafox intersection will be closed Wednesday, Apr. 29 at 7 p.m. until Thursday, Apr. 30 at 7 a.m.
Rick's BlogRead more
Health
Studer Family Children’s Hospital has opened a Sacred Space Sensory Room today, featuring adjustable lighting, calming visuals, tactile equipment and flexible seating to support children with sensory challenges.
International Paper provided funding to make the new room a reality at the hospital.
Local PulseRead more
Sports
Five Flags Speedway will host Meet the Drivers Night on Friday, May 1, offering $5 advance tickets for families to meet drivers, get autographs, and win bike giveaways.
Gates open at 5 p.m. and racing starts at 8 p.m. (tickets are available via the Ticket Hoss app).
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Warehouse of Speed Spring Open House Dyno Day
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 · 5-10 p.m. — Warehouse of Speed — Limited ticketing — Experience thrilling dyno pulls, enjoy food, and tour the shop showcasing impressive car builds.
TK Soul Live Concert
Sunday, May 24th, 2026 · 7-11:30 p.m. — 8Fifty Event Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of Southern Soul music with TK Soul this Memorial Weekend.