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  • SpaceX’s Falcon 9 successfully launches and lands after Crew-12 liftoff

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — For the first time ever in Florida, SpaceX was able to land one of its Falcon 9 rockets just minutes after lifting off from an adjacent launch pad.

    It also means that NASA’s four Crew-12 members are on their long commute to the International Space Station.

    What You Need To Know

    • For the first time in Florida, a SpaceX rocket returned near the launch site
    • Learn more about the four astronauts as they will spend eight months on the ISS
    • They will be doing various experiments to learn more about the human body in space as well as moon-landing simulations


    During the early morning hours on Friday, NASA astronauts Cmdr. Jessica Meir and pilot Jack Hathaway, and mission specialists European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev climbed into the Falcon 9 to take off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, according to both NASA and SpaceX.

    The instantaneous launch took place at 5:15 a.m. ET.

    The Falcon 9 jumped off the launch pad and screamed into the early morning sky as space fans cheered and then were in awe as a jellyfish was seen.

    The jellyfish effect is when the Falcon 9 rocket’s (or any rocket’s) exhaust plume grows and creates a jellyfish-like “cloud” from the exhaust that has a glowing appearance if the launch is near dawn and dusk.

    After the launch, NASA officials held a press conference, where Spectrum News asked Admin. Jared Isaacman about his thoughts on seeing the first crewed launch as the U.S. space agency’s new administrator.

    The 45th Weather Squadron gave a 90% chance of favorable launch conditions, with the only concerns being the cumulus cloud rule and flight through precipitation.

    The forecast was higher than the original 85% the squadron gave for Friday’s launch. 

    If the launch was a scrub, the next attempt would have been Sunday, Feb. 15.

    Originally, the launch was set for Wednesday at 6:01 a.m. ET and then it was pushed to 5:38 a.m. ET, Thursday, until finally settled on Friday.

    The reason for this was due to the upper-level winds.

    The commute to the ISS and a historical landing

    This is the first crewed launch of 2026 and SpaceX’s Dragon capsule called Freedom was moving around 17,500 mph (28,164 kph) as it went into the black of space.

    Freedom has had an impressive resume, having been used for four crewed missions.

    For the first-stage Falcon 9 rocket booster B1101, this will be its second mission. Its first mission was last month and it was the first launch of 2026: Starlink 6-88 mission.

    And it will be a long commute to work for them. The astronauts are expected to arrive at the International Space Station at around 3:15 p.m. ET on Valentine’s Day.

    And this was a historical landing for the Sunshine State. Because the Crew-12 mission has four people onboard, the first-stage booster must land at the brand new Landing Zone 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is adjacent to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 40, as seen in this embedded Facebook post.

    A sonic boom cracked across the early morning sky as the Falcon 9 rocket came down for a landing.

    Landing Zone 40 is at the top right of the photo.  

    SpaceX’s lease on Landing Zone 1 and 2, located at Space Launch Complex (SLC) 13 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) ended in July 2025, after the Space Launch Delta (SLD) 45 decided to allow new, incoming Commercial Launch Service Providers (CLPS), to perform launch operations out at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station under their new Launch Pad Allocation Strategy (LPAS).

    Back in May 2023, Space Launch Delta 45 issued a press release, stating that Space Launch Complex (SLC) 15 would go to ABL Space Systems, SLC 14 to Stoke Space, and SLC 13 to Phantom Space and Vaya Space.

    The relocation of landing zone 1 & 2 from SLC 13 to Landing Zone 40 at SLC 40 allows SpaceX the opportunity to process and refurbish the returned flight proven Falcon 9 booster quicker to keep pace with their launch manifest. The move also maximizes the launch capacity along the Eastern Range, but also minimizing the impacts that CLSPs create for other CLSPs or government programs across CCSFS, because instead of the Falcon booster landing 7 miles to the south, it now returns only 1,000 feet away from where it launched from.

