Daily editionThursday, June 19th, 2025
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of June.
Community
After canceling the parade five months ago because of a snow storm, officials now say the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade will start an hour early today at 10 a.m. Organizers note (with the float staging area closing at 7:30 a.m.) that route closures on downtown streets (Wright, Main, Garden, Palafox, Spring, Tarragona and DeVilliers) require caution among drivers and pedestrians.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Manny Diaz Jr. was confirmed as the interim president of the University of West Florida after an 8—2 vote by the Board of Governors.
He will start his term on July 14 and serve until July 13 while a search for a permanent president continues.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger defended the $7.5M Pensacola Beach gateway project at the June 17 Tourist Development Council meeting as community critics decried copied design elements and rising costs.
She explained that miscommunications turned a basic toll plaza replacement into a complex decorative arch plan — local residents are calling for a simpler, more affordable solution.
Rick's BlogRead more
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves addressed key infrastructure issues on June 17, saying a $2.4M stormwater fix for South Devilliers did not offer a major solution because the area’s geography limits its benefit & delays at Bluff Park persist due to coordination challenges.
He noted B Street will close for 10 weeks starting July 7 while a $150K Bay Center master plan meeting is set for July 10, with the A Street entrance at Joe Patti’s Seafood remaining open during construction.
Rick's BlogRead more
Downtown Pensacola roads are closed today for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade, which now starts at 10 a.m. due to heat safety concerns and runs until noon while float staging areas close at 7:30 a.m.; several county offices and transit services are closed in observance of Juneteenth, with Pensacola Beach Trolleys running from 4 p.m. until midnight and regular ECAT service resuming on Friday.
WEAR-TVRead more
Pensacola Events
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.
July 4th 5K and Fireworks Celebration
Friday, July 4th, 2025 · 7:30-11:00 a.m. — Pensacola Beach Boardwalk — $30-$40 — Enjoy a scenic 5K run followed by a lively post-race party at the Tiki Bar.
Southern Soul Ho’ Down Field Party
Saturday, July 5th, 2025 · 8 PM – 2 AM — 5 Flash Ranch — BYOB — Enjoy a night filled with Southern Soul music, line dancing, and fun in Pensacola's countryside.
Coffee and Bird Walk at Tarkiln Bayou Preserve
Sunday, July 6th, 2025 · 7:00-9:45 a.m. — Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park — Small entrance fee — Enjoy coffee and explore nature while birdwatching on a scenic trail.
Vegan Brewfest 2025
Saturday, July 12th, 2025 · 2-8 p.m. — Perfect Plain Brewing Co. — Cost info not provided — Celebrate plant-based living with epic vegan food, live music, and craft brews.
Karlous Miller Comedy Show
Friday, July 18th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Check website for price — Experience the laughter and entertainment of Karlous Miller live on stage.
Ben Loftin Concert
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 · 12-6 p.m. — McRee Sector of Gulf Islands Ntl Seashore — Free entry — Enjoy soulful coastal tunes from singer-songwriter Ben Loftin in a beautiful setting.