Daily editionTuesday, May 26th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 26th of May.
Community
Veteran Richard Collins retired after 26 years in the Air Force and led 149 volunteers to build the 8.1-mile Blackwater Heritage Trail near NAS Whiting in Milton.
He spent over 8,000 unpaid volunteer hours and now seeks a plaque to thank those who helped.
WEAR-TVRead more
On Memorial Day, several ceremonies honored fallen soldiers across Northwest Florida.
NAS Pensacola held a ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery starting at 9 a.m., while events in Milton, Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview began at 10 a.m. with required security checks.
WEAR-TVRead more
Culture
The National Naval Aviation Museum will launch its Fly with the Blues interactive simulator on Friday, May 29, giving visitors a chance to pilot a full-scale F/A-18 cockpit (the only ride of its kind) and fly in formation over Pensacola and Pensacola Beach at an additional fee.
Local PulseRead more
Education
University of West Florida and Pensacola State College have no plans to add armed guardians since both rely on full-time police departments for campus safety.
Officials will review additional safety measures (HB 757) while maintaining current security protocols.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
ReadyKids announced the 2025–26 ReadingPals Volunteers of the Year, honoring five top mentors and three volunteers each with a decade of service in Escambia County.
The annual event recognized their weekly support in providing over 5,300 mentoring sessions to 260 Pre-K students.
Local PulseRead more
Government
Consistent rainfall today is testing the new Palafox rebuild, a $10.7M project that added 1,700 feet of underground piping with capacity (93,000 gallons) to prevent flooding.
Local residents praise the new pavers, palm trees and ADA sidewalks ahead of hurricane season.
WEAR-TVRead more
Residents in Escambia County have signed a petition opposing plans for a small data center that developers say will be built away from residential areas.
County commissioners will review these concerns at a meeting on June 17 as officials balance economic growth + resource protection.
WEAR-TVRead more
Sports
Pensacola Bay is hosting the 2026 Catalina 22 National Championship Regatta as more than 30 boats compete—crews are vying for the national title.
Championship racing continues until Thursday, May 28, and spectators can watch from downtown waterfront spots and Community Maritime Park.
Local PulseRead more