    “Commercial Launch Service Providers with landing operations can submit a request to SLD 45 for consideration of landing capability at their complex, which will then go through an extensive evaluation process” said Erin White, Delta planning specialist, stated in a press release in 2023.  “Requests for landing operations will be evaluated for safety implications and their impacts to other programs on CCSFS.”

    So, going forward, crewed SpaceX launches in Florida will see the first-stage rocket returning on a landing pad near the launch site, which does not pose a higher safety risk. 

    However, Landing Zone 2 will still be available for Falcon Heavy launches. Since a Falcon Heavy has three boosters, one would go on a droneship (or be expended), the next one would land on Landing Zone 40 and the third would land on Landing Zone 2, since each landing zone can only handle one booster at a time.

    Understanding the Crew-12 mission

    The quartet is not going to the International Space Station empty-handed and checking out the views of Earth from space.

    They will be busy little beavers as they conduct medical experiments during their eight-month stay.

    “The experiments, led by NASA’s Human Research Program, include astronauts performing ultrasounds of their blood vessels to study altered circulation and completing simulated lunar landings to assess disorientation during gravitational transitions, among other tasks,” NASA stated.

    NASA Public Affairs specialist Steven Siceloff shared about some of the experiments that the Crew-12 will be doing. 

    Another experiment is called Venous Flow, which will look at how time on the floating laboratory may increase the chance of astronauts developing blood clots.

    “In weightlessness, blood and other bodily fluids can move toward the head, potentially altering circulation. Any resulting blood clots could pose serious health risks, including strokes,” the U.S. space agency explained.

    For the experiment, the astronauts will undergo preflight and postflight MRIs, ultrasound scans, blood draws and blood pressure readings so scientists can compare the findings.

    But it is not all medical experiments. During the Manual Piloting study, certain crew members will conduct simulated moon landings before, during and after this mission.

    “Designed to assess their piloting and decision-making skills, participants attempt to fly a virtual spacecraft toward the lunar South Pole region — the same area future Artemis crews plan to explore,” NASA explained.

    Other experiments will be conducted.

    Meet Crew-12

    Crew-12 will not have a traditional welcome

    Usually, a crewed mission will have a welcome party, where the previous mission (in this case, Crew-11), welcomes the new arrivals.

    Pleasantries and workload are exchanged during this transition. 

    However, Crew-11 was cut short after one of its members suffered a medical episode.

    The crewmember has not been named and his or her medical issue was not disclosed.

    The event happened days before a planned spacewalk for NASA astronauts Cmdr. Zena Cardman and pilot Michael Fincke.

    NASA officials decided to cut the mission short and return Cardman, Fincke and mission specialists Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov to Earth.

    It was the first medical evacuation in the space station’s 25 years of full service. Originally, the mission was going to end in February.

    NASA officials stressed that the person was in stable condition and the four Crew-11 members appeared together in a press conference nearly a week after returning to Earth in a splashdown.

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  • Ohio elementary student brings cursive back to class

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s a skill many adults learned in school, but for some younger students today, it can feel almost foreign — because it isn’t as commonly taught in classrooms anymore.

    What You Need To Know

    • A fourth grader at West Mound Elementary started a cursive club to teach classmates a skill that’s become less common in schools

    • Educators say increased technology and computer-based testing have reduced time spent on handwritten skills like cursive

    • Teachers say cursive still plays an important role in everyday life, especially for tasks like signing documents

    That’s not the case for fourth grader E’lon Hamilton at West Mound Elementary School in Columbus. Cursive comes so naturally to him that he’s now teaching it to others.

    “I got it (cursive) from my parents. I used it on occasions when I needed to, like when I was writing something very important,” Hamilton said.

    Once a week during lunch at West Mound Elementary School in Columbus, Hamilton runs a cursive club he started himself. He gives tips, demonstrates letters, and watches closely as his classmates practice.

    “Because I wanted not just myself to know cursive. I want other people to know cursive as well. A lot of other people,” Hamilton said.

