Daily editionThursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
Community
Today, local Krispy Kreme offers 2026 graduates a free three-pack of Original Glazed doughnuts when they show graduation attire (cap, gown, or tee) at participating stores, with the deal available via drive-thru.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Over 30 dogs at Perdido Landfill will move to a nearby animal shelter by the end of this week after a May 16 Petpalooza event cleared space with 23 adoptions.
They may be ready for adoption by the end of the week or early next week.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Chad Henderson, a fourth-generation Pensacola native, is developing Outlying Fields—a 540-acre project near I-10—and revitalizing downtown’s East Garden District with mixed-use projects designed to boost local jobs and community spaces while partnering with regional developers for smart growth.
Local PulseRead more
FPL’s parent NextEra Energy announced a proposed merger with Dominion Energy on May 20 to boost efficiency for powering data centers & large-scale customers, while FPL rates remain locked until 2029 so local customers see no immediate change.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Economy
On May 20, AAA reported Florida gas prices jumped from $4.314 to $4.521 in one week, prompting residents to adjust summer travel plans.
AAA projects over 45 million trips during Memorial Day weekend — a sign that rising fuel costs are shaping holiday travel.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
At Redeemer Lutheran School in Escambia County, fine arts teacher Terry Hurd uses chess to teach math, etiquette and critical thinking to kindergarten through fifth grade students while building confidence and focus for daily challenges.
The program, ongoing at the school, aims to expand chess learning across Northwest Florida.
WEAR-TVRead more
Environment
Pensacola homeowners can review different hurricane shutter types to protect their homes as the 2026 hurricane season nears, with options like storm panels + roll-down shutters that vary in cost and setup time.
Local experts advise checking details now so residents can be ready before storms hit.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Escambia County Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers found the first loggerhead nest of the season on Perdido Key on May 19.
Residents are advised to remove personal items and lower lights during May & June to protect nesting turtles.
Local PulseRead more
Government
Pensacola International Airport was awarded a $9 million FAA grant to modernize its terminal — expanding the TSA checkpoint by adding 8,400 sqft and improving passenger amenities.
Construction is planned to begin at the end of 2026.
Local PulseRead more
Health
Local doctors advise residents to reapply sunscreen frequently, check skin for asymmetry, irregular borders, color changes, and spots larger than a pencil eraser (the ABCD method), and avoid tanning beds as summer nears.
The Baptist Cancer Institute will host its annual skin cancer screening at Casino Beach on July 18.
WEAR-TVRead more
From May 11-17, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation inspected restaurants, with three Pensacola eateries receiving high priority food safety violations while 26 establishments earned perfect scores; follow-up reviews are planned to address these issues + help maintain standards.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
USA TODAY spotlights Pensacola area's softball legends in its 250 for 250 series, highlighting five state titles since 2007 and featuring standout players such as Jayden Heavener and Hannah DeMarcus while local fans can cast votes for the best ever.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Senior athletes from three counties are set to play in the final East vs. West baseball and softball games today at Pensacola State College.
The West teams start at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. with tickets at $11 for adults and $6 for students.
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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.