Daily editionWednesday, June 4th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of June.
Community
Pensacola resident Andrew Smith used his drone on Pensacola Beach a few weeks ago to deliver a flotation device that saved a swimmer in distress—he now promotes water rescues via drones to help prevent future emergencies.
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Economy
Escambia County’s major interstate tract near Navy Federal’s campus is set to be transformed as developer Chad Henderson—a Pensacola native—unveils a $42.5M proposal that honors the community master plan.
The plan features a walkable town center and will soon be reviewed by the County Commission.
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Florida faces a significant risk if House Bill 7033 becomes law — a measure that would repurpose tourism funds to offset property tax cuts and end support for 62 Tourist Development Councils — with analysis projecting a $37 billion loss in economic impact and 682,000 jobs.
In Escambia County, Clerk Pam Childers has delayed paying the Pensacola Visitor Center's invoices, raising concerns over local tourism advertising for key beach areas.
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Government
Attorneys for victims of Pensacola’s terror attack argued in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Jacksonville on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia should be held liable for claims of gross negligence and breach of contract—lawyers say the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act might let the court reverse last year’s dismissal, with a decision expected early 2026.
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Pensacola is investing $50M in flood resilience projects to improve stormwater drainage and reduce downtown flooding — city leaders explained that projects include replacing old infrastructure and deepening Hollis T. William Stormwater Park while using over $41M in state and federal grants. The upgrades will help the city manage heavy rains and rising sea levels.
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Pensacola has selected Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola to host at least 14 pallet shelters at West Blount Street and Offentsive Corp to host at least 13 units at North Palafox as Mayor D.C. Reeves said the city will use $1.1 million in ARPA funds for site work and order additional shelters based on need — the city will retain ownership to allow reuse if sites change.
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Pensacola’s tourism industry faces a crisis as over $2.5 million in unpaid marketing bills and a blocked $10.5 million grant risk halting fall bookings—local ad agencies have fronted more than $1.2 million while unpublished reimbursement rules add to the confusion.
A meeting today between Visit Pensacola and the Clerk aims to resolve the issues before delays further impact tourism revenue.
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Sports
Sophomore pitcher Hannah DeMarcus was named Prep Softball's National Player of the Year on June 3 after breaking Pace's single-season strikeout record with 418 strikeouts, nine no-hitters and two perfect games—one game lasting 12 innings with 33 strikeouts.
Her standout first varsity season helped Pace reach its third straight state championship game appearance—marking a promising future under coach Lexi Alexander.
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Pensacola Events
Kids Galaxy Glow-in-the-Dark Painting Class
Saturday, June 7th, 2025 · 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Flip Flops on Palafox Vendor Mall — $12 per child — Create a glowing masterpiece as creativity comes to life in the dark.
Object Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML Training
Monday, June 9th, 2025 · All day — Hope For Tomorrow Safety Services, LLC — $2090 — Dive into essential software development skills with expert-led UML training.
Clean Comedy Show Pensacola
Thursday, June 12th, 2025 · 7-9 p.m. — Culinary Productions Event Venue and Catering — Enjoy a night of clean laughs with headliner Joel Byars and fellow comedians Patrice Deveaux and Scott Shanahan.
Camelot Musical
Friday, June 13th, 2025 · 7:30 p.m. — Pensacola Little Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary kingdom of King Arthur in an intimate and fresh musical rendition.
Sage In Bloom: Farmer's Dinner Series #4
Monday, June 16th, 2025 · 4-8 p.m. — Gather, A Culinary Collective — BYOB — Explore unique microgreens and fungi in a flavorful feast.
Life's A Dance Benefit Showcase
Thursday, June 19th, 2025 · 5-6:30 p.m. — Pensacola Bay Center — Tickets available — Celebrate community and enjoy captivating performances by local celebrity couples and dancers.
Busch Light Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 21st, 2025 · 12 PM – 6 PM — Flounder's Chowder House — Check for registration fees — Test your fishing skills in the annual rodeo featuring a range of fish species.
Big Al and the Heavyweights Live
Monday, June 23rd, 2025 · 7:30-11:30 p.m. — Seville Quarter — Check the site for ticket info — Enjoy a vibrant mix of Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, and Rock music from this dynamic band.
Ronald McDonald House Firecracker 5K
Saturday, June 28th, 2025 · 5:00 AM – 4:59 AM — Seville Quarter — Registration fees apply — Run for a good cause in historic downtown Pensacola to support local families.
Ninja Kidz Live
Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the excitement of Ninja Kidz Live with family-friendly fun in Pensacola.