Daily editionFriday, August 21st, 2026
Good morning, Pensacola.
The Daily Pensacola Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of August.
Community
Residents at a West Pensacola senior apartment complex report that a broken elevator has left many, including those on dialysis and in wheelchairs, stuck in their apartments for about a month.
The community manager said a technician is coming soon but updates remain pending.
WEAR-TVRead more
Arc Gateway is hosting the annual Sea No Limits free fishing clinic for children and adults with disabilities on Oct. 10 from 8 a.m. until noon at Community Maritime Park (pre-registration is required to secure one of the free rod and reel packages along with a T-shirt, bait, and lunch).
WEAR-TVRead more
Economy
Florida’s minimum wage will rise to $15 per hour for non-tipped workers and $11.98 for tipped staff on Sept. 30 following a voter-approved amendment from 2020.
Future increases will adjust with inflation to reflect rising costs.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Education
Fewer than 900 Escambia County public school teachers will qualify for a state pay raise from TSIA funds if they have 10 or more years of experience, effective this year.
Some educators remain frustrated that support staff like guidance counselors are not eligible — concerns that emerge despite the district earning its first-ever A grade.
WEAR-TVRead more
Government
Labor Day will be observed on Monday, Sept. 7, giving residents a three-day weekend when public schools and most government offices close — while many retailers offer special holiday sales.
Pensacola News JournalRead more
Health
Officials upgraded a recall of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries sold at local Publix on Thursday to a Class I risk due to possible E. coli contamination, with the CDC reporting 12 infections and four hospitalizations.
Pensacola consumers are advised to check freezers and discard or return the product.
WEAR-TVRead more
Real Estate
The City and Pensacola Habitat for Humanity have partnered to build nine affordable homes on East Jackson Street using a Community Land Trust (CLT) model that locks in low prices for 99 years.
The project advanced after the property sale closed on Aug. 19 with city-donated land and $590K in funds.
City of PensacolaRead more
Sports
UWF Athletics announced yesterday that law firm Michles & Booth became its Official Law Firm, sponsoring uniform patches and naming the press tower pavilion at Darrell Gooden Stadium, set to open in 2027.
The support comes as UWF begins NCAA Division I transition & will impact nearly all Argonaut teams.
University of West FloridaRead more
Readers can vote for the Pensacola area preseason boys and girls golfer of the year until 12 p.m. CT (Aug. 27).
The Pensacola News Journal listed 13 local high school golfers to watch in the 2026 season.
Pensacola News JournalRead more