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DISCOVER ☀️❄️☀️☔️☀️P'COLA
January 2026
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Good morning, Pensacola,
The Gulf is gorgeous, downtown is humming, and the calendar is stacked. This week brings live music on the sand, packed sports schedules, and just enough cool weather to remind us it’s winter—Pensacola-style.
Grab a light jacket, an umbrella and keep the sunscreen handy, and let’s dive in. Right now, the surf in Pensacola is waist-high and "sloppy" with a 70°F air temp. The Gulf is sitting at 62°F, a temperature that will make you retreat faster than a tourist during a shark sighting. A massive cold front is about to kick the waves up to 7 feet by Sunday evening just in time for the air to hit a frost-biting 25°F.
National chatter: 🌴 Insurance & Housing
Home insurance reforms continue to make waves across the country, and Florida keeps finding itself in the spotlight. Folks in other states are watching closely to see how we tackle rising premiums, bring reinsurers back to the table, and steady the insurance market.
At the same time, mortgage rates are still a hot topic nationwide — especially here in the Sun Belt. Even with rates bouncing around, buyer interest in Florida hasn’t cooled off nearly as much as many expected, and that’s something people everywhere are paying attention to.
Just Another Day in Paradise a.k.a FLORIDA: ⚡ Florida Power Talk
Utilities across Florida are quietly investing big in grid hardening (the process of physically strengthening and technologically upgrading electrical infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather, natural disasters, and other disruptions) and backup power systems, aiming to reduce outages during storms and peak summer heat. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes efforts that makes a big difference when weather hits.
Local Chatter:
Pensacola is currently obsessed with the WASZP Games 2026 (a massive foiling boat competition turning the Bay into a high-speed playground). The 2026 WASZP Games will be held at the Pensacola Yacht Club in Pensacola, Florida, from March 24-28, 2026.
Location: Pensacola Yacht Club, Pensacola, Florida, USA
Championship Dates: March 24-28, 2026
Pre-Games Events: The event schedule includes pre-Games racing from March 18-20, 2026, and the Opening Ceremony on March 23, 2026.
This marks the first time the international WASZP Games will be hosted in North America, and it is expected to be the largest foiling regatta ever held on the continent.
Sailors can find more event details and registration information on the WASZP RaceHub.
More talk on the street…
Mardi Gras Second Line Tuesdays is a movement to keep Palafox Street alive during heavy construction a new weekly Mardi Gras tradition in Pensacola, Florida, launched in January 2026. The celebrations take place every Tuesday night throughout the 2026 Mardi Gras season: January 27, and February 3, 10. Gather at 5:00 p.m., with the second line stepping off around 5:30 p.m..Location: The route loops along Palafox Street between Garden and Main Streets. The specific starting point changes weekly and is announced every Monday on the Pensacola Mardi Gras Facebook page. Features include:
Music: The New Orleans Ramblers jazz band leads the procession, providing authentic brass rhythms.
Krewes: Each Tuesday is "adopted" by different local Mardi Gras Krewes (such as the Daisy Dukes, Seville, and Mystic Mafia) who attend in full attire with umbrellas and handkerchiefs.
Community Support: The event was specifically created to encourage foot traffic for Palafox Street businesses during the $10 million "Reimagine Palafox" construction project.
Participation: It is a free, public event. Attendees are encouraged to "hop in" and walk, dance, or watch from local restaurant patios as the parade passes by.
Cheers!
DISCOVER ☀️ P’COLA Editorial Staff
 HAPPY JANUARY! | JANUARY IN A MINUTE January’s a deep breath — cooler mornings, quieter beaches, and a fresh stretch of year ahead. The ocean’s calm, crowds are gone, and progress feels steady, not rushed. |
THE DIGEST
THIS WEEKS 🗓️ LINE UP:
🎶 BANDS ON THE BEACH / Friday, Jan 24 | 7–9 PM @ Gulfside Pavilion, Pensacola Beach
Bring a low chair or blanket and arrive by 6:30 PM for parking. Coolers are allowed, but glass is not. Pro tip: park near Casino Beach and walk—it’s faster than waiting to exit.🧺 PALAFOX MARKET / Saturday, Jan 25 | 9 AM–2 PM @ Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, Downtown Pensacola
Over 100 vendors featuring fresh seafood, produce, baked goods, and handmade art. Go early for pastries; by noon, parking fills fast. Dogs welcome on leash.🧘 SUNSET BEACH YOGA/ Sunday, Jan 26 | 5:00 PM @ Quietwater Beach Boardwalk
All levels welcome. Bring a towel instead of a mat—the sand shifts. Stay after for sunset photos over Santa Rosa Sound.
