Daily editionFriday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
Community
The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee said Bishop John H. Ricard died at 86 in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
He had served since 1997 and was known as a mentor in the church, and he will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery.
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Business
Pensacola’s first Great Harvest Bread Co. opens today at 7 a.m. at 321 N. DeVilliers St. (in DeVilliers Square) and will serve fresh breads, sandwiches, salads and sweets with the first 50 customers receiving a free loaf of Honey Whole Wheat bread.
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After 19 years of serving the local community at The Butcher Shoppe, founder Kevin Green is handing the key to new owners to continue the shop's legacy for neighborhood shoppers.
The transfer will ensure that longtime customers keep enjoying its traditional service.
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Chef Ian Whitcomb and his wife Stacy will open the permanent Sage In Bloom at Savoy Marketplace early this summer, serving farm-to-table meals Monday through Saturday (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.) with a rotating menu featuring Texan and Oaxacan influences and locally sourced ingredients.
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Culture
Memorial Weekend Pensacola is underway at Pensacola Beach, running May 21 through 24 at Park East near the Portofino Island Resort.
The event offers nightly parties, beach tea dances, DJs and impressive lights + lasers.
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Pensacola stargazers can catch the Milky Way's bright center over Memorial Day weekend and into May while seeking dark sky spots away from city lights.
Experts advise waiting until midnight + using a camera to capture the view on clear nights.
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Education
On Thursday, Pensacola State College in Milton began construction on an $8M Diesel and Marine Mechanics Training Center that will prepare students for in-demand Gulf Coast diesel and marine jobs.
The 13,000 sqft facility (supporting a dual enrollment program) is slated to finish mid-to-late 2027.
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Environment
NOAA forecasted a below-normal hurricane season on May 21 at the Lakeland center due to El Niño, but officials warn that a few major hurricanes could still threaten Pensacola later, so residents should stay prepared + monitor updates.
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Government
Zack Smith was elected chair of Pensacola State College’s District Board of Trustees for the next two years while continuing his role on the UWF Board of Trustees + Todd Leonard was named vice chair.
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Sports
Pensacola Bay will host the 2026 Catalina 22 National Championship Regatta when over 30 boats compete during events from May 23 to 28.
Spectators can watch races (and enjoy local waterfront views) in downtown areas, Community Maritime Park, and Sanders Beach.
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UWF football announced its 11-game Division I schedule on May 21 and will kick off with a home game against Southern Illinois on Aug. 27 at PenAir Field before closing the season at West Georgia on Nov. 21.
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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.