Daily editionWednesday, May 7th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of May.
Environment
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-TVRead more
Government
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-TVRead more
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-TVRead more
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 BlogRead more
Sports
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 PulseRead more
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 JournalRead more
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.