Good morning, Pensacola.

On Monday morning at 9:04 a.m., Escambia County Fire Rescue responded to a call on Loveland Circle and removed several skid plates from a vehicle to rescue a small kitten trapped in its engine compartment — the kitten was placed in the care of a firefighter’s family member.

Spirit Halloween will open 95 stores across Florida in August and hire over 1,200 workers, with three stores coming to Pensacola — part of a nationwide plan to hire 50,000 seasonal employees for the 2025 Halloween season.

The openings and job opportunities are set to roll out soon.

FPL has requested an $8.9 billion rate hike starting in 2026 to fund investments in solar and battery projects and improve grid reliability; the move would raise residential bills about 5.6 percent in Northwest Florida and 12.4 percent in the Florida Peninsula.

The Public Service Commission will review the proposal at a 10-day hearing starting Aug. 11—if approved, customers will see gradual rate increases through 2029.

Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard said the board approved a 15.4% tax increase to pay for school improvements after the district lost 4,200 students in five years.

The extra funds will support fixes like new auditoriums and classroom updates to help the schools stay competitive with other districts—addressing rising costs and lower state funds.

The University of West Florida named Dr. Clifford Humphrey as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives/Chief of Staff on August 4.

He will work directly with Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. to drive strategic projects and manage operations using experience from the Florida Department of Education & local teaching roles.

Escambia County Commissioners may approve a $200K settlement for a medical malpractice lawsuit over the 2021 death of Alia Wardell—a special needs 20-year-old who died in jail after not receiving her life-saving medications.

Officials will discuss the proposal at the county board meeting on Aug. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Escambia County is planning to take over maintenance of the historic Jordan Cemetery in Gonzalez as the site is overgrown with weeds and vegetation — officials say the move will restore an important local landmark.

Viral Chinese Propitious Mango ice cream made its way to Pensacola markets this summer, and shoppers can try it at Affordable Essentials+The Local+Tony’s Asian Market where available flavors change regularly.

HARBOUR Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Handlebar — Ticket required — Experience the heartfelt storytelling of Abby Holliday through her captivating music.

Crystal Plumage Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Woodsies Hilltop Bar — No cover charge — Experience a lively rock performance by Crystal Plumage in a vibrant Pensacola venue.

Zumba Master Class with Kramer

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Zelica Grotto MOVPER — Free venue parking — Dance and sweat it out in this high-energy Zumba Master Class with international presenter Kramer.

Cathedral Bells Concert with Yot Club

6-8 p.m. — Handlebar — $10 cover — Experience ethereal indie sounds from Cathedral Bells and Yot Club in a vibrant setting.

Gallery Night Pensacola

5-9 PM — Visit Pensacola — Free entry — Celebrate art and culture as Palafox Street transforms into an open-air gallery each month.

SPLASH & DASH Aquathlon

12:30-2:45 PM — Pensacola Beach, FL — Registration fee varies — Experience the thrill of swimming and running in an exciting aquathlon event.

Jessie Ritter Live

12-6 p.m. — Flounder's Chowder House — Free show — Experience the heartfelt country-pop sounds of Nashville-based singer/songwriter Jessie Ritter.

One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk

8 PM – 12 AM — Vinyl Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience an immersive tribute to Daft Punk with authentic costumes and a full-scale pyramid stage.

Argonaut 5K Run

7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — University of West Florida — Supports UWF cross country program — Run for a cause on the scenic campus.

Rosie O’Grady’s Dueling Piano Show

8-11 p.m. — Rosie O'Grady's Inc — Reservations recommended — Experience a vibrant, interactive piano show with top talent and audience participation in Pensacola.