Daily editionTuesday, May 19th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of May.
Community
Last week, two local officers (Deputy Jeremy Cassady and Sgt. Alton Berrian) were added to 363 names on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during National Police Week to honor their sacrifice.
Rick's BlogRead more
Business
Pensacola’s first Costco will open on June 25 at 8 a.m. at 225 E. Nine Mile Road in a 172,580 sqft store featuring a tire shop, gas station, and liquor store; the company has begun hiring positions starting at $20 per hour while crews finish the building’s infrastructure.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle will visit Pensacola from Saturday through Monday at Plaza De Luna, offering free tours of the historic vessel.
Residents can explore the ship, meet crew members, and learn about its maritime heritage.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola will host the 6th Annual Gulf Coast Culture Fest on May 30 at Seville Square — offering a day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. of music, art, dance, food and film with a short film showcase beginning at 8 p.m.
WEAR-TVRead more
Economy
Florida gas prices dropped to $4.21 as nearly 2.6 million motorists prepare to travel this Memorial Day weekend—AAA warns they may surge soon due to rising oil costs.
Pensacola drivers benefit from a lower rate at $4.07.
WEAR-TVRead more
Education
Florida public schools are facing shrinking enrollment that is forcing budget cuts & layoffs of counselors and mental health staff, with Escambia County reporting an $18 million loss in funding.
This decline may leave vulnerable students with fewer support services in the coming school year.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
In 12 Florida counties, school will end this week for students with final days set from May 21 to May 29, while some finish in June.
The new school year will begin as early as Aug. 10.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
El Niño is expected to increase wind shear in the Atlantic, which may result in fewer tropical storms this hurricane season — Florida residents should still stay prepared since even one storm can have lasting impacts.
NOAA will release its official forecast on May 21.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
First City Drugs, a local pharmacy near Sam's Club, celebrated five years by offering traditional plus compounding services for patients including kids, pets and families.
Owners Derek Stephens + Natalie Malone created a warm space where everyone feels welcomed and valued for personalized care.
Local PulseRead more
Lifestyle
Pensacola's food truck scene is thriving this spring as local vendors serve international street foods and creative comfort meals (including Italian, Peruvian and burger specialties) that attract growing crowds seeking quality flavors.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
USA Softball announced three finalists for the Collegiate Player of the Year award on Monday, including UCLA's Megan Grant, Nebraska's Jordy Frahm & Florida State's Isa Torres.
The award will be announced on Tuesday, May 26 at Devon Park ahead of the Women's College World Series.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Voting is open until 11 a.m. Saturday for the Girls Athlete of the Week poll by Florida Power & Light, featuring local softball players.
Winners will be announced on Monday with each recipient receiving a PNJ Athlete of the Week shirt by BSN SPORTS.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
IHMC 2026 Summer Robotics Camp for Rising 8th Graders
Monday, June 8th, 2026 · 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. — Institute for Human and Machine Cognition — $245, financial aid available — Dive into coding and robotics with hands-on STEM challenges.
Pensacola International Billfish Tournament
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 · June 9-14 — Palafox Pier Yacht Harbor Marina — Registration required — A family-friendly billfish tournament blending competitive fishing with lively community celebrations.
Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Bad Bunny
Saturday, June 13th, 2026 · 7-9 p.m. — First United Methodist Church, Pensacola — Tickets required — Experience Bad Bunny's music under candlelight in a serene church setting.