Daily editionThursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
Community
Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 3-9 and offers daily tips for Pensacola residents on securing windows, moving vehicles to safe spots, and preparing emergency go-bags when a storm threatens; NOAA advises taking immediate action and checking on neighbors in vulnerable areas.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
American Idol finalist Keyla Richardson performed in downtown Pensacola Wednesday night, drawing thousands who filled both the Hunter Amphitheater and overflow seats at Blue Wahoos Stadium (6,000 extra seats sold in 45 minutes) and her concert will air Monday on ABC.
WEAR-TVRead more
Economy
A USGS report confirms undiscovered oil & gas exist off Escambia, Santa Rosa & Okaloosa counties near Pensacola, putting offshore rig development on the horizon.
Permitting and industry investments will decide if production begins soon.
Rick's BlogRead more
Education
Pensacola State College clarified in a memo that the student magazine Just Opposed was never an approved publication due to the college already offering three active venues.
Affected students are now seeking independent funding to print the work.
Rick's BlogRead more
The University of West Florida earned national acclaim by placing third in the 2025 CAE-CD Community Outreach Award Competition and by Dr. Eman El-Sheikh receiving an award for outstanding contributions.
This marks the fourth straight year the campus has been celebrated for boosting cybersecurity + AI education.
University of West FloridaRead more
Government
Pensacola will reopen the Romana block of Palafox Street to pedestrians next week + work on the New Palafox project continues on nearby side streets while major events like Gallery Night and the Fiesta Parade remain on Jefferson Street.
WUWFRead more
Health
After a heart attack at his Milton home, a man credits first responders and hospital staff for saving his life through timely CPR guidance.
Florida West Hospital will host the free Press the Chest Community CPR event on May 17 at Pensacola Bay Center (1 to 3 p.m.).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pensacola area high school softball teams advanced in state playoffs yesterday — Pace will host Crestview and Navarre will play regional semifinals on May 12.
Local weightlifting, track and field, and volleyball contests have also kept local sports busy.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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.
Pensacola Comedy's Stand-up
Saturday, June 6th, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Genie's Coffee Shop — Free entry — Bring friends for laughs with comedy based on your suggestions, accompanied by coffee drinks and delicious food.