Rick Outzen - Rick's Blog

Patronis says Trump Signed Disaster Declaration

Trump signed the Isaias disaster declaration, but it covers only Public Assistance. Individual aid for Panhandle families is still under review. See details

Parents Question Baxter’s Access to A.K. Suter and Echo Life Church

He was a constant presence at a Pensacola school. Now he’s charged, and PPD can’t find his polygraph. Parents want answers. See the details.

Foo Foo Kicks Off Wednesday, Oct. 28

the Pensacola Foo Foo Festival returns for its thirteenth iteration this Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026! For 12 days, Pensacola’s arts & culture scene comes alive…

Escambia Voting Up Over 2022 Figures

Escambia voters are showing up: 5,330 more ballots than 2022, with early voting leading the way. See the numbers and the races to watch

Panhandle Remains in Federal Disaster Declaration Limbo

Michael got a disaster declaration in 1 day. Sally in 7. Isaias? Nearly 3 weeks and still waiting on Trump’s signature. Northwest Florida deserves answers now.

Jolly: Divided Nation is About to Turn the Tide

David Jolly told Pensacola, “We’re a nation that eight days from now is going to defy history.” His father’s story, healing a broken nation/state, his plan.

Mayor’s PAC Texts Voters to Back Myers Over Bare for D2 Seat

Mayor Reeves’ PAC is texting District 2 voters to dump Councilman Charles Bare for Sherri Myers. See who funds it and why Bare angers the mayor.

Inside Foo Foo 2026

Puppies at the ballet. Mirrored spheres on Artel Gallery. A first-ever beach show. Foo Foo Fest turns 13, and Pensacola’s showing off.

IMPACT 100 Awards Record $1.313 Million to 13 Local Nonprofits

1,313 women. 13 nonprofits. $1.313 million. IMPACT 100 just made Pensacola Bay Area history with its biggest grant class ever. See who won grants.

Breaking: Library Board Meeting Rescheduled

Library board meeting postponed: no quorum. Two seats sit empty because Wes Moreno never sent applicants to the Commission. New date: Nov. 2, 4 p.m.

Region’s Infant Mortality Down; Fetal Mortality Up Significantly

Region 1 fetal deaths jumped from 41 to 54 while the state rate stayed lower. Tuesday, a $3.5M early childhood grants goes before Children’s Trust for a vote.

Hofberger Doubles Down on Religion Scapegoating

Hofberger says Joe Vinson should answer for his church. Second mailer says he has no public service. His record says otherwise. She showed no service in ’24.

Library Governance Meets Today, First Time Since April

After six months of canceled meetings, the library board meets today. The agenda skips what will be board’s role in picking the next library director?

Bergosh says Holocaust Novel Returning to Escambia Classrooms

Clay County admits it wrongly listed a Holocaust novel. Bergosh says Escambia is putting it back, but will it also review the other 255 banned books?

The KKK Playbook Resurrected for Hofberger’s Campaign

A century ago, Pensacola’s Klan used fear of Catholics to win votes. A 2026 mailer targets Joe Vinson’s church. Know this playbook before you vote.

Mudslinging Returns: Hofberger Attacks Vinson’s Church

Early voting underway. A mailer photoshops Joe Vinson with Kamala Harris and AOC and targets his church. Same PAC also did the same to help Hofberger in 2024.

Long Play Sees Florida in Play for Democrats

Politics Jennifer Palmieri, the former White House communications director for President Obama, did not plan to put Florida in her new YouTube series. Then she…

Meet Rick Metzger, Ascension Sacred Heart’s New CEO

Ascension Sacred Heart’s new CEO started as an OR orderly, became a nurse and now leads it. Hear his plans for access and mental health at ricksblog.biz