Good morning, Pensacola.

A public-private partnership held a grand opening for the new 10,000 sqft Rafferty Center at Legion Field Tuesday.

Fully funded with private donations, the center will soon serve inner-city youth with a multi-sport gym, tutoring, food giveaways, and afterschool programs.

Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition will host Cocktails for Cradles on Thursday, Oct.

1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 5eleven Palafox downtown to support local families with pregnancy education and resources (including an opportunity ticket raffle for Beré Jewelers jewelry).

Pensacola’s Downtown Improvement Board sent a letter asking the city to bring back the Mardi Gras parade on Palafox with new safety rules in place.

Organizers plan to add float regulations and a practice run if the city agrees on the route.

Former Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin spoke at the Rafferty Community Center ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, Sept.

29, thanking local coaches and family and urging Northwest Florida leaders to embrace love over bureaucracy — a call for unity. He credited SYSA mentors and family for shaping his life.

The Pensacola Beach Air Show generated an estimated $38.8 million in economic impact in 2026 — drawing 206,700 total attendees and 73,500 visitors from outside the area, whose spending on accommodations, dining, and transportation boosted local tourism and accounted for 41,300 paid lodging nights.

A strong El Niño is keeping hurricane activity low while experts warn residents to remain prepared until the season ends Nov.

30. Tropical storms form in the Atlantic and may develop near the Gulf as conditions change.

UWF senior Lumpy DeWeese joined coaches in Washington to back the Protect College Sports Act (77-22), which passed on Monday night.

Florida senators voted against the bill, though one amended a key provision easing conference restrictions; it now heads to the House.

Pensacola’s parking system changes with new rules starting Oct.

5; blue signs show city lots using ParkMobile while red and green signs mark private lots with Premium or Level Parking (check pricing differences for weekdays and weekends).

Flu cases are rising in Florida and the CDC advises vaccination during September and October.

Many local sites such as Publix and Walmart offer low-cost shots for Pensacola residents (protection develops in about two weeks).

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola will have a new CEO starting Oct.

12 — Rick Metzger, a nurse turned executive with strong leadership experience, will take charge of the region’s only Level I trauma center.

Pensacola pediatrician Dr. Patrick Hunter was named to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force by Health and Human Services on Tuesday, Sept.

29. He was chosen for his expertise in evidence-based care and clinical guidelines to help shape national preventive health services.

Northwest Florida law enforcement warns that concentrated kratom products can be deadly after nine overdose deaths were reported since May in several local counties; officials urge residents to distinguish between lower-risk leafy forms and stronger versions.

PNJ identified 18 Pensacola high school football offensive standouts from the season's first half.

The list includes players from preseason watchlists and breakout stars stepping into varsity roles & showcasing fresh local talent.