Good morning, Pensacola.

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recognized 21-year-old pilot Emily Shelton with the Sheriff’s Medal for her quick decisions during an emergency landing near the Interstate 10 interchange at Davis Highway and Scenic Highway on Tuesday.

The 149-year-old tall ship ELISSA will dock at the Palafox Pier on Aug.

8 for local visitors to explore its restoration work and maritime heritage.

Florida's back-to-school tax holiday is in effect until Aug.

20, offering tax-free savings on eligible supplies, clothing and computers at many stores including thrift shops. Most school districts start on Aug. 10, so families are encouraged to complete their shopping while the offer lasts.

The University of West Florida campus will welcome students as they move in and start classes in less than two weeks - admissions director Ethan Henley shared key details for a smooth beginning.

Campus updates aim to prepare families and new students for the academic term.

Colorado State University forecast a lower than normal hurricane season for 2026 but said Florida is most at risk, with a 44% chance a named storm will track within 50 miles (county odds vary) and coastal residents should prepare as one hurricane making landfall can trigger an active season.

The City of Pensacola, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, and the Emerald Coast Regional Council are seeking input on housing access by offering an online Fair Housing Survey available until Friday, Oct.

16 (responses remain confidential) to improve local housing programs. Paper copies are available at several community locations.

Pensacola International Airport will begin early 2027 construction to rehabilitate Taxiway A South using an $1.8M FAA grant as part of a $10.8M project to renew pavement, lighting, drainage, signage, and markings.

The work will improve airfield safety during renovations.

A new inpatient rehab facility opened earlier this week to help Pensacola patients recover at home—another center is renovating to add an outdoor therapy space, and a third facility will open later this year to meet growing demand.

One Energy Place, the former FPL downtown HQ on the waterfront, sold for $41 million on Friday, July 31; its Mobile buyer plans to keep it as a multi-tenant office tower that is expected to be fully leased within three to six months + robust leasing activity fueled the move.