Author: Rick Outzen
Presser Takeaways: March 11, 2025
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves held his regular press conference this morning, highlighting the city’s recent resident satisfaction survey results. The survey, conducted by the University…
Stroberger throws shade on local developer
District 1 County Commissioner Steve Stroberger wants Beulah Town Center, the development group headed by Fred Hemmer, to purchase OLF 8, a 540-acre site located…
OLF 8: Commissioners debate next steps with two developers
The Escambia County Commission still can’t decide what to do with OLF 8, a prime piece of real estate in Beulah, but the board appears…
Daily Outtakes: Residents fight for neighborhood, lose
Last Thursday’s Escambia County Commission meeting revealed deep tensions over a proposal to convert the former Henry T. McMillan School in the Englewood neighborhood into…
City project bids enter selection phase
RFP 25-008 | Decommissioning and Demolition (D&D) Contractor for the Former Baptist Hospital Complex The City has scheduled two crucial selection committee meetings regarding the…
University leaders defend DEI restrictions
A lawsuit filed by professors from three Florida universities challenges a 2023 state law that restricts diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education….
State takes bold steps to combat human trafficking
On Friday, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) unveiled new resources and prevention initiatives, including over $900,000 in grants for law enforcement agencies…
Best ever opening remarks by a House Speaker
In his weekend “Takeaways from Tallahassee,” Florida Politics founder Peter Schorsch wrote, “One former member whose opinion we respect says his was the best Opening…
Daily Outtakes: TDC revisits Chappie James Memorial dispute
This week, the Escambia County Tourist Development Council (TDC) holds a special meeting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 13. Chairman David Bear requests council…
Top Stories: Week ending March 8, 2025
When I appeared on a panel to discuss the news stories of 2024, PNJ Executive Editor Lisa Nellessen Savage remarked that any story about County…
Sun Belt Conference Fan Fest: Celebrates of Basketball In Pensacola
The Sun Belt Conference Fan Fest Despite will proceed rain or shine, with contingency plans to keep everyone dry and comfortable, according to Visit Pensacola’s…
UWF Board Appointments: The Hidden Story
Political Games in DeSantis’s Appointments Office Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis should write a textbook on how power consolidation works when nobody’s paying attention. One chapter…
Backroom Briefing: Taking Stock of Tariffs
Weekly political notes from The News Service of Florida By Jim Saunders TALLAHASSEE — State lawmakers are watching to see how President Donald Trump’s trade…
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity helps veteran firefighter
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity recently completed essential home repairs for Christopher, a disabled veteran firefighter struggling with mobility challenges in his own home. DETAILS Christopher,…
No Active Shooter found after reports at Corry Station
Law enforcement agencies responded in force to reports of an active shooter situation at Corry Station in Pensacola today but found no evidence of a…
County Commission wants transformative change to Bay Center
Escambia County Commissioners are considering a major overhaul of the aging Pensacola Bay Center, with potential plans that could include significant renovations and possibly an…
Breaking: Active shooter on Corry Station
I have received several reports of an active shooter on Corry Station. I’ll keep you posted. Just received confirmation that the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office…
Sun Belt Basketball continues 2025 tourism success
I caught up with Visit Pensacola CEO Darien Schaefer as the Sun Belt Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships enter their third day at the Pensacola…
Daily Outtakes: Florida Open for Business…but on whose terms?
Tallahassee is sending mixed signals these days. While Governor Ron DeSantis continues to trumpet that “Florida is Open for Business,” his administration has created a…
UWF Speech and Debate dominates state tournament
The University of West Florida’s Speech and Debate team recently made waves at the Florida Intercollegiate Forensic Association State Championship Tournament, bringing home multiple state…
