DISCOVER 🏇🏽 P’COLA

Pensacola’s #1 Newsletter

If you're itching for some adventure, we're here to help you stumble upon the finest local festivities, those tucked-away treasures, and every bit of excitement stirring in our community. It’s the perfect way to truly get to know the heart of our home, Pensacola.

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Morning P’Cola!

It’s the 1st of May and Pensacola is a bloomin! This week kicks off Blue Angels season, the Margarita festival, Wahoos home games, and Pensacola Cigar Weekend. Don't forget the Kentucky Derby this Saturday at 5:57 PM and the upcoming COMING Cinco de Mayo festivities.

Finally, mark your calendars for May 6 to celebrate Pensacola’s own American Idol, Keyla Richardson. To honor Keyla (she’s gotta win her spot in top 3 1st) a parade route is ready along with a ceremony and a Key to the City. On May 4th, sing it like you mean it, Keyla! Give 'em the whole garden, not just the roses! Pensacola spirit is with you and so very proud! Bring it on home for the Top 3!

See ya out there.

COMMUNITY & COUNTY NEWS

• Baptist Hospital Site Healthcare: The City Council approved a partnership with Community Health Northwest Florida. A donated building at 801 W. Avery St. will be renovated ($850,000 minimum investment) to provide dental and family care services to the neighborhood surrounding the former Baptist Hospital.

• Environmental Funding: The EPA confirmed funding for Pensacola’s American Creosote Works site for fiscal year 2026. This marks a major step in the long-term cleanup of the local Superfund site. The funding is specifically designated for the groundwater treatment phase and the continued removal of contaminated soil, which has been a primary concern for the surrounding neighborhoods for decades.

• Bernardo de Gálvez Legacy: May 8th celebrations honoring the legacy of Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish hero of the Battle of Pensacola unfold!

MARCH FORECAST  

It’s the first week of May 2026! The forecast will move from a rainy day start to sunny FLORIDA conditions mid-week and then showers will return. We need the rain!

• May 1–2: Expect light rain with temperatures peaking at 71°F and a significant chance of precipitation (up to 75% on Friday night).

• May 3–4: The weather clears up significantly with sunny skies, highs reaching 76°F, and lower humidity around 43%–51%.

• May 5–7: Clouds return as the week progresses, leading back to light rain by Wednesday and Thursday with warmer highs of 78°F.

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THIS WEEK in P’COLA

Friday, May 1

• Hot Glass Cold Brew: May Day: (5:00 PM) Hosted by the First City Art Center, this popular social features glass-blowing demonstrations, local art, and craft beer/coffee.

  

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers: (6:05 PM) A home game at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Expect Friday night fireworks or special giveaways.

• Pensacola Cigar Weekend 2026: Derby Edition: (6:00 PM) A high-end social and networking event at Museum Plaza downtown, themed around the upcoming Kentucky Derby.

  

• Drake White Live: (7:00 PM) Country artist Drake White performs at Wild Greg’s Saloon for an 18+ crowd.

• Spring Break "Open Bar" Party: (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM) A lively social event at Señor Frog’s on Pensacola Beach.

• Pensacola Walking Ghost Tour: (7:00 PM) A guided historical tour of downtown using ghost-hunting equipment.

Saturday, May 2

• Fiesta Pensacola 10K & 5K: (Starts approx. 7:30 AM) A major community race through downtown Pensacola, finishing with a festive post-race party at Seville Quarter.

  

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers: (6:05 PM) Saturday night at the ballpark with a waterfront view.

• Beach Prowl Scavenger Hunt: (11:00 AM) A family-friendly interactive event starting at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.

• 152ND KENTUCKY DERBY RUN FOR THE ROSES 

  Post Time: 6:57 PM ET (5:57 PM CT). Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY. Streaming: Peacock, NBC Sports, and the NBC Sports app.

Top Contenders!

