Daily editionSaturday, May 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of May.
Community
Pensacola philanthropist Belle Yates Bear was selected by Governor Ron DeSantis for induction into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame—she was chosen from the Florida Commission on the Status of Women’s recommendations—for her lifelong service to Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
WUWFRead more
Business
Aldi announced a plan to open over 225 new stores in 2025 as part of its strategy to add 800 locations by 2028.
The discount grocer has already opened more than 40 locations this year including one at 312 East Nine Mile Road in Pensacola—more openings are planned ahead of summer.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Pensacola Police Communications phone lines including 911 were reported down Friday morning and remain down as police advised residents to call 850-293-4717 or 850-377-1534 for police services and 850-512-0612 for fire dispatch - police said they would update once the lines are restored.
WEAR-TVRead more
Escambia County commissioners voted 5-0 last night to allocate $25 million for upgrading John R. Jones Park and $2 million for the UWF Stadium project—both initiatives pre-approved on April 15th aim to boost tourism and support local sports while keeping facilities open to community programs.
Rick's BlogRead more
County Clerk Pam Childers found that public money meant for a county project went to a private LLC with a very similar name starting in 2007.
Walker Holmes uncovered that local officials created the LLC to use New Market Tax Credits but the misdirected funds kept flowing after the planned projects failed – raising questions about oversight.
Rick's BlogRead more
Escambia County officials debated the Children’s Trust waiver request and whether nearly $495,000 should fund youth employment programs or safety improvements in underserved neighborhoods—where 1,300 applicants vie for only 175 summer job spots.
They voted 4-1 to schedule a second public hearing on May 15 to work toward a compromise.
Rick's BlogRead more
Health
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert on May 1 for potato chips imported from Colombia that contain pork cracklings—distributors in Pensacola and other areas received the chips and consumers should not eat them.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
Mad Scientist Jenn: A Food Science Interactive Show! Star Wars Edition
Sunday, May 4th, 2025 · 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.
U.S. Open Local Qualifying
Monday, May 5th, 2025 · 18 holes — Pensacola Country Club — Entry fee required — Compete for a chance to qualify for the prestigious U.S. Open.
Hot Glass Cold Brew: Summer Fest
Friday, May 9th, 2025 · 5-9 p.m. — First City Art Center — $30 members/$40 non-members — Kickoff summer with crafts, food trucks, and live glass art demonstrations.
Spring Bling Festival
Saturday, May 10th, 2025 · 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.
Rise Up Lights Concert
Thursday, May 15th, 2025 · 6-10 p.m. — Handlebar — Check the local alt scene with an energetic performance by the diverse talent of Rise Up Lights.
Monster Jam
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 · 1-5 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Fun for all ages — Experience thrilling trucks and amazing stunts at this action-packed event.
Brit Floyd Concert
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Tickets from $149 — Enjoy the iconic sounds of Brit Floyd in a lively Pensacola setting.
Pensacola Memorial Day Weekend Events 2025
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 · Various times — Veterans Memorial Park — Free entry — Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with beach activities, ceremonies, and festivities in a beautiful setting.
Bike Commuting Workshop with Jon Spears
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 · 9:30-11 a.m. — Cafe Single Fin — Free entry — Learn how to convert your bicycle into a practical commuter bike while enjoying coffee and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
Memorial Day Celebration
Sunday, May 25th, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — Perfect Plain Brewing Co. — 15% off for military — Celebrate Memorial Day with live music, tasty food, and festive contests.