Good morning, Pensacola.

Flora-Bama’s Freedom Run will take place on July 5 rain or shine at the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar at 17401 Perdido Key Drive and offers a four-mile run/walk starting at 8 a.m. and a one-mile fun run/walk starting at 8:02 a.m., with registration fees of $40 and $30 respectively and free race T-shirts for the first 400 registrants.

Four new restaurants opened in June around Pensacola, with Bounce Beach Pensacola debuting its large three-floor beach venue on June 4, Tacos n Dash launching downtown on June 9, 7 Brew opening its Milton location on June 2, and Panera Bread starting in Navarre on June 18 with free meals for early guests.

Proper Burger, known for its smash burgers and beef tallow waffle fries, will expand with a new location at 500 E.

Nine Mile Road by July and a second site opening in October. The restaurant has hired executive chef Arce Garcia to add seasonal menu specials and build on the strong community that grew from its popular food truck.

Pensacola man Rayvaughn Andrews pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and money laundering charges, admitting that from 2021 to 2024 he distributed cocaine in Escambia County and laundered over $10 million through casinos — his sentencing is scheduled for Sep 23.

A 28-year-old Arizona man—Jason Kenneth Crupe from Chandler—was arrested after hitting an Escambia County deputy’s vehicle on Navy Boulevard and Sunset Avenue Saturday while driving under the influence; he faces DUI and hit-and-run charges and was released on a $10,000 bond.

A federal appeals court in Jacksonville heard arguments on June 3 from victims' lawyers who are challenging the lower court’s dismissal of their lawsuit against Saudi Arabia for the 2019 NAS Pensacola attack that left three airmen dead and eight injured & this case could set a precedent for future terrorism claims under JASTA.

Walter Eugene Sunday, 54, a convicted sex offender from Walnut Hill was arrested today on charges of sexual cyber-harassment for allegedly sending explicit photos and videos to a woman over a six-hour span—he now faces a felony for failing to re-register as a sex offender in May.

Today, Pensacola hosts live music at The Handlebar with Suffocation and blues at Seville Quarter; Tuesday brings outdoor concerts on the beach and a Ninja Kidz show at Saenger Theatre.

The week wraps up with Fourth of July celebrations featuring fireworks on Friday and a run and contest at Flora-Bama on Saturday—offering a full slate of family-friendly events.

Pensacola will restart curbside recycling in July under a new fee structure that gives discounts to households not recycling—this change comes after a 17-year struggle marked by lawsuits and a divided waste management system.

Local leaders and young professionals once helped break the deadlock that left residents with only patchy drop-off sites.

Escambia County’s Development Review Committee approved seven new residential projects in June that will add over 750 homes and apartments to the area.

The plans include a 120-unit apartment complex in West Pensacola and six subdivisions for 646 future homes in communities like Beulah, Cantonment and Northwest Pensacola — each project set to move forward after approval.

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.

Bands on the Bayou FREE Concert ft. Bay Kings Band

The Bay Kings Band will be taking the stage on July 25th at the beautiful Bayview Park in East Hill. Come enjoy this free outdoor concert, and support local non-profits, food trucks, and family friendly activities.