Favored to Win

Renegade (4-1) is the current morning-line favorite. He has drawn the No. 1 post position (the rail), which is historically difficult to win from—the last horse to win from the rail was Ferdinand in 1986.

Further Ado (6-1) is considered the strongest challenger, coming off a major win in the Blue Grass Stakes and benefiting from a wider post (18) that may offer a cleaner trip.

• Glitz & Gallop Gala (May 2, 2026): A premier event featuring live coverage, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction, supporting the United Way of West Florida.

• The Siren's Kentucky Derby Ball: Hosted at Seville Quarter by the Krewe of Sirens, featuring, races, and charity fundraising for the American Heart Association.

• 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Patio Party: Held at 42 North Social House, featuring a big screen, mint juleps, and a best-dressed contest.

• 1916 Bar & Bistro Derby Party: Featuring themed cocktails like Kentucky Mules, horse betting, and a dress-to-impress discount.

Sunday, May 3

• Margarita Festival: (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM) Located at Casino Beach Bar & Grille on Pensacola Beach. This involves live music, margarita sampling, and a crowd-voted competition for the best recipe.

  

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers: (4:05 PM) A family-oriented matinee game at the stadium.

Monday, May 4

• Star Wars BINGO: May the 4th Be with You! 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Seville Quarter,

• Star Wars Day at Bellview Library 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Hwy,

• East Hill Star Wars Open House 5:00 – 8:00 PM. 1613 E Desoto St.

Tuesday, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo)

• Bands on the Beach: (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM) The weekly free concert series at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the sunset.

  

• Blue Angels Practice: (10:30 AM) The first scheduled practice of the week at NAS Pensacola. Fans usually gather at the National Naval Aviation Museum or the "Blue Angels Viewing Area."

• Blue Wahoos vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas: (6:05 PM) The start of a new home series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

• Señor Frog's 3-Hour Open Bar: A beachside fiesta featuring an open bar (house and frozen drinks), appetizers, and a commemorative t-shirt.

• Alga Beer Co. Celebration: Running from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM with two Mexican beer releases and Mexican-themed Triviafari in the evening.

• Cactus Flower Café 25th Anniversary: A combined celebration from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM with live music, free tequila shots (while supplies last), and giveaways.

Wednesday, May 6

• Blue Angels Practice: (10:30 AM) A second opportunity to see the team practice maneuvers over the base.

• Blue Wahoos vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas: (11:05 AM) A rare "Education Day" or midweek matinee game, perfect for a long lunch break at the stadium.

• Keyla Richardson Parade - TBD

Thursday, May 7

• Blue Wahoos vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas: (6:05 PM) Evening baseball downtown.

• Evenings in Old East Hill: Alabama Square (located at the intersection of Gadsden and Gonzalez Streets). 5:00 - 8:00 PM 

  Free to attend; pay-as-you-go for food and drinks. Parking: This is a residential area. If you aren't walking from a nearby house, expect to park several blocks away on the side streets.

CIVIL PARK & BUSINESS NEWS

CITY EVENTS - CALENDAR

VPK & College Savings: There’s a new partnership between the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program and Florida Prepaid. Families who apply for VPK can now automatically open a 529 college savings account and receive a $100 bonus to start their savings.

PENSACOLA REAL ESTATE

New & Proposed REAL ESTATE Tax Relief

• Proposed Property Tax Elimination (HJR 203): The Florida House passed a proposal to phase out most non-school property taxes on homesteaded properties over 10 years🤞 .

• Proposed Insurance Relief (HJR 209): Proposals include an extra $200,000 homestead exemption for homeowners struggling with high property insurance costs🤞 

  NEW CHANGES

• Amendment 5 (2025/2026 Inflation Adjustment): ✅ The second $25,000 portion of the homestead exemption is now adjusted annually for inflation, creating a larger tax break that grows over time.

• Insurance Rate Relief: ✅ Recent reforms have led to reported average insurance rate decreases from insurers like USAA (-7%), Florida Farm Bureau (-8.7%), and Progressive (-8%).

