DISCOVER ⚓️ P’COLA -

SAILING P'COLA WATERS, PENSACON 2026, MEASLES IN P'COLA

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Pensacola’s #1 Newsletter

DISCOVER THE BEST EVENTS, HIDDEN GEMS, AND LOCAL STORIES.

QUICK. FREE. INFORMATIVE. 

 

Morning P’Cola,

Join us for this weeks big transition: moving from the glitter of Fat Tuesday to the cosmic pull of Pensacon, pull up a chair and stay a while — the water’s fine.

The city trades its masks for capes as Pensacon (Feb 20–22) takes over the Bay Center. It’s the Gulf Coast’s annual pop culture convention. From downtown to the shoreline, the Pensacon people-watching is better than super bowl commercials, packed with characters you’ll be talking about all week.

Welcome to Pensacola’s #1 newsletter. We’ve got local insights, local events, local weather, we’ve got it all! So come on in, take your time, and enjoy.

See ya out there.

THE POST & PLANK

Want to spread the word? High Tides & Good Vibes.

Discover P’Cola teamed up with Haiden Shemer / 850.533.2914 your hometown guide to living the good life in Pensacola. Both a professional House Hunter (Realtor) and Money Maker (Mortgage loan officer) —he handles both. From pre-approval to porch swing. Call /Text / Email ANYTIME!

LOKATION Real Estate  / HomeKey by Neighbors Bank / MLO NMLS #2768049 / NMLS ID #491986 / Equal housing Lender. Qualifications apply.

FIVE FLAGS FEBRUARY FORECAST

P’Cola is a legacy, known as “The City of Five Flags”; French, British, Confederate, and United States - symbolize the five nations that have ruled Pensacola.  

Five Flag Forecast

Sponsored by our Forever Friends:

Pensacola Pup: BESSIE / Kitty: JEWELS / Bunny: HONEY BUNNY

SAILING the OPEN WATERS of P’COLA

UPCOMING SAILING EVENTS

  • March 16–28: 2026Pensacola will host the 2026 International WASZP Games on , bringing high-performance foiling dinghy racing to the Bay. It’s the first time this world event is in North America, and spotlight: Pensacola is the venue!

  • March 4–8, 2026 — Thistle Midwinter Championships
    A classic one-design dinghy regatta hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club — competitive racing and great viewing for adjustable-rig sailors.

  • March 20-22, 2026 — Hang-a-Left Regatta
    A growing regatta for S27.9 class boats (and other dinghy racers) in Pensacola

  • May 5–6, 2026 — Regatta al Sol is a biennial offshore sailing race from Pensacola to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, covering about 555 nautical miles across the Gulf. Regatta al Sol is one of the most iconic offshore sailing events linking Pensacola to Mexico and a true test of offshore skill and seamanship. Race Start: May 5–6, 2026 — the fleet sets off from Pensacola. Finish Celebrations: May 14, 2026 — festivities and the trophy presentation on Isla Mujeres.

SAILING NEWS

  • NEW Sailing Infrastructure: The elite racing team American Magic opened its American Magic High Performance Center in downtown Pensacola. It’s now a training base for SailGP teams and supports youth, women’s, and Olympic sailing programs — boosting local sailing talent and economic activity.

  • Buccaneer Sailing Club (Pensacola Sailing)
    Buccaneer sailing club offers a year-round day sailing program on 22-25‘ sailboats, dockside tutoring, seminars, clinics, and a pathway toward advanced certification. Great if you don’t own a boat!

  • Junior Sailing & Summer Camps at Pensacola Yacht Club
    PYC runs both youth and beginner sailing programs — perfect for teens and kids learning the lines (aka ropes).

CIVIL PARK & BUSINESS NEWS

CITY EVENTS - CALENDAR

  Beach Re-Nourishment Update

Steady progress! The Manson’s Gulf Re-nourishment project over Pensacola Beach and Santa Rosa Island includes up to 1.8 million cubic yards of fresh sand carefully dredged and layered along the shoreline — strengthening our beautiful beaches, protecting our precious coast, and keeping our stretch of the Gulf as healthy, as ever.

  • 8.1 miles and 1.5 million cubic yards of sand

  • Construction to be complete early-to-mid March

  • Dog Parks remain open!

Local Measles Case Confirmed

Well friends, it’s been confirmed: a case of measles here in the Pensacola area — the first one in decades. It’s a good time to take precautions. Keep unvaccinated or vulnerable family members away from crowds or public gatherings where measles might be present. If someone in your home is sick or exposed, isolate them from others as much as possible. Wash hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing utensils, cups, or towels.

Measles spreads very easily through the air and can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.

If a pregnant woman contracts measles, it can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and, in rare cases, stillbirth.

In elderly individuals — especially those with weakened immune systems — measles can lead to severe pneumonia or brain inflammation (encephalitis).

If an unvaccinated child is exposed to measles, there’s a 90% chance they will catch it.

