Good morning, Pensacola.

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.

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.

A 58-year-old Pensacola woman, Pamela Miller, was arrested last Friday on charges of aggravated animal cruelty for not following the treatment plan for her suffering Yorkshire Terrier Prissy—who was later euthanized—and her next court date is set for May 16.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Bike Commuting Workshop with Jon Spears

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

1-4 p.m. — Perfect Plain Brewing Co. — 15% off for military — Celebrate Memorial Day with live music, tasty food, and festive contests.