• Senior Exemptions: ✅ For 2026, low-income seniors (65+) may qualify for additional exemptions based on income thresholds ($38,686 or lower in 2025 income) and those who meet the following criteria:

1. The property must qualify for a Homestead Exemption

2. At least one homeowner must be 65 years old as of January 1

3. Total household adjusted gross income for everyone who lives on the property cannot exceed $38,686 in the previous year, 2025.

Apply online for the Senior Exemption. If you prefer to submit it in document form, complete the Property Tax Exemption Form (DR-501) and select Age 65 and Older with Limited Income. Please also complete the Household Income Sworn Statement and Return (DR-501SC).

Happy to help you BUY or SELL your next property.

Call / Text / Email Anytime!

Haiden Shemer / Lokation Real Estate / 850.533.2914

MAY’S EVENTS

May 1 – May 10

• May 1: NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship — All Day (Gulf Shores Public Beach)

• May 1: Biloxi Shuckers at Pensacola Blue Wahoos — 6:05 PM (Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola)

• May 1: Island Fights 96 — 6:30 PM (Pensacola Bay Center)

• May 2: Battle of the Bayou Fishing Tournament — 9:00 AM (Point Washington Medical Clinic/Baytowne Wharf)

• May 2: 38th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival — 10:00 AM (Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach)

• May 2: Perdido Key Music Festival — 1:00 PM (The Flora-Bama, Perdido Key)

• May 2: Pensacola Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl — 4:00 PM (Downtown Pensacola/Palafox St.)

• May 2: Biloxi Shuckers at Pensacola Blue Wahoos — 6:05 PM (Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola)

• May 2: Theresa Caputo LIVE (Show 1) — 7:30 PM (Pensacola Saenger Theatre)

• May 2: Theresa Caputo LIVE (Show 2) — 10:00 PM (Pensacola Saenger Theatre)

• May 3: Alice Cooper Performance — 7:00 PM (Pensacola Bay Center)

• May 4: Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Opponent — 7:00 PM (Pensacola Bay Center)

• May 5: Blue Angels Practice Flight — 10:30 AM (NAS Pensacola/National Naval Aviation Museum)

• May 6: North Davis Neighborhood Cleanup — 7:00 AM (North Davis Area, Escambia County)

• May 6: Blue Angels Practice Flight — 10:30 AM (NAS Pensacola / National Naval Aviation Museum)

• May 6: Keyla Richardson (TENTATIVE DATE) Homecoming Parade & Concert — 5:00 PM (Palafox St. / Community Maritime Park)

• May 6: Bands on the Beach: Live Music — 7:00 PM (Gulfside Pavilion, Pensacola Beach)

• May 6: Jeopardy! Bar League Championship — 6:30 PM (Multiple Locations, Pensacola)

• May 7: Blue Angels Practice Flight & Autograph Session — 10:30 AM (NAS Pensacola / National Naval Aviation Museum)

• May 7: Habitat for Humanity "Faith Build" — 8:00 AM (Pensacola Habitat Site)

• May 8: Disney On Ice: Jump In — 7:00 PM (Pensacola Bay Center)

• May 8: Pensacola Children's Chorus: Showtime 2026 — 7:30 PM (Pensacola Saenger Theatre)

• May 8: 2026 Songwriters Festival — 7:30 PM (Various Downtown Pensacola Venues)

• May 9: Art in the Park Festival — 9:00 AM (Heritage Park, Foley)

• May 9: Fort Morgan Seafood Festival — 10:00 AM (The Fort Morgan State Historic Site)

• May 9: Pensacola Beach Art and Wine Festival — 11:00 AM (Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach)

• May 10: Pensacola Blue Wahoos Home Game — 4:05 PM (Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola)

• May 12: Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall, and Beyond — 6:30 PM (Pensacola Saenger Theatre)

• May 12: Orange Beach Billfish Classic — 8:00 AM (The Wharf, Orange Beach)

