Good morning, Pensacola.

Pamela Schwarz was convicted in 2022 for the fentanyl murder of Shirley Barney in Pensacola.

Pamela Schwarz, a 43-year-old Pensacola woman, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday after a judge found her guilty of causing the May 25th, 2022 fatal fentanyl overdose of her 52-year-old cellmate at Escambia County jail—she is accused of smuggling contraband and tampering with evidence.

The Santa Rosa Island Authority will host the Pensacola Beach Air Show from July 9 to 12—featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels with aerobatic displays, military demos and sessions for breakfast and practice that lead to the official air show on July 12.

Pensacola’s clean energy industry may suffer if the One Big Beautiful Bill, which passed the House by one vote and threatens to eliminate tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, is approved by the Senate.

GE Vernova’s Pensacola facility—after investing $70 million and boosting local jobs—faces slowed growth that could raise electricity bills and risk nearby employment.

Escambia County Public Schools finalized its 2025-26 calendar showing varied start and dismissal times for each school from pre-kindergarten to high school.

Classes begin August 11 and end May 22, 2026.

Former Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. was confirmed as interim president of UWF on June 18 following a heated debate over his contract, which includes a higher base salary without performance incentives raised by board member Eric Silagy.

He will assume his role on July 14 as the university initiates its search for a permanent president & contract concerns persist.

Gulf Breeze Zoo announced the birth of Kahlani, a six-foot reticulated giraffe calf weighing 151 pounds born on May 9—daughter of Kenya and Gideon and closely watched by animal care staff to support conservation efforts.

Visitors can see the new calf during daily visits from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dr. Nicholas Hasan Buker at UWF led a project with Pensacola Police that produced an evidence-based system for designing patrol beat borders — the new method uses computer data to balance officer workload and improve response times.

The project is funded by the City of Pensacola and aims to help police focus on high-risk areas.

Ronald McDonald House Firecracker 5K

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

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

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.

YK Niece Live Performance

9:00 PM - 2:30 AM — Chasers Liquor Store & Bar — No cover charge — Experience YK Niece performing the hottest song of the summer in Pensacola.

Coffee and Bird Walk at Tarkiln Bayou Preserve

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

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

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

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.

Fungi & Friends Mushroom Growing Class

5-7 p.m. — Odd Colony Brewing Company — Free entry — Engage in an interactive mushroom class while creating grow kits and exploring your fungi curiosity.

12Eleven Live at Bands on the Beach

7 p.m. - 1 a.m. — Pensacola Beach — Free entry — Experience a night of great music as the local band 12Eleven takes the stage on the beach.