Daily
Pensacola
Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Attorney Ben Crump and the Fortson family filed a five-count federal lawsuit Tuesday against Sheriff Eric Aden, former deputy Eddie Duran, the apartment complex, and a leasing agent after Airman Roger Fortson was fatally shot in his Fort Walton Beach apartment in May 2024 when a deputy responded to a false domestic disturbance call—alleging negligent and unconstitutional actions by law enforcement and the complex. WEAR-TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Navy hosted its final open house (Tuesday) at Saint Anne Catholic Church near NAS Pensacola so homeowners could allow well water testing for PFAS from firefighting foam used since 1969, and it sent postcards to more than 17,000 residents with private wells. Scientists are studying PFAS effects on health such as high blood pressure and cancer risk, and the Navy will offer free temporary water solutions if levels exceed new EPA standards (12 ppt). WEAR-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Captain Chandra 'Mamasan' Newman became the new commanding officer at NAS Pensacola last November, making history as the first woman in that role; she served 22 years as a helicopter pilot and went on combat deployments. WEAR-TV
- ➤ Yesterday, Governor DeSantis and Florida DOGE claimed that UWF misused a $871,573 NSF Noyce grant by including social justice in its title and demanded an $800,000 refund even though UWF said the funds support math and science teacher training. UWF explained that the grant supports two Noyce Scholars—one who completed a water quality project last summer and another set to study aspirin synthesis this summer—and that no social justice focus is part of its program. Rick's Blog
- ➤ Governor Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that Pensacola native Zack Smith was appointed to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees—Smith, who once taught at UWF and works as a legal expert at The Heritage Foundation, now awaits Senate confirmation. WEAR-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Pensacola Blue Wahoos finished April with a 16 to 7 record and a team earned run average of 2.67, the second lowest in Minor League Baseball, and now hold an 18 to 9 record as they play a road series against the Biloxi Shuckers—starter Evan Fitterer was named Southern League Pitcher of the Month. They will complete the series this week and return home on May 13 for a homestand of six games. Pensacola News Journal
- ➤ Five figure skaters from the Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club competed in the 56th Annual Robert Unger ISI Competition in Knoxville, Tennessee and won 24 medals—14 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze—by excelling in their individual solo routines and other events after months of training. Their success boosts local pride in Pensacola as the club continues to promote ice sports. Local Pulse
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Pensacola
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