Daily
Pensacola
Thursday, May 1st, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pensacola Beach lifeguards recorded nearly 50 rescues over a busy weekend caused by dangerous rip currents and have added new staff and extended patrols to increase safety. Officials urge visitors to swim near a lifeguard—stressing that closely monitored waters help prevent accidents—and to follow posted warning flags for a safe summer. Pensacola News Journal
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Escambia County deputies are searching for a passenger involved in a trailer theft after a neighbor spotted the stolen trailer attached to a truck at Tom Thumb at Saufley Field and Blue Angel Parkway early Wednesday, when a chase led to a crash that hit another vehicle—no one was injured and the driver was caught while the passenger escaped. WEAR-TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On April 25, downtown Pensacola’s Mess Hall staff demonstrated interactive art setups with tracer tables and polarized light methods to preview the 'Illuminate: Space' exhibit — set for Night on the Track on May 10 — where artworks using black light paint will recreate space in a new light. Pensacola News Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said City Attorney Adam Cobb upheld North Star Contracting Group’s bid protest after Sessler was found to lack a proper Florida general contracting license for the Baptist Hospital demolition project. Escambia County Commissioner Mike Kohler raised concerns over the $2 million in county funds committed to the project—prompting calls for further discussion. Rick's Blog
- ➤ Starting May 7, every adult traveler must show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a valid passport to board flights and enter federal facilities — those with a Florida license bearing a gold star are good to go while others must visit a local service center with proper documents. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger will present a $30M proposal for four new fire stations tomorrow morning to improve emergency response. The plan includes new construction and building replacement at four sites (7209 Lillian Hwy, HWY 97 and Kingsfield Rd, Paradise Beach, and 9350 Gulf Beach Hwy) with the RFP issued on June 1, proposals evaluated on August 1 and construction beginning on March 1, 2026. Rick's Blog
- ➤ Pensacola and Escambia County are in a dispute over the county’s $2 million pledge for demolishing the old Baptist Hospital as county officials question the city’s bid process and need for extra funding—both sides plan to address the issue in upcoming public meetings. The disagreement comes as the city moves ahead with plans to modernize the Pensacola Bay Center while discussions continue over project details. Pensacola News Journal
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ In April, nine new restaurants opened in the Pensacola area, serving Southern plates, ramen bowls, and specialty sandwiches — options include Hour Deli in downtown and Carolina Gold BBQ on Pine Forest Road among others. Each venue aims to offer unique dining experiences and fresh menus to serve local customers — adding a new flavor to our community. Pensacola News Journal
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Rise Up Lights Concert
6-10 p.m. — Handlebar — Check the local alt scene with an energetic performance by the diverse talent of Rise Up Lights.
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Open House for Distinctive Custom-Built Home
11 AM - 1 PM — 1887 Brenda Ave, Pensacola, FL — Free entry — Explore a stunning 4-bedroom home with a screened-in pool, perfect for family gatherings.
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Brit Floyd Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Tickets from $149 — Enjoy the iconic sounds of Brit Floyd in a lively Pensacola setting.
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Bands on the Bayou FREE concert
Join Bands on the Bayou for the first free, outdoor concert of our series! Local band Nobius will perform on the patio of the beautiful Bayview Park in East Hill; food vendors and family fun will make this a magical night of music!
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