Rick's Blog

A singer who nearly lost the ability to sing, license plate cameras going dark across the county, a Commerce Secretary in line to run Pensacola State, and the festivals that kick off fall—all in the Sept. 10 issue.

Commissioners just approved Jonathan Owens’ full $124,704 legal bill, 4-1 — over the county attorney’s own objections. Here’s who fought it and why.

20 years ago, Pensacola voted yes. Quint Studer reveals the behind-the-scenes of the fight for the Maritime Park and Blue Wahoo Stadium.

Jobs, jobs, jobs—but where’s the talent going to come from? Landrum’s Jim Howe breaks down how the Gulf Coast fills the skilled-worker gap for shipbuilding and ST Engineering.

Miami’s DIB runs on $22M a year. Pensacola’s runs on $1.2M — and it’s hosting the state’s downtown directors anyway. Here’s how.

Commissioner Lumon May just joined David Jolly’s new Black leaders coalition for governor, so if Pam Childers wants Jolly’s number, she knows who to call.

Florida’s most Instagrammable beach revealed — and Pensacola Beach cracks the state’s top 3! See the full rankings here.

Hofberger talked tough on budget cuts to News Journal—but never made the motion. Image and political reputation in recovery mode as she faces the voters in Nov.

Six Pensacola spots just dropped exclusive Foo Foo Fest dishes and drinks — from blackberry-brie toast to a “Foo’s Gold” cocktail. See who’s on the menu.

Reeves puts a troubled North 9th Ave. club on notice after 32 police calls—plus boat ramp work starts, Hollis T. Williams breaks ground.

Accountability A million-dollar millage cut, a shouting match over “mean girl” politics, and a fight over who gets a raise—inside the first budget hearing for…

Cans become art, art fights hunger—PensaCan 2026 build team registration closes Sept. 10. Grab your team, stack some soup, save the day.

Drive-by shooting outside N. 9th Ave smoothie shop leaves woman injured. Suspect vehicle fled west on Bayou Blvd. Police need your help.

Paid parking is back downtown on 10/5, but not the way you remember it. Senior discounts, free Mondays, flat garage rates, warnings before tickets.

For 32 years, he fought for Pensacola’s water — delivering on Main Street Sewage Plant removal and recycling. Remembering ECUA’s Capt. Dale Perkins, 1994-2026.

DCF investigated one family 14 times before a child was murdered. Sen. Don Gaetz says it took 4 senators to save Kenley — and it shouldn’t have.

UWF stuns another ranked FCS foe 42-14; six players score TDs. Blue Wahoos rally with 3 straight 9th-inning homers to clinch playoffs.

Twenty years ago, Pensacola voted YES on a dream. The inside story of the campaign that saved our waterfront—and nearly didn’t happen.

Ballet Pensacola’s new executive director talks about stepping into leadership, the company’s evolution from Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre, and plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2028.

She digs her own clay and started downtown’s newest art night. Plus Escambia schools first A, TruWorth debut, Jolly on data centers, Jelly Roll vs. Patronis.