Daily editionWednesday, May 6th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 6th of May.
Business
Pensacola restaurateur Ian Kaple opened Bar, Justa at 120 S. Baylen St (next to his Baylen Street Bottle Shop), offering simple cocktails, affordable pub fare and a food truck serving elevated street food; a crawfish boil is planned for May 9.
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Culture
Pensacola native Keyla Richardson advanced as one of the Top 3 finalists on American Idol Season 24 along with Hannah Harper and Jordan McCullough, after performing in the Reunion episode on May 4.
The finale airs Monday, May 11 and will feature filmed hometown visits for the remaining finalists (including duet performances).
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Education
Schools in Pensacola and across Florida will end the 2025-2026 academic year between May 21 and June 4; Escambia plans to close on May 22 while many districts finish soon after Memorial Day on May 25.
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University of West Florida senior Younge Dogbe received a prestigious Boren Scholarship to study at the University of Ghana from August through February, making him the first student to earn the award as he prepares for a career in international logistics.
University of West FloridaRead more
Environment
Forecasters say Florida faces a 74% chance of a named storm impact when the hurricane season starts on June 1, despite calm conditions now with no tropical activity, and AccuWeather rates high risk from Tampa & the Panhandle.
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Government
Pensacola closed its Summit Boulevard recycling center on May 5 due to high contamination and now residents can drop off recyclables at a new staffed facility at 100 W. Leonard St during set hours.
City officials say the change cuts operating costs by 90 per cent while improving recycling quality.
Rick's BlogRead more
Hurricane Preparedness Week, held May 3–9, teaches Pensacola residents how to interpret forecast information and trusted alerts from the National Hurricane Center and local NWS; officials advise checking warnings and preparing early for the season + staying informed is key.
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Sports
Local track & field athletes from Pensacola compete at the FHSAA state championships in Jacksonville at Hodges Stadium.
The 1A event runs today, the 2A meet is set for Thursday, and the 3A competition takes place Friday while athletes face high heat & possible rain.
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Pensacola Events
Anime Town Pensacola 2026
Friday, May 8th, 2026 · May 8-10 — Pensacola Interstate Fair — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate all things anime with celebrity guests, panels, and an after-hours prom.
Sal Vulcano Live Show
Friday, May 15th, 2026 · 6-10 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — $45-$53 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Sal Vulcano at the beautiful Saenger Theatre.
Warehouse of Speed Spring Open House Dyno Day
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 · 5-10 p.m. — Warehouse of Speed — Limited ticketing — Experience thrilling dyno pulls, enjoy food, and tour the shop showcasing impressive car builds.
TK Soul Live Concert
Sunday, May 24th, 2026 · 7-11:30 p.m. — 8Fifty Event Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of Southern Soul music with TK Soul this Memorial Weekend.
ACHE Northwest Florida Symposium
Friday, June 5th, 2026 · 11 AM – 3 PM — Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola — Discounted entry with lunch served — Network and learn with healthcare executives at this informative symposium.