⚾ BLUE WAHOOS FAN FEST WEEKEND / Saturday, Jan 25 | 11–3 PM Blue Wahoos Stadium, Community Maritime Park
Meet players, tour the clubhouse, and grab discounted merchandise. Families should arrive early for player autographs, which usually wrap by 1 PM. Parking is free in surrounding lots during the event.
🚧 RECYCLING IS BACK — WITH A PRICE TAG
Pensacola has officially brought back voluntary curbside recycling after years without it, starting with new carts being delivered in early July. NEED TO KNOW ✅ :It does come with a cost bump on your sanitation bill, but if you’ve ever wished you could recycle without hauling stuff downtown, now’s your moment. Opt‑in info should be arriving via mail..
ROADWORK in P’COLA 🚧
Cervantes Street Lane Improvements: Crews continue daily through January from 7 AM–4 PM. Expect minor delays.
Bayfront Drive Bridge Maintenance: Expect lane closures from Jan 24–27, 8 AM–5 PM.
Morning commute still moving, just slower than anyone wants. Expect brief lane shifts near intersections. Afternoon traffic is mostly fine — mornings are the wildcard.'
P’COLA WEATHER
5 Day ACCUWEATHER Forecast powered by HomeStretch TC ~ Saving Home Buyers & Sellers $1000’s. HomestretchTC.com
HomeStretch TC offers affordable transaction coordination for real estate, working with attorneys, title companies, brokers, buyers, and sellers. Save on realtor fees with their flat fee service. Learn more at HomeStretchTC.com.
Local Weather / Beach Report: Water Temp: ~62°F
🏄🏽♀️SURFING Best time early Friday and Saturday mornings with light offshore winds
🎣 Fishing: Strong inshore bite Saturday–Sunday; target redfish and speckled trout
🏖️Beach Days: Friday, Saturday, Thursday
☔️Indoor Plans: Tuesday (rainy + humid)
ACCUWEATHER.com
CIVIL, PARK & BUSINESS NEWS
CITY EVENTS - CALENDAR
COSTCO!! Construction is underway for a new 172,580-square-foot Costco warehouse at 225 E. Nine Mile Road. Featuring a liquor store, tire center, and gas station, with an expected opening in spring or summer 2026!!
FESTIVALS, PARADES & EVENTS
Feb – Mar
🏃 Feb 7 — Double Bridge Run
📍 Pensacola Sports Association
15K run with a 5K option. Bridges, waterfront views, and community vibes. Register early online; bib pick-up usually the day before. Hydration stations along the course — don’t skip your stretch!
🎭 Feb 12 — Pensacola Mardi Gras Mambo
📍 Pensacola Bay Center
Mardi Gras party with live music, dancing, and beads everywhere. Best plan? Dress festive, arrive early, and pace yourself on the king cake.
🎭 Feb 14 — Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade
📍 Downtown Pensacola (Palafox & Garden Streets)
Classic parade fun for all ages. Bring cash for food trucks, cameras for the floats, and maybe a friend to snag the beads. Family-friendly and full of color.
🦸 Feb 20–22 — Pensacon
📍 Various Downtown Venues (Bay Center, Cultural Center, Rex Theatre, etc.)
Cosplay, panels, vendors, and pop-culture overload. Tickets vary by day — plan ahead for Friday evening meetups or Saturday autograph sessions. Bring a backpack and water; lines can be long but the experience is worth it.
🎩 Feb 28 — Big Gala (Charity Event)
📍 The Sanctuary Event Venue
Formal affair supporting children’s programs. Think gowns, tuxes, and silent auctions. RSVP early; proceeds help local kids.
