Good morning, Pensacola.

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.

A 44-year-old Pensacola man was arrested for DUI after his sedan collided with a marked sheriff’s patrol vehicle at 4:40 p.m. on Sunday on I-10 Ramp G north of I-110—officers noted he showed signs of impairment and no injuries were reported.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

The Oz Escape: A Wicked Glitch

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

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Bayview Park — Free entry — Enjoy a refreshing hour of yoga in nature led by certified instructors.