• May 13: George Thorogood & The Destroyers — 7:30 PM (Pensacola Saenger Theatre)

• May 15: Venture Out Nature Festival — 9:00 AM (Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores)

• May 16: Slammedenuff Car Show — 1:00 PM (Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds)

• May 18: 11th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off — 5:00 PM (The Wharf, Orange Beach)

• May 19: Blue Angels Practice Flight — 10:30 AM (NAS Pensacola/National Naval Aviation Museum)

• May 20: Blue Angels Practice Flight — 10:30 AM (NAS Pensacola/National Naval Aviation Museum

• May 22: Memorial Day Weekend Celebration at OWA — 12:00 PM (Downtown OWA, Foley)

• May 22: Micro Wrestling Federation Performance — 8:00 PM (Vinyl Music Hall, Pensacola)

• May 23: LuLuPalooza Music Festival — 11:00 AM (LuLu’s, Gulf Shores)

• May 26: Blue Angels Practice Flight — 10:30 AM (NAS Pensacola/National Naval Aviation Museum)

• May 27: Blue Angels Practice Flight — 10:30 AM (NAS Pensacola/National Naval Aviation Museum)

Goodness gracious, that's a whole heap of May — we're gonna be busier than a brown pelican flying into a hurricane!

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

MAY 2026

• May 1 – Clutch – Vinyl Music Hall – 7:30 PM

• May 2 – Theresa Caputo LIVE – Saenger Theatre – 7:30 PM

• May 2 – Theresa Caputo LIVE – Saenger Theatre – 10:00 PM

• May 3 – Alice Cooper – Pensacola Bay Center – 8:00 PM

• May 5 – Southern Breeze (Bands on the Beach) – Gulfside Pavilion – 7:00 PM

• May 8 – Cradle of Filth – Vinyl Music Hall – 7:00 PM

• May 8 – Pensacola Children's Chorus: Showtime 2026 – Saenger Theatre – 7:30 PM

• May 9 – Demon Hunter – Vinyl Music Hall – 7:30 PM

• May 9 – Pensacola Children's Chorus: Showtime 2026 – Saenger Theatre – 7:30 PM

• May 10 – Pensacola Children's Chorus: Showtime 2026 – Saenger Theatre – 2:30 PM

• May 12 – Cristi Dee and BAD JUJU (Bands on the Beach) – Gulfside Pavilion – 7:00 PM

• May 12 – Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall, and Beyond – Saenger Theatre – 7:30 PM

• May 13 – George Thorogood & The Destroyers – Saenger Theatre – 7:30 PM

• May 15 – Hot In Herre: 2000's Dance Party – Vinyl Music Hall – 9:30 PM

• May 16 – Gasolina Reggaeton Party – Vinyl Music Hall – 9:00 PM

• May 17 – Broadway Lights: Adventures In Neverland – Saenger Theatre – 2:00 PM

• May 19 – Vibe Irie (Bands on the Beach) – Gulfside Pavilion – 7:00 PM

• May 19 – Iration – Vinyl Music Hall – 7:00 PM

• May 26 – Modern Eldorados (Bands on the Beach) – Gulfside Pavilion – 7:00 PM

• May 28 –38 Special: 50 Year Legacy Tour – Saenger Theatre – 7:00 PM

• THE HANDLEBAR

• BAMBOO WILLIES

• LAGUNA’S

• VINYL MUSIC HALL

• SEVILLE QUARTER

• PENSACOLA OPERA

• THE SALTY ROSE

SPORTS

PENSACOLA- Calendar

GENERAL EVENTS

• May 1 – Biloxi Shuckers vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – Blue Wahoos Stadium – 6:05 PM

• May 1 – Meet The Drivers Night (Auto Racing) – Five Flags Speedway – 7:00 PM

• May 1 – Island Fights 96 (MMA) – Pensacola Bay Center – 6:30 PM

• May 2 – Biloxi Shuckers vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – Blue Wahoos Stadium – 6:05 PM

