Daily editionFriday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
Community
Pensacola Navy Days kicks off today with free Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin tours and a golf tournament at Naval Air Station, continues on May 9 with a family fun fest and military parade, and wraps up on May 10 with a concert, as organizers honor the city’s long military ties.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Keyla Richardson, an 'American Idol' Top 3 finalist and local music teacher, was honored on May 6 with Keyla Fest, hosting a homecoming parade and free concert at the Hunter Amphitheater.
Footage from the event will air during the Season 24 finale on Monday, May 11.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 3-9 to help local residents review safety steps for high winds and flooding; officials advise setting up Wireless Emergency Alerts (per NOAA) to get storm warnings as the Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1.
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After public practices on May 5 and 6, the Blue Angels will perform six more times in May at NAS Pensacola.
Their schedule includes autograph signing sessions at the National Naval Aviation Museum on May 13 and May 27.
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Nearly 50 volunteers from 24 faith organizations worked with Habitat project leaders to build a home for one local family on Thursday morning (storms briefly slowed progress) and organizers plan a week-long Faith Build next year in Hancock Meadows.
FOX 10Read more
Business
Costco will open its new Pensacola warehouse in June at 225 E. Nine Mile Road.
The 35th Florida location will offer bulk discounts & support the chain's statewide expansion.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Ace Hardware launched Hometown Days to offer summer savings on grills, outdoor furniture and lawn care items.
The event features a Mother’s Day sale running today through May 10 and a Memorial Day sale from May 22 to 25 at local stores (exclusive offers available for Ace Rewards members).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Tomorrow, the UWF Historic Trust’s Pensacola Museum of History will open Road to Revolution—an exhibit celebrating Pensacola’s role in the American Revolution—and offer free admission during its annual Open House at 330 South Jefferson Street.
University of West FloridaRead more
Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic humanoid robot artist known for a million-dollar painting in 2024, will showcase her talent during a live painting session and panel discussion at the Saenger Theatre during Foo Foo Fest from Oct. 29 through Nov. 9.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
NOAA says the Saharan Air Layer, a mass of dry, dusty air from the Sahara, will reach Florida in mid-June and may reduce tropical cyclone development while affecting air quality for those with respiratory issues.
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Florida’s air quality is ranked among the cleanest in a recent report by the American Lung Association, with seven regions including the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent area (rated 18th for short-term particle pollution) receiving top marks.
Florida’s DEP provides a daily Air Quality Index map for residents to check local conditions.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Today, Pensacola junior Khylen Eccles won two state track and field gold medals in the long jump and high jump, and Pace boys weightlifting repeated their sweep of Olympic and traditional titles.
Gulf Breeze softball advanced to the Region 1-5A semifinals after beating Ponte Vedra.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
After holding public practices on May 5 and May 6, the Blue Angels will have three more sessions in May onboard NAS Pensacola to offer local fans another chance to see their aerial displays.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
Free Yoga at Bayview Park
Sunday, June 7th, 2026 · 9:30-10:30 a.m. — Bayview Park — Free — Enjoy a refreshing outdoor yoga session suitable for all levels amidst nature.