Symptoms start with high fever (103–105°F), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, the classic red rash appears. Serious complications may include ear infections (which can cause hearing loss), severe diarrhea and dehydration, pneumonia (a common cause of measles-related death in children), and encephalitis (which can cause seizures or long-term brain damage).

A gentle reminder*~ take care of your family and look out for your neighbors, too.

*Recipe for a Southern Momma 

Add: Equal parts soft hug and steady backbone. Mix together: Keeping close eye on her people — not in a fussy way, but in a “Have you eaten yet?” kind of way. Fold in: She’ll smooth your hair back when you’re tired, pray over you when you don’t even know you need it, and defend you with a sweetness that somehow feels stronger than steel. Bake in: She believes in thank-you notes, good manners, and showing up for folks when it matters. Frost with: And no matter how old you get, you’re still her baby.

 

PENSACON 2026

From February 20–22, downtown P’Cola becomes a playground for the imagination. It began in 2013, Pensacon, the premiere comic book and pop culture convention serving Pensacola and the Gulf Coast. A heavy-hitting lineup included legends like Paul Reiser, Pam Grier, and a 40th-anniversary celebration of Aliens. If you’re hunting for rare vintage comics or just want to catch the world-class people-watching on Palafox, Pensacon is a high-energy weekend that’s as refreshing as a Bushwacker with an extra floater*.

…an all-inclusive pop culture convention for the fan community, spanning the genres of comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, gaming, and fantasy.

*Bushwacker… Pensacola’s unofficial official cocktail, and with a floater picture an extra ounce or two of high-proof rum poured directly on top of the frozen drink, rather than blended in.

Instagram Post

FESTIVALS, PARADES & EVENTS

February 2026

  • February 20–22: Pensacon – Major Gulf Coast pop culture convention at the Pensacola Bay Center.

  • February 20: PSO at the Library – Free small ensemble performance at Bellview Branch Library.

  • February 21: Pours & Encores – Operatic selections at Gary’s Brewery.

  • February 24: Pensacola Sports Annual Awards Banquet – Honors local athletes at Brownsville Community Center.

  • February 28: Chappie James Museum 2026 Gala – Fundraising dinner and live music at Sanders Beach.

  • February 28: One Night at the Local Museum – Black History concert celebrating culture and arts..

  • February 28: The Raq Room Revue – Bellydance performance at The Well.

  • February 28: Podcastapalooza 2026 – Educational podcasting event at Washington High School.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

February 2026

  • February 20: Blackwater Holylight – Psychedelic rock performance at The Handlebar.

  • February 20: The Undercovers: Rogers, Richie & Robinson – Motown and soul tribute at the Saenger Theatre.

  • February 21: 2010s Dance Party – "Can't Feel My Face" themed event at Vinyl Music Hall.

  • February 21: Pours & Encores – Community operatic and showtune performance at Gary’s Brewery.

  • February 22: Elvis in Person: Matt Stone and the TEC Band – Tribute performance at the Saenger Theatre.

  • February 25: Ana Popovic – Blues-funk guitarist at the OWA Theater.

  • February 26: Brantley Gilbert: The Tattoos Tour – Major country concert with special guests Travis Denning and Austin Snell at the Pensacola Bay Center.

  • February 26: Jessie Ritter – Live performance at The Rooftop at Studer Community Institute.

  • February 28: American Rock Odyssey – White Tie Rock Ensemble tribute show at OWA Theater.

  • February 28: Tape B at Maritime Park – Outdoor music performance

  • THE HANDLEBAR

  • BAMBOO WILLIES

  • LAGUNA’S

  • VINYL MUSIC HALL

  • SEVILLE QUARTER

  • PENSACOLA OPERA

SPORTS

PENSACOLA- Calendar
  • MONDAYS MONDAY DOG RUN

  • THURSDAYS FLEET FEET

    February 2026

    • February 20: WS Neal vs. Central High (Baseball) – High school baseball showcase at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

    • February 23: North Bay Haven vs. Destin High (Baseball) – High school baseball showcase at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

    • February 24: Pensacola Sports Annual Awards Banquet – Honors local athletes and supporters at the Brownsville Community Center.

    • February 26: Tate High vs. Ft. Walton Beach High (Baseball) – High school baseball showcase at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

    • February 27: Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Birmingham Bulls – Friday night hockey at the Pensacola Bay Center.

    • February 28: Bay to Breakfast 8K Trail Run – Scenic trail race through Big Lagoon State Park.

    • February 28: Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Birmingham Bulls – Saturday night hockey at the Pensacola Bay Center.

MORE GOOD READS

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DISCOVER (🏡 x $) P'COLA

REAL ESTATE TAX REFORM 💲PAWDI GRAS PARADE 🐾 DOUBLE BRIDGE RUN January 30, 2026 

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Well bless your heart, wasn’t that a treat!
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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 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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