Daily editionThursday, June 18th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of June.
Business
West Marine in Pensacola stays open while eight Florida stores will close as part of a nationwide restructuring process.
A company representative confirmed that the Pensacola location (5303 N. Davis Highway) is not included in the planned closures.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Culture
Pensacola Hippie Fest will bring free live music, art, and family fun to Seville Square on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and local bands, artists, and vendors are invited to join this vibrant community celebration + add to the lineup.
Local PulseRead more
Education
Pensacola State College trustees selected a search committee led by board chair Zack Smith to choose the college's next president before Ed Meadows retires in December.
They approved a comprehensive audit by Florida DOGE (Department of Governmental Efficiency) to help the transition.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
A low-pressure system near Port O’Connor is expected to become Tropical Storm Arthur later today, marking the first named storm of the season and bringing heavy rains with possible flooding to the western Panhandle.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect along the Texas — Louisiana border.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Potential Tropical Cyclone One near Texas moved inland and weakened by Thursday morning, but heavy rain and flooding risk persist in Pensacola through Saturday — weather is expected to improve on Sunday.
WEAR-TVRead more
Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of 2026, moved from off the Texas coast inland over southwestern Louisiana and may bring up to 10 inches of rain with flash flooding risks to parts of the Florida Panhandle through early Friday.
No tropical storm warnings have been issued for Florida (some areas remain under a flood watch).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Demolition is underway at the Fricker Resource Center as part of a $10 million upgrade that will add a career lab, senior center and STEM lab.
Demolition will last 30 to 60 days with reconstruction set to complete in June 2027 after a delayed groundbreaking.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Today, a test of the rebuilt Palafox Street showed the city installed 46 ADA-compliant curb ramps, widened sidewalks, and improved drainage that ease navigation for wheelchair users downtown.
Local advocate Carolyn Grawi noted accessible changes are key + shop owners must keep clear pedestrian routes.
WUWFRead more