Daily editionTuesday, May 6th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of May.
Business
Pensacola chef Rusty Strain became the new executive chef for Perennial Hospitality Group on April 30th and will launch a new menu for El Camino Tacos at the end of May while planning a summer menu for The Well; he also is introducing weekly food truck specials and custom catering menus with a Meet the Chef event scheduled in June.
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Education
Pensacola State College opened its new Veteran and Military Family Service Center May 5 (located in Building 6) to give veterans, active-duty members and their dependents one-stop help with academic counseling, advising and benefits.
The nearly $600,000 center was largely funded by federal and state grants and is staffed by military-affiliated students to simplify enrollment and support for military families.
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Government
At a heated county meeting on May 1, commissioners debated raising fire tax fees that would steeply increase costs for businesses and residents in Pensacola Beach and the mainland—options included adjustments to fee levels and alternative funding like taxing beach hotels.
Officials postponed any action until May 15 to further explore proposals and address the funding gap for essential fire protection services.
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FloridaPolitics.com named NW Florida lawmakers Alex Andrade, Don Gaetz and Michelle Salzman as winners for exposing Medicaid overspending and misdirected grant money — and for pushing policy reforms in Tallahassee.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Division of Emergency Management announced Hurricane Preparedness Week to help people learn how to get ready for hurricane season, which starts June 1.
The week gives simple tips on checking supplies, updating plans, and learning local evacuation zones — guidance to keep everyone safer when storms come.
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Health
Pensacola VA Gulf Coast Health Care Clinic faced tight workspaces on April 14 when clinicians set up makeshift workstations (using folding chairs and shared desks) that put patient privacy at risk, while officials maintain the setup meets HIPAA rules.
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Real Estate
Escambia County will open applications at 8 a.m. May 7 for 14 new single-family homes offered through a Habitat for Humanity partnership to eligible buyers earning at or below 80% area median income; approved applicants will select homes on a first-come, first-served basis (accounts should be set up in advance).
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Sports
Pensacola's Missy Gannon won her second PDGA major championship by capturing the Champions Cup trophy on May 4 in Stockton, California.
Local five-time champion Paige Pierce finished third (both disc golfers moved to Pensacola in recent years).
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Pensacola Events
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.
Free Outdoor Yoga Class
Sunday, June 1st, 2025 · 9:30-10:30 a.m. — Bayview Park — Free entry — Enjoy a refreshing hour of yoga in nature led by certified instructors.