Good morning, Pensacola.

Rep. Michelle Salzman is partnering with Feeding the Gulf Coast to host a back-to-school giveaway today at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, where families will receive food and backpacks filled with school supplies.

Cars begin lining up at 6 a.m. and the event starts at 7:30 a.m. — all items are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

After 43 years, Pensacola's Sewing Box said it will no longer make the Blue Angels' ceremonial flight suits after the Navy awarded the contract to Aquila International from Virginia.

Owner Candy Whitehurst said the change leaves her heartbroken over losing its longtime, biggest customer.

Studer Community Institute invites Pensacola residents to nominate outstanding local businesses and leaders for the 2026 EntreCon® Awards.

Nominations opened Monday, July 27 and will close Monday, Aug. 17, with winners honored at a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the Saenger Theatre, leading into a two-day business and leadership conference on Nov. 12-13.

Rick's Live Blog on Spotify showcased weekend listening segments featuring interviews with local figures (Police Chief Winstrom, Pensacola FC owner Witkin, and a UWF athlete) and mayoral candidate discussions along with talks on community topics such as the Billings case and ECAT chaos; the episodes aired in July.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three tropical waves that could develop into tropical systems later this month as hurricane season peaks on Sept.

10. Rain and scattered thunderstorms are expected today across our region, with some areas facing heavy downpours.

Escambia Corrections hosted graduation ceremonies on July 30 and 31 for nearly 70 inmates who completed GED, parenting, life skills and anger management courses.

Officials said the programs aimed to lower the 80% rate of recidivism (a key effort for change) at the jail.

Florida residents can purchase select school supplies and storm-prep items tax-free (including batteries and helmets) through Aug.

20 as many schools start on Aug. 10 and hurricane season continues until Nov. 30.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warned Catholic schools in a letter that if they use state vouchers they must allow vaccine exemptions for students.

The letter, which cites the Pensacola-Tallahassee diocese, was sent 10 days before the 2026-2027 school year starts.

A recent CDC report showed Florida had 141 measles cases on Thursday, ranking fifth nationwide and marking the highest numbers since 1992 (2,371 cases total, including five in Escambia County).

Lower vaccination rates (kindergartners 88.8% vs. 92.5% nationally) have raised concerns as schools reopen.

The regular spiny lobster season will begin Aug.

6 and run through Mar. 31. Anglers must have a recreational license & a spiny lobster permit and follow strict size and bag limit rules when fishing in Florida waters.

UWF announced its 2026-27 men's basketball schedule this week; the season includes a Dec.

13 game against Navy and six regional rematches in January and February. The Field House will get upgrades for improved seating and display, and season tickets cost $200 (a $250 gift option includes game pass access).