Daily editionSaturday, August 8th, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 8th of August.
Community
Four combat-wounded veterans were honored at the Escambia County Sheriff's Office Friday, Aug. 7.
The ceremony recognized their sacrifices in combat — including Sergeant Jason Crawford and Dustin Tuller — with state Sen. Ashley Moody praising their bravery.
WEAR-TVRead more
Parents in Pensacola can shop tax-free on school supplies until Aug. 20 ahead of students’ return to class (Escambia County on Aug. 12 and Santa Rosa County on Aug. 10).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Escambia County voters will decide on Aug. 18 whether school superintendent positions are filled by election or by appointment.
If approved, an elected official will be chosen starting in 2028 — a change that could alter local education leadership.
WUWFRead more
Dr. Isaac L. Williams provided detailed Q&A responses on Aug. 7 about his bid for the Escambia County School Board District 3 seat.
He highlighted his military and pastoral background and stressed the need for clear communication to boost student achievement and school support.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Erin Toler, a tech professional and former teacher, answered questions in a Q&A on Aug. 7 for her first run for Escambia County School Board District 1.
She focused on ending partisan activism and boosting teacher support in public schools (she stresses restoring trust in education).
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Candidate David Farrow (retired business owner and Army veteran) submitted his Q&A for the Santa Rosa County School Board District 1 race on Aug. 7, emphasizing transparent decision-making, strong fiscal oversight, and classroom support to better prepare students for future success.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Escambia County Public Schools earned their first-ever A grade as 19 schools performed at an A level, with five middle schools excelling and some adding K-8 models.
Superintendent Keith Leonard said school starts Aug. 12 (mark your calendars) and families should plan for increased traffic.
Rick's BlogRead more
Jill Broxson Teston answered a Q&A for the Santa Rosa County School Board District 5 seat on Aug. 7, 2026, sharing her vision to enhance school communication and accountability.
The local business owner and mom of four detailed ways to support teachers and strengthen public schools.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Paul Fetsko, the incumbent for the Escambia County School Board District 2 seat, answered questions on his platform during a Q&A released Aug. 7—he emphasized his decades of education experience and plans to tackle funding challenges while preserving school programs.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Environment
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is expanding the sewer system in four Escambia County neighborhoods including Brownsville to protect Bayou Chico from sewage issues caused by failing septic tanks.
Construction may disrupt streets and is expected to finish two projects later this year with the third completing by February.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
Congressman Patronis and state Rep. Salzman held a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park today to honor triple Purple Heart recipient Chris Lambert on National Purple Heart Day.
Lambert, who fought in Vietnam, credited his Navy corpsman for saving his life — a reminder of his brave service.
WEAR-TVRead more
Mayor D.C. Reeves answered questions on Aug. 6 about his record managing $300M budgets and securing grants while outlining plans to boost public safety and housing affordability as he runs for re-election in Pensacola (unedited Q&A released by the local news journal).
Pensacola News JournalRead more