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Daily editionThursday, August 20th, 2026

Good morning, Pensacola.

The Daily Pensacola Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of August.

Culture

  1. The East Hill Neighborhood Association celebrated its successful summer Bands on the Bayou concert featuring The New Cahoots and is now planning the final show on Friday, Oct. 2 at Bayview Park where Cowboy Park will perform, food trucks will open at 4:30 p.m., and families can bring chairs and blankets.

    Local PulseRead more

Education

  1. Escambia County voters approved returning the superintendent election with 71% support on Tuesday after the role was shifted to an appointed position in 2018, and eligible residents will choose the candidate in November 2028 amid concerns over simplified qualifications — a change that will affect oversight of over 30,000 students.

    WEAR-TVRead more

  2. The University of West Florida Police Department will host the inaugural Leaders in Service Summit on Oct. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the UWF Conference Center to foster collaboration among service leaders, including law enforcement, fire service, military, and public safety professionals.

    Rick's BlogRead more

  3. Less than 900 Escambia County Public School teachers with at least 10 years of experience will receive TSIA funds providing about $240 extra per month for 10 month contracts.

    The district finalizes the list by Aug. 31 (excluding many support staff) amid union concerns over the narrow criteria.

    Pensacola News JournalRead more

Environment

  1. AccuWeather lowered its storm count prediction for this hurricane season yet still expects three to five direct U.S. impacts, which means Pensacola residents should stay alert.

    The warm coastal waters could help storms grow quickly, so keep an eye on weather updates.

    Pensacola News JournalRead more

Government

  1. Mayor Reeves had announced his 2025 inland port plan to move port customers off water and now proposed using part of a Superfund site as an inland port to boost jobs & economic growth; he will meet with county officials next week to discuss a deal with shipbuilder Birdon.

    Pensacola News JournalRead more

Health

  1. On Aug. 19, Publix recalled GreenWise frozen organic blueberries (10- and 48-ounce sizes) and mixed berries due to potential E. coli contamination, with the FDA upgrading the recall to its highest-risk warning.

    Customers in Florida are advised to check their freezers and return the products for a refund.

    Pensacola News JournalRead more

  2. Escambia County kindergarten vaccination rates are at a 45-year low—87.3% today compared to 88.9% last year—and have been declining for nearly a decade, mirroring national trends amid rising vaccine hesitancy.

    Pensacola News JournalRead more

  3. During inspections from Aug. 10 to 16, five area restaurants were cited for strict violations + one received an administrative complaint while 31 restaurants earned perfect scores.

    The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said follow-up reviews will ensure issues are corrected for public health.

    Pensacola News JournalRead more

Sports

  1. UWF announced a partnership with Michles & Booth (UWF’s official law firm) to support Argonaut Athletics as the university transitions to Division I. The firm will name the press tower pavilion at Darrell Gooden Stadium opening in 2027 and sponsor the teams’ first official uniform patches.

    Local PulseRead more

  2. The Pensacola News Journal has listed 14 local high school swimmers and divers for a preseason poll, and readers can vote for the swimmer/diver of the year until Aug.26 at 12 p.m. (CT).

    The poll will not affect official postseason awards.

    Pensacola News JournalRead more

  3. Local high school golfers are set for fall action as 13 area standouts, including West Florida's Abby Vernier and PNJ titleholder Wilmer Mitchell, prepare for district and state events; the FHSAA championships begin on Nov. 10 at Mission Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills.

    Pensacola News JournalRead more

Accidents

  1. Storms hit Northwest Florida yesterday, causing heavy flooding and property damage in areas including Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, and Pace; residents reported a fallen tree on a home at the 6900 block of Burrell Lane and a shed being blown into a neighbor's yard, though no injuries were reported.

    WEAR-TVRead more