Daily editionFriday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
Business
Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel plans a 12-story building with a rooftop restaurant led by Michelin chef Akira Back, set to open in 2029.
Developers may have to change plans if the project does not secure a tax rebate & require a redesign soon.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Donovan-Hill Group, formerly Baskerville-Donovan, a Pensacola engineering firm founded in 1927, announced its rebrand to honor its long legacy and will roll out its new name over the coming months + the firm’s mission remains the same.
Rick's BlogRead more
Culture
Officials in Pensacola have finalized plans for a free parade and concert for American Idol contestant Keyla Richardson on May 6 if she makes the Top 3; the event begins with a 4 p.m. downtown parade and a 6:30 p.m. show at the Hunter Amphitheater with online ticket drops (for different seating options).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
Escambia County deployed 380+ tons of concrete from the old Pensacola Bay fishing bridge this week to form an artificial reef at its Nearshore East Artificial Reef Site with a depth of 43 ft about 5 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass.
The reef aims to benefit snapper and grouper.
WEAR-TVRead more
A renourishment project at Pensacola Beach used a large pipe along the shoreline on April 27 to add sand back to the coast.
Crews continue work on the project, restoring the beach + protecting the shoreline as the effort remains underway.
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Pensacola residents can review a new checklist to prepare for hurricane season by checking evacuation zones, building kits, reviewing insurance, and signing up for weather alerts (per FEMA guidance), with the National Hurricane Center starting outlooks on May 15 and the season running from June 1 to Nov. 30.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Residents can watch the flower moon nearly at full shine today—visible from April 30 through May 2—while a blue moon will appear on May 31; weather permitting, this event offers a rare chance to see two full moons in May.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Florida health officials confirmed five measles cases in Escambia amid 149 statewide by April 25, as vaccination rates drop and summer travel boosts virus spread — urging residents to ensure timely immunizations.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola will host its Medical Mission at Home event tomorrow at Brownsville Community Center on West De Soto Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event offers free health, dental and vision exams and prescription dispensing to help community members facing care barriers.
WEAR-TVRead more
Lifestyle
Pensacola residents can book round-trip flights under $1,000 to 10 countries for summer trips starting in June.
Flight deals vary by route and date (prices reflect high fuel costs) as fuel prices remain steep, according to travel deal websites.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pensacola area high school track and field athletes compete at Pine Forest High School regionals today, with Region 1-1A and 1-2A events starting at 8 a.m. and the Region 1-3A meet set for May 2; top finishers will qualify for the State Championship.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Four Pensacola-area high school softball teams won district titles Thursday night as Pace beat Navarre for its sixth straight win, while Escambia, Northview and West Florida secured titles that set their teams up for upcoming regionals.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.