Good morning, Pensacola.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

TK Soul Live Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — 8Fifty Event Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of Southern Soul music with TK Soul this Memorial Weekend.