In 2018, Achieve Escambia created the Kindergarten Readiness Action Network (KRAN). Why? For the first time since 2014, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) had updated the kindergarten readiness rate for each…
What’s the latest on Baptist parcels
At his press conference on Tuesday, Mayor D.C. Reeves addressed the status of the Baptist Hospital “legacy” parcels, particularly focusing on the decision to list three additional properties for sale. The move,…
Florida’s $40 Million Question: How DeSantis Used Your Tax Dollars to Fight Ballot Measures
The Hope Florida Foundation investigation is just the tip of the iceberg of DeSantis’ alleged misuse of taxpayer dollars. A damning new investigation has uncovered how Gov. Ron DeSantis orchestrated an unprecedented…
Kindergarten Readiness by School
In 16 of Escambia County’s elementary schools, fewer than one in three kindergarteners reported being ready to start school last year. Six of the schools had fewer than 20% of their students…
Hollice T. Williams Project Rebuilds Neighborhood
City unveils Hollice T. Williams Park design David Williams stared admiringly at the map sprawled across the gymnasium floor Tuesday night at the Cobb Center. The Escambia County School Board member lifted…
Inside the Plan to Redevelop Grand Hotel
Developer George Hawthorne envisions remodeling the Pensacola Grand Hotel into an upscale establishment worthy of its name. Background: The 15-story Grand Hotel is the tallest building in Pensacola. The hotel was built…
Final Hollice T. Williams Park Project Meeting Tonight
After more than a year of research, community engagement, and design development, the team reimagining Hollice T. Williams Park and the Long Hollow Stormwater Pond will present the updated design plans Tuesday,…
Yikes, Kindergarten Readiness Dropped for 2024-25 School Year
According to the Florida Department of Educaton, only 36% of Escambia County kindergarteners were ready to start school for the 2024-25 school year — a 14-point drop from the previous year. The…
Feeding the Gulf Coast Expands Food Access Amid Federal Shutdown
As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of federal employees and contractors across South Alabama, South Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle have now gone without full pay. The impacts of this disruption…
Little Support for Tiny Homes Ordinance
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners discussed on Thursday whether to adopt a tiny homes ordinance, revealing deep divisions about affordable housing strategies and property values. Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger initiated the…
Former Trustee Calls Out New Pensacola State College Board
In viewpoint published by the News Journal, Pensacola business leader Julian MacQueen calls out the four new trustees who believes have altered the college’s successful 77-year trajectory. “I expect that MJ Menge…
Florida Offers Test Site for Flying Cabs
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue hope to land the next generation of air transport companies at a testing facility in…
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Announces 2025 Grant Recipients
Yesterday, IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area announced the 12 grant recipients selected at this year’s Annual Meeting. Each will receive a grant of $103,500 from the members of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay…
Top Reads: Week ended Oct. 18, 2025
Little-known Pensacola attorney Zach Smith has tried to make a name for himself as Pensacola’s DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) enforcer. As trustess for both the University of West Florida and Pensacola…
UF/IFAS Escambia Extension Peanut Butter Challenge Underway Through Nov. 24
UF/IFAS Escambia Extension’s annual Peanut Butter Challenge is underway, with donations accepted now through Monday, Nov. 24. Coordinated by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension, the food drive is a…
Guardian ad Litem Foundation Needs Your Support
Guardian ad Litem Foundation has a major fundraiser next month—“Give and Groove” with the Mulligans on Friday, November 7, at The Sanctuary, 716 N. 9th Ave. Culinary Productions will provide food. Background:…
In-Depth Look @ UWF State of the University 2025
The University of West Florida held its annual State of the University address today, with Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. delivering the keynote. Joined by leaders from faculty, staff, and student government,…
United Way Dropped “Equity” from Achieve, Not Zack Smith
United Way of West Florida President & CEO Lauren Gilliam told Inweekly yesterday afternoon that it was her decision to drop “equity” from the Achieve Escambia home page, and the decision, which…
Ice Flyers Ready to Shine: $10M Arena Upgrade Sets Stage for Season Opener
As the puck drops on the Pensacola Ice Flyers’ 2025-26 season this Saturday, owner Greg Harris promises fans an experience “like nothing they’ve ever seen on the Gulf Coast.” The Bay Center…
West Florida High Named to “Best High Schools” List
U.S. News & World Report has announced that West Florida High School of Advanced Technology is a “Best High Schools” winner, earning a national ranking for the 2025-26 school year! WFHS is…