Good morning, Pensacola.

Daniel Raney, a Pensacola insurance broker charged with racketeering and money laundering, pleaded not guilty on Aug.

12 and remains in Escambia County jail on $272,500 bond after allegedly using multiple companies to divert over $300,000 in AFCO premium funds to his own accounts—he faces arraignment on Aug. 29—according to a Florida Department of Financial Services investigation.

Pensacola Little Theatre repaid $65,631.69 to Escambia Children’s Trust on July 24 after its executive director resigned over disputed expenses that an independent review found resulted from reimbursement errors dating from 2023 to February.

The board said upcoming productions will continue as planned while the repayment corrects an overstatement in grant spending—ensuring funds are properly managed.

The University of West Florida Haas Center research has driven a new regional campaign by Florida’s Great Northwest that spotlights the military talent available for local businesses—data shows 5,200 service members transition each year with strong educational backgrounds.

Earlier this week, an anonymous Facebook post claimed that Sims Middle School students were publicly shamed for unpaid lunch debts until their parents paid the balance—Superintendent Dr. Barber said families were privately notified at least three times before school began.

Donations from local community members cleared Sims' lunch debt and reduced totals at other schools, and Pensacola Butcher Shoppe owner Kevin Green paid off the entire Escambia County School District lunch debt Thursday morning.

Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency—DOGE—will audit Pensacola on Aug.

18—19 to review the city’s rising spending and tax increases amid a growing funding gap. Mayor Reeves said he will ensure full transparency as the audit examines how economic growth has affected public finances.

Santa Rosa County donated two properties to the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust to support affordable housing that will allow Pensacola Habitat for Humanity to build homes in Midway/Gulf Breeze and near Milton.

The county approved the donation on Aug. 14 so low-income buyers can secure affordable ownership for the long term.

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.

Pensacola Labor Day Jazz Series with JJ Sansaverino

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Brownsville Community Center — Ticket prices may apply — Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz with renowned guitarist JJ Sansaverino.

Bulls on the Beach

September 4-6 — Flora-Bama — Admission required — Experience three nights of thrilling rodeo action with professional bull riders.

Shelby Kemp & The Galbraith Sisters Concert

8 p.m. – 2 a.m. — Handlebar — Tickets available — Experience Southern Roots and Rock from Hattiesburg and St. Pete as the road to Telluride Blues and Brews Fest begins.

Steven Ho Live

6-7:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Tickets from $64 — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Steven Ho in a prime venue.

Eazybaked Music Event

7-8:30 p.m. — Laguna's Beach Bar + Grill — Entry details TBA — Catch EAZYBAKED and friends bringing the beats to Pensacola Beach!