Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
Good morning, Pensacola.
After more than a year working with county officials, Costco received approval to build its 172,580-square-foot warehouse store at 225 E.
Nine Mile Road featuring a liquor store, tire center & gas station. The company must demolish an existing building and finish final permitting reviews before construction begins.
Pensacola police are asking the public for help identifying a man who has reportedly been following young women downtown and making unwanted physical contact, though no injuries were reported.
On August 18, a federal jury found Shantel Powell guilty of lying to an agent—Kevin Powell had already pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges linked to Operation PayDirt, a 10-month investigation that led to federal agents seizing fentanyl in searches at homes in Pensacola and Crestview after 125 overdoses and 25 deaths.
Rev. HK Matthews, a dedicated civil rights advocate in Escambia County, died and left a powerful record of calling out injustice without fear—he challenged local leaders who downplayed the continued struggle for equality.
His legacy reminds Pensacola that the fight for fairness is ongoing.
A father filed complaints against Escambia County Public Schools for using AI tools like Waterford.org and Age of Learning to collect student data without parental consent, which he said violates FERPA and COPPA.
Rafael Lopez also asked federal agencies to investigate the issue—he urged the local school board to review the matter at its next meeting.
Century Town Council voted last night to hire former state representative Dave Murzin as the town’s full-time administrator, authorizing Mayor Ben Boutwell to negotiate his employment agreement for final approval on September 2nd.
Murzin will work to fix nearly $15M in lost grants — missing utility bills and cash flow issues — amid years of fiscal mismanagement.
NASA has launched a citizen science project called NASA Response Mappers that invites residents in hurricane-prone areas to submit geotagged photos before and after storms, giving disaster responders extra ground details to complement satellite images.
The project runs from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 and comes amid Hurricane Erin weakening to 100 mph winds — officials stress that photos should only be taken in safe conditions.
Sandy Sansing Automotive donated $100,000 to the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research to support research for childhood cancer, reflecting its 40-year commitment to community giving—strengthening efforts to help local families.
This donation builds on a legacy of local leadership and care.
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!
Black Jacket Symphony - The Era of Yacht Rock
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Experience classic albums live with the Black Jacket Symphony’s Yacht Rock tribute.
Gary Allan Concert
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Pensacola — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating blend of country roots and rock and roll from Gary Allan.
Gulf Coast Summer Fest
1-2:30 p.m. — Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park — Ticket required — Experience the sensational guitar stylings of Blake Aaron, a contemporary jazz gem.
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