Daily editionSunday, May 4th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 4th of May.
Community
Belle Yates Bear was inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame for her work with the Bear Family Foundation and Impact 100 Pensacola Bay Area.
Governor Ron DeSantis praised her commitment to local causes in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties—her service has earned multiple local and statewide awards.
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Petapalooza drew over 100 people to the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center Saturday.
The free event—part of the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelter initiative—offered owner resources, food trucks and vendors with waived adoption fees so that more animals could find new homes.
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Dr. George Smith retires after 31 years at Community Health Northwest Florida, where he cared for poor and uninsured patients with consistent compassion — his departure leaves a lasting legacy in local healthcare.
He plans to travel, dance with his wife, and continue working as a contract physician at the jail for two more years — ensuring his commitment endures in the community.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Whataburger received approval from the Escambia County Development Review Committee on April 30 to build a new 3,305-square-foot restaurant at 9510 W. U.S. 98 in Blue Angel Plaza—near a new Publix location.
The chain plans a three-year construction project with two drive-through lanes and 43 parking spaces.
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Culture
Residents gathered at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Valparaiso on May 3rd to mark the 50th anniversary of the Eglin Vietnam Refugee Camp—sharing photos, personal stories, and historical displays.
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Vietnamese refugee families gathered on May 3 at the Heritage Museum in Valparaiso—celebrating 50 years since arriving at Eglin and the community's support—and they will visit the former camp site on May 4 to continue honoring their shared history.
Kim Delevett and other organizers recalled the journeys that built new lives and brought hope to the community.
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Education
The Escambia County School District held its annual job fair at Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola yesterday—seeking new teachers amid a continued shortage as applicants filled out online forms before the event.
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Sports
Gulf Breeze High School’s boys volleyball team secured a region tournament spot for the second year in a row after sweeping North Bay Haven in the District 1-2A championship—earning a second seed in Region 1-2A and starting the quarterfinals on May 6.
This achievement marks the program’s continued rise as the lone boys volleyball team in the area to reach the postseason.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Nine Pensacola-area softball teams have earned spots in the FHSAA region tournaments that will begin May 7 for Classes 1A to 4A and May 8 for Classes 5A to 7A—state championships will be held May 20 to 24 at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park near Orlando.
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Pensacola Events
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.
The Oz Escape: A Wicked Glitch
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 · 10 AM - 4 PM — Outdoor Escape Experience — $30 per team — Embark on a magical journey through the streets of Pensacola, solving puzzles and hunting for clues in a whimsical quest inspired by Oz.