Good morning, Pensacola.

Northwest Florida will celebrate the Fourth of July on Saturday with family-friendly events at Hunter Amphitheater featuring Symphony Sparks and Stars, DJ and civic band shows at Pensacola Beach, and fireworks displays over Perdido Key, Milton, Navarre Beach, Destin and Crestview.

Brian Kilmeade of Fox News will headline his History, Liberty and Laughs Tour at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre on July 11 — offering audiences a blend of historical storytelling, personal anecdotes, and humor.

Ticket holders can expect a patriotic, engaging evening that connects past events with today's values.

Florida's new progress monitoring system raised public school proficiency to over 60% in reading & math, with Escambia County middle schools posting gains up to 20 points since 2023.

Gov. DeSantis announced the milestone on Friday, June 26, crediting real-time data for more focused instruction.

UWF Libraries received a rare book signed by Declaration signer George Walton — donated for the 250th anniversary — to join its University Archives and highlight local ties with his family in Pensacola.

Florida is under a heat dome this week with temperatures 3 to 6 degrees above average, and Pensacola now faces high heat indices (103 to 107) with periodic thunderstorms; temperatures will slightly drop on July 4 before rising again.

The City of Pensacola will hold the New Palafox dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at Plaza Ferdinand VII mid-block crossing as part of America 250 celebrations, and the event will launch a series of local festivities (free off-street parking is available except on Main Street).

Certain disabled veterans may enroll for free TSA PreCheck by obtaining a fee waiver letter from the VA website (they must be in VA health care, have a qualifying service-connected disability, and require a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic).

The benefit is now available for eligible veterans in Florida.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will waive day-use fees at state parks from Friday, Jul.

3 through Sunday, Jul. 5 as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence + offering locals a budget-friendly way to celebrate the holiday.

Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger is proposing to install 300 AEDs in Escambia County (at community centers, businesses, and churches) to help provide aid within four minutes during a cardiac emergency.

Local organizations can purchase the $1,500 devices and receive a county rebate.

Marine veteran Brian Johnson credits his service dog Homer (a giant schnoodle) with easing his PTSD symptoms and starting each morning with renewed hope.

Now a certified recovery peer specialist at Lakeview Center, he helps others find support in their healing journey.

Families visiting Pensacola Beach today can enjoy Tiffany’s on the Beach, a family-run eatery known for its famous Double Smash Burger and frozen cocktails ahead of Bands on the Beach tomorrow.

Guests can also rent chairs and umbrellas for a one-stop beach experience (a local favorite) during the summer season.

The Molly Ringwalds Concert

8:30 – 10:30 p.m. — Seville Quarter — $30 — Experience the ultimate 80's music revival with The Molly Ringwalds in an unforgettable concert.

Armor for Sleep Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Handlebar — Tickets required — Experience an evening of live music from Armor for Sleep as they showcase their talent and artistry.

Celtic Throne II: Psalter of Ireland

7-10 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Discount tickets available — Experience a captivating journey through Irish culture with music and dance performances.

Skweezy Jibbs Makes a Movie

6:30 – 8:00 p.m. — The Handlebar — Tickets from $104 — Experience a must-see live performance by Skweezy Jibbs in Pensacola.

Creed Fisher & Frank Foster Live Concert

7 p.m. — Wild Greg's Saloon — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of country music with Creed Fisher and Frank Foster.

Montgomery Biscuits at Pensacola Blue Wahoos

5-7:05 p.m. — Blue Wahoos Stadium — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a day at the ballpark creating memories with loved ones while watching Minor League baseball.

Second Sunday Salsa at Emerald Republic Brewing

6-10 p.m. — Emerald Republic Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.

PYP Member Meetup & Game Night

6-8 p.m. — Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center — Free for members — Connect with fellow young professionals over games while sharing ideas for future events.

FattMack Concert

9 p.m. — Vinyl Music Hall — Tickets starting at $136 — FattMack promises an unforgettable live music experience in Pensacola, FL.

In Gloom Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — The Handlebar — Tickets from $68 — Experience an unforgettable live show with In Gloom in Pensacola.