Rick's Blog

Embattled Library Director Christal Bell-Rivera resigns amid sign-tampering accusation at early voting site—capping a year of controversial hire drama.

Pensacola’s 1947 zoning code is finally getting rewritten. Tree fees are tripling, “missing middle” housing gets a green light. Council votes Thursday.

UWF trades PenAir Field’s name for PenAir Field House’s—two years early, $2,765 in signage costs. See the details.

Early voting is up, but mail ballots are down 1,345 votes from 2022. GOP voters make up nearly 2/3 of early voters. Who’s turning out—and who isn’t?

Listen to the show while you relax over the weekend or revisit the video of each interview.

Early voting starts Sat! Election Supervisor Robert Bender explains a ballot mix-up that could cost you your vote and offers tips on the early voting process.

Downtown Pensacola comes alive tonight! First Fridays Art Walk returns 5:30-7:30pm with galleries, live music & a free trolley. Free & open to all!

Escambia schools earned their first-ever “A”—now Supt. Keith Leonard explains the data tracking behind it & what’s next as school starts Aug. 12.

Moreno blindsides commissioners on Bay Center deal—so Mayor Reeves pulls it. Commissioners got info day before meeting. Public got zip. What’s really going on?

Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians all agree: no data centers. Pepper Wimer explains why—and what’s at stake Thursday.

Commissioners blindsided by a Bay Center city deal that County staff didn’t disclose. No interlocal, no vote, no money, one commissioner warns.

Aug. 18 primary is coming fast! Our new issue has mayoral interviews, your full voter guide, PFC’s title win & more.

PNS lands $1.8M in federal funds to rebuild Taxiway A South — part of a $10.8M project keeping our growing airport safe. Details on ricksblog.biz

FPL’s Pensacola HQ just sold for $41M — the broker who sealed it reveals the bidding war, the buyer, and why signs went up in hours

Curfew penalties, a Baptist RFP shortlist, a Bay Center IA and a Birdon jobs push: Mayor Reeves covered it all at his Aug. 5 press conference. Details inside.

Sixth fire in two years at EMR Recycling has Mayor Reeves demanding EMR pay up. “Not one extra dime” from taxpayers, he says. Details ricksblog.biz.

Reeves says the City has final say on the Bay Center site—turns out the New Interlocal deal with the County backs him up. Draft heads to Council Aug. 13.

From the Pensacola Police Department: At approximately 11:30 p.m., officers responded to Sacred Heart Hospital in reference to a juvenile who had been shot. The…

Pensacola’s teen curfew is real: 11pm-5am weeknights, midnight weekends, fines up to $500 for parents. Council votes Aug. 13.

Business & Community Nominations Open for EntreCon® Awards Honoring Local Business Leaders Know a business, employer, or entrepreneur making a real difference? The clock is…