Pensacola Trash Pickup Delayed Next Week

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Pensacola sanitation customers will see their trash pickup delayed next week for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Monday customers will be collected on Tuesday. Tuesday customers will be picked up on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday routes are not affected. This only applies to city of Pensacola sanitation customers. Call the city with any questions.

Governor DeSantis Uses Final State of the State to Highlight Eight Years in Office

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis used his final State of the State address to lawmakers to reflect on his eight years in office while outlining policy goals he says should guide Florida’s future.

DeSantis said his administration focused on public safety, fiscal discipline, and conservative governance, calling Florida a “state of law and order” and contrasting it with policies in other parts of the country. He highlighted actions taken during his tenure on crime, immigration enforcement, education policy, and economic growth, arguing those decisions have helped Florida remain stable while other states face rising crime and financial challenges.

Looking ahead, the governor laid out several priorities he wants lawmakers to consider, including eliminating property taxes, creating what he calls an “AI Bill of Rights,” expanding the state’s rainy day fund, and continuing a shift in education policy away from what he describes as ideological influence in classrooms. DeSantis also reiterated his focus on immigration enforcement and cooperation with federal authorities.

One of the most immediate political issues raised during the address is redistricting. DeSantis has already called a special legislative session in April to revisit Florida’s congressional maps ahead of the midterm elections, citing population changes and the need for equal representation. The move is expected to spark debate, particularly among Democrats, who have criticized the timing and necessity of another redistricting effort.

House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell responded after the address, saying lawmakers should prioritize issues such as affordability, housing, and insurance rather than redrawing political boundaries.

With DeSantis term-limited and unable to seek reelection, the address marked a capstone moment for his governorship. As Florida prepares for a competitive 2026 election cycle, many of the policies he promoted are expected to remain central themes in the political debate over the state’s direction once he leaves office.

Three Finalists Make Case to Lead Pensacola Police Department

Public forum reveals candidates' priorities ahead of final interviews

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Three finalists for Pensacola Police Chief outlined their visions for the department during a public forum Tuesday night at the Saenger Theatre, with technology upgrades, officer morale and community trust emerging as top priorities.

The candidates are acting Deputy Chief Eric Goss, retired Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan and Grand Rapids Chief Eric Winstrom. All three will face panel interviews Wednesday morning at City Hall, and Mayor DC Reeves could announce his choice as soon as today.

While the candidates agreed on the major challenges facing the department, they differed on priorities. Dugan emphasized community trust as his top concern, saying officers and residents need to trust their chief. Winstrom ranked officer morale first, noting that overcoming departmental challenges requires great personnel. Goss focused on immediate technology needs, particularly the radio system nearing end-of-life.

Goss, who has served 27 years with Pensacola Police, highlighted his deep community roots. "My local department has backed me. So many of you in the community have backed me, and it is overwhelming," he said. He noted recent positive news, with Pensacola ranking as the fourth safest city and crime down another 17 percent.

The candidates also addressed community relations, particularly trust issues in communities of color. Dugan shared how he fired three officers for racial profiling in Tampa. Winstrom discussed the need to spend more time in communities disproportionately affected by crime.

Budget constraints also drew attention. Goss explained the department is researching grant funding for radio upgrades and introducing gray Ford Explorers to save money on fleet costs.

The public forum allowed residents to ask questions developed from community input, with each candidate receiving equal time to respond.

Wednesday's panel interviews will be livestreamed for public viewing.