Escambia County Public Safety responded to over 40 water rescues Saturday, April 26 on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, highlighting the importance of water safety and rip current awareness when visiting local beaches.

The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards send out daily surf warning flag text alerts to update daily beach conditions. If beach conditions change throughout the day, a separate text is sent to reflect the change. To sign up, text “PBFLAGS” TO 888-777.

April 20, 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the BP drilling disaster, a tragic event that devastated the Gulf's ecosystems, harmed countless communities, and highlighted the severe risks of deep-sea drilling. As we reflect on the lasting impact of the disaster, we must call for stronger protections for the Gulf’s resources and advocate for a permanent moratorium on drilling in the Gulf. Furthermore, we must prioritize the aggressive decommissioning of existing fossil fuel infrastructure to ensure the long-term health of the region and its inhabitants.

“While 15 years may seem like a long time, to me and many others directly impacted on the Gulf Coast, it feels like yesterday. I’ve lived on Pensacola Beach, FL since 1984. I’ve survived Hurricanes Opal, Ivan, Dennis, Sally, and countless other storms, but no “storm” was as devastating or as lasting as the BP Oil Spill.” said JJ Waters, environmentalist and clean energy advocate of Sol by Sunna Design. Waters shifted her career to renewable energy due to the spill. 

The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $2 million state grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through their Local Government Water Supply Pilot Grant program to support the Pensacola Beach 12-inch Resilient Water Main Project. This crucial infrastructure project will enhance water system reliability for Pensacola Beach residents and businesses by providing an alternative distribution main in the event of a failure of the existing water line.