Daily editionFriday, July 31st, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of July.
Community
Blue Angel jet No. 3 did not fly at Pensacola Beach Air Show due to a proactive safety review after a low pass on July 15 — pilot Lt. Chris Houben said he miscalculated his turn and will return in future air shows.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Business
Lennys Grill & Subs held its grand opening downtown yesterday at 96 E. Garden St, marking its return after a decade and adding a late-night walk-up window from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. to serve both daytime workers and nightlife visitors.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Escambia County’s kindergarten readiness fell from nearly 50% to 36% in 2025, prompting the Children’s Trust board to issue a $3.5 million RFP for its Bright Beginnings program (aimed at boosting early learning).
If successful, the program may help reverse the decline.
Rick's BlogRead more
Environment
After Tropical Storm Bertha passed, less than half of the 40 sea turtle nests counted on Pensacola Beach & Perdido Key before the storm remained intact.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
After Tropical Storm Bertha brushed Pensacola Beach on July 21, one sea turtle nesting site was lost to high surf while hatchlings were moved to Gulfarium for care (FWC will plan their release) as calmer seas return.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Government
A $1.2 million sidewalk upgrade project funded by city and state dollars will begin on Aug. 10 to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity on Pensacola’s westside near Global Learning Academy and Legion Field Park; the work is expected to take about 10 months.
WEAR-TVRead more
Health
A four-year-old Pace girl returned to Ascension Sacred Heart Emergency Department to thank the staff who saved her life, marking a touching moment for both the medical team and the community.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
The Florida Department of Health reported 254 cyclospora cases across 39 counties, up from 158 last week, with several counties reporting cases for the first time.
Officials have linked the rise to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce and advise residents to wash or cook produce to reduce risk.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Several food products sold in Florida are under recall due to potential contamination and undeclared allergens.
Recalled items include frozen blueberries (recalled July 6) from Publix, enoki mushrooms distributed to local wholesalers, sunflower seeds, and a dietary supplement from Relay Peak Research (Zen Principle Naturals), with no reported illnesses.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Sports
Pensacola FC won its first men's national title by beating Iron Rose FC 1-0 in extra time at Denton, Texas on Sunday.
The win puts the club in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and supports talks with the city about adapting Blue Wahoo Stadium for future USL Soccer play.
Rick's BlogRead more
The University of West Florida unveiled its 2026 to 2027 men's basketball schedule with a Dec. 13 home game against Navy in Pensacola, offering $200 season tickets and enhanced game day experiences at the Field House.
Local PulseRead more
Accidents
A Pace toddler nearly drowned on June 13 when she slipped getting her toy in a grandparents pool; her father quickly performed CPR and rushed her to a freestanding emergency room (recently opened) where swift treatment stabilized her.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Pensacola Events
Pensacola Comedy Stand-up Night
Saturday, August 1st, 2026 · 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Genie's Coffee Shop — Free parking — Bring friends and prepare for laughter with comedy crafted from your suggestions.