Daily editionThursday, May 8th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
Community
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 News JournalRead more
Business
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.
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Education
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.
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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.
University of West FloridaRead more
Government
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
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.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
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.
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.