• May 3 – Biloxi Shuckers vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – Blue Wahoos Stadium – 4:05 PM

• May 5 – Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – Blue Wahoos Stadium – 6:05 PM

• May 6 –Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – Blue Wahoos Stadium – 11:05 AM

• May 7 – Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – Blue Wahoos Stadium – 6:05 PM

• May 8 – Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – Blue Wahoos Stadium – 6:05 PM

• May 9 – Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – Blue Wahoos Stadium – 6:05 PM

• May 10 – Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos – Blue Wahoos Stadium – 4:05 PM

• May 12 – Pensacola FC vs. Legacy FC (Women's Soccer) – Ashton Brosnaham Stadium – 4:00 PM

• May 15 – Road To The Snowflake #2 (Late Model Racing) – Five Flags Speedway – 8:00 PM

• May 16 – Slammedenuff Car Show – Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds – 1:00 PM

• May 29 – Kid’s Bike Races + Racing – Five Flags Speedway – 7:00 PM

• May 30 – Pensacola FC vs. Valdosta FC (Women's Soccer) – Ashton Brosnaham Stadium – 4:00 PM

RUNNING & TRAIL EVENTS (RUN)

• MONDAYS MONDAY DOG RUN

• THURSDAYS FLEET FEET

• EVENTS: 

  • May 2 – Fiesta Pensacola 10K & 5K – Pensacola State College (Start) / Seville Quarter (Finish) – 7:00 AM

  • May 2 – Coastal Canopy Dash 5K & 10K – Bayview Park – 8:00 AM

  • May 2 – Rec Plex North parkrun 5K – UWF Rec Plex North – 7:30 AM

  • May 9 – St. John Sunset Run 5K – St. John Episcopal Church (Warrington) – 5:30 PM

  • May 9 – Leftover 4 Miler & Kids Run – Pensacola Beach – 8:00 AM

  • May 9 – Pensacola Navy Days 4K – Downtown Pensacola – 8:00 AM

  • May 9 – Rec Plex North parkrun 5K – UWF Rec Plex North – 7:30 AM

  • May 16 – Waves 2 Wine 5K – Gulf Breeze to Pensacola Beach – 7:30 AM

  • May 16 – Rec Plex North parkrun 5K – UWF Rec Plex North – 7:30 AM

  • May 23 – Graffiti Bridge 5K – 17th Avenue (Graffiti Bridge) – 7:30 AM

  • May 23 – Rec Plex North parkrun 5K – UWF Rec Plex North – 7:30 AM

  • May 30 – Rec Plex North parkrun 5K – UWF Rec Plex North – 7:30 AM

MORE SPORTS/ MORE EVENTS including… Equestrian, Pickleball, Paddle board, Hiking, Surfing, Kyacking, Soccer

• May 16 – Pensacola Red, White & Blue Hunter Jumper Show – Escambia County Equestrian Center – 8:00 AM

• May 16 – ECT Summer Slam Pickleball: Men's Doubles/Women's Singles – Niceville (Oakmont Dr) – 8:00 AM

• May 17 – Pensacola Red, White & Blue Hunter Jumper Show – Escambia County Equestrian Center – 8:00 AM

• May 17 – ECT Summer Slam Pickleball: Mixed Doubles – Niceville (Oakmont Dr) – 8:00 AM

• May 22 – "Under the Lights" Schooling Show & Clinic – Escambia County Equestrian Center – 5:00 PM

• May 23 – "Under the Lights" Schooling Show & Clinic – Escambia County Equestrian Center – 8:00 AM 

• Hiking the Loop UWF Main Campus 20+ miles of trails for all skill levels (Nature Trail & West Campus). Best accessed from the Pate Street Trailhead (11969 Pate St.). It’s free to park there, and you can pick up the trail right from the lot.

• If you're lookin' for a casual game of soccer or pickleball, the Vickrey Resource Center and Bayview Park usually have folks out playin' pickup games most weekday evenings when the weather is this nice.

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