April – May
🦐 Apr 24–26 — Pensacola Crawfish Festival
📍 Location varies (Fiesta Pensacola series)
One of the Gulf Coast’s biggest crawfish celebrations. Bring your appetite, cash for vendors, and patience for lines — live music keeps the vibe lively.
🐟 Apr 24–26 — Interstate Mullet Toss
📍 Flora-Bama Lounge (state line)
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Quirky, hilarious, and iconic. Don’t forget sunscreen, comfy shoes, and a camera — you’ll want proof.
🎨 May 9 — Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival
📍 Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
Art stroll + wine tasting by the Gulf. Bring a tote bag for purchases and a friend who appreciates both Pinot and paint. Perfect for sunset selfies.
🥒 May 16 — Pensacola Pickles & Wings Family Festival
📍 Seville Square (Downtown)
Local vendors, food trucks, live music, wings, pickles… basically heaven on a Saturday. Free admission — arrive early for the best bites.
🏖️ Memorial Weekend (May 21–25) — Pensacola Beach Celebration
📍 Pensacola Beach
Multi-day beach fun: fireworks, sandcastle contests, and tunes on the boardwalk. Bring sunscreen, chairs, and patience for parking.
🏳️🌈 Memorial Weekend — Pensacola Pride 2026 (anticipated)
📍 Pensacola Beach (Park East)
Community, music, and celebration. Bring water, friends, and your most colorful outfit. Family-friendly vibes with plenty of photo ops.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
SPORTS
COLLEGE SPORTS (Q1–Q2 2026)
🏀 Sun Belt Conference BASKETBALL Championships March 3–9, 2026 / Pensacola Bay Center
Division I Sun Belt Conference men’s and women’s basketball postseason tournament — a major college hoops event featuring all 14 teams competing for NCAA Tournament berths.
⚾ University of West Florida (UWF) BASEBALL Jan 30 – Spring Series Openers
Jim Spooner Field & other UWF venues (Pensacola) UWF Argonauts open their 2026 baseball season at home vs. Florida Southern College around Jan 30, 2026.
🎓 UWF SOFTBALL / Argonauts Season begins in early 2026 (Jan–Feb) / Conference play starts Feb 20/ UWF Softball Complex. The UWF Argonauts softball team plays non-conference games early in the year before Gulf South Conference play starts around Feb 20, 2026.
💡 Tip: Early season games are often weekend doubleheaders — a fun way to spend an afternoon enjoying college athletics.
🏃♂️ Pensacola Running Events
🗓 Feb 7 — Double Bridge Run (15K & 5K)
📍 Downtown Pensacola to Pensacola Beach (loop course)
💡 Flags: One of the most scenic runs in the region, with bay views and both 15K and 5K distances.
🗓 Mar 14 — Flora-Bama Beach Run / Walk (Half Marathon & 5K)
📍 Beach between Florida–Alabama, starts/ends at Flora-Bama Lounge
💡 Sand course along the Gulf; proceeds benefit veterans’ nonprofit.
🗓 Mar 28 — Bayou Hills Run (5K & 10K)
📍 Bayview Park (Pensacola)
💡 Official Pensacola City Championships for 5K and 10K with awards and community gathering.
🗓 Apr 12 — Gulf Coast Half Marathon & Quentin Cooper 5K
📍 Pensacola Beach (Gulfside Pavilion start/finish)
💡 Half marathon with beachfront views + associated 5K run/walk; popular destination race.
🗓 May 2 — Fiesta Pensacola 10K & 5K
📍 Downtown Pensacola
💡 Classic spring road race featuring certified 10K and 5K distances.
🗓 Oct 11 — Pensacola Half Marathon & 5K
📍 Pensacola, FL
💡 Fall running tradition with both half marathon and 5K options (often tied to broader community events).
If you read something you liked in this newsletter, be sure to sea-riously tell a friend — we’re just out here trying to make waves. 🌊
Thanks for reading DISCOVER P’COLA today, Pensacola’s quick and informative feed for local news & events and published with a healthy dose of ☀️ Sunshine & Gulf breeze by Discover NWFL LLC*.
*Discover NWFL LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this email. The information contained in this email and website is provided on an “As Is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.
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