Good morning, Pensacola.

Multiple community events are underway in our area as Flora-Bama’s 31st Super Chili Bowl cook-off raised over $14K for the American Cancer Society and a summer hygiene drive will benefit 300 Lincoln Park Elementary students through May 12.

Free or low cost mammograms will be available on May 14 at the local health department while animal services plan a drive-through microchip clinic on May 9 and a pet adoption event on May 10 with reduced fees.

Pensacola International Airport announced an expanded partnership with Breeze Airways that will add nonstop flights to Bentonville-Fayetteville starting Sept.

4 on Thursdays and Sundays at fares from $49 one-way—nonstop flights to Memphis will begin Sept. 5 on Mondays and Fridays at fares from $39—following Breeze’s recent launch of service to Raleigh-Durham.

Eugene Gligor pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in a Maryland courtroom after DNA evidence linked him to the 2001 death of Pensacola native Leslie Preer and he will face up to 30 years at sentencing in August — the cold case was solved nearly 23 years later.

The University of West Florida announced the new Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media with a specialization in illustration on May 6 at the Darrell Gooden Center on its Pensacola campus.

The program will launch as a stand-alone degree this fall—preparing students for roles like graphic, web and motion graphics designer.

The University of West Florida announced Tuesday at its Pensacola campus that it is launching a new Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media program with a focus on illustration—scheduled to begin this fall and designed to prepare students for roles like graphic, web, and motion design. The program, which requires 120 semester credit hours, also features cross-college collaboration using Anatomage Tables from the College of Health.

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves will host a child care summit on May 28 (bringing together local and state representatives) to explore strategies for expanding access to quality child care for working families while the city reviews the potential use of $1.5 million (reportedly owed by the Children’s Trust) for new initiatives. The meeting marks the first phase in identifying local care gaps and building a plan with insights from providers in the field.

The Yancy Spencer III Memorial Surf Contest will be held at 9 a.m. on May 10 at Pensacola Beach Pier with a backup date of May 17 due to weather & proceeds benefiting local Shawn Martin battling a rare kidney disease.

The contest honors Spencer who founded Innerlight Surf & Skate and became known as the Father of Gulf Coast surfing.

Richard LaBounty retired as Pensacola Catholic’s baseball coach after 36 years—ending with three state titles and a national championship—and stepped down as athletic director in early March, with new athletic director Matt Adams now overseeing the program.

His retirement was confirmed on May 6 through a school statement posted on social media.

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.