    For many of the kids in the club, cursive is a handwriting skill they might not have learned otherwise.

    “At the club, I think I’m a little bit good. Like, like connecting them is kind of, like, hard to not let go,” said club member Diana Oitiz.

    Educators say cursive has become less common as priorities in schools have shifted.

    “We have a lot of tests now that are on the computers that need to learn how to use the keyboards. So I can see that technology is probably taking over a lot of the handwritten things,” said Margaret Brown, principal of West Mound Elementary School.

    Still, educators say cursive can matter — not just for school, but for everyday life.

    “You have to sign a check. Right? You gotta pay your bills. You have to do this in your signature, in cursive. So at least being able to sign your name in cursive is important for us,” Brown said.

    When asked his favorite word to write in cursive, Hamilton didn’t just choose a word; he shared a message.

    “Happiness. I want everybody to be happy in this class. What I want, like, is the more we learn teamwork, the more we get along with each other, the more we make friends. Happiness is key. Teamwork is key,” Hamilton said.

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    Aliah Keller

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  • Local Girl Scouts lead project to improve Tarpon Springs’ water quality

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    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Down by the Sponge Docks, a noble project gets underway.

    What You Need To Know

    • Two local Girl Scouts are leading a unique project to help improve water quality, using oyster shells to create vertical oyster gardens or ‘vogs’

    • Oyster gardens act as a natural filter for pollutants in the water and a habitat for small marine life
    • Each vog has 20 to 25 oyster shells attached, attracting oyster larvae where they will grow into mature oysters and can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day
    • Waddell and Mills are looking to install 100 vogs in Tarpon Springs


    Two local Girl Scouts are leading a unique project to help improve water quality. They’re using oyster shells to create vertical oyster gardens. The oyster gardens act as a natural filter for pollutants in the water and a habitat for small marine life.

    “The main purpose of them is for oyster larvae to attach to them so they can start growing,” says Susie Mills, Girl Scout Troop 712 & 807.

    Girl Scouts Rylie Waddell and Susie Mills are leading the project.

    “We saw that our waterways are kind of murky, full of pollution,” said Rylie Waddell, Girl Scout Troop 712 & 107. “We know that’s not good for the environment or the health of our sea life and we want to make a change in that.”

    Each shell is placed on a rope to create what’s called a ‘vog,’ or vertical oyster garden. The vog is then tied off near the sea wall where it acts as a natural filter.

    “Each vog has 20 to 25 oyster shells and those oyster shells will attract oyster larvae because oyster larvae look for a hard-like surface to kind of cement to,” says Waddell. “So they will grow and they’ll grow into mature oysters, which can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.”

    The girls are not alone on their mission. Behind them is a team of family and volunteers.

    “I’m just happy that other people also see the problem and want to help,” says Mills. “It’s very encouraging because I know I wouldn’t be able to do this all by myself.”

    “It’s such a noble project and our river needs help,” says Mick Poppa, harbourmaster for the City of Tarpon Springs.

    People who frequent the river already recognize their hard work.

    “Some of my fishermen at the marina that have slips at the marina are always so remorseful about what’s going on with the estuaries upriver and how the fishing isn’t as good as it used to be,” said Poppa. “This will do nothing but help that.”

    With 100 vogs as their goal, Waddell and Mills are looking to make a sizable impact.

    “We hope to clean up most, if not all, of this waterway,” said Mills.

    Protecting the water and what comes with it.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Decision approaching on possible Tampa Bay MPO merger

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Thirty-five years after it was first discussed, a decision on merging three of Tampa Bay’s metropolitan planning organizations may be on the horizon. 

    “We would be the largest metropolitan planning organization in the state of Florida, and with size comes some funding,” said Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas. “A lot of the federal funding is based on formula: based on population, based on transit ridership, things like that.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Metropolitan planning organizations in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties could learn in the next few months whether they’ll merge into a regional MPO

    • Forward Pinellas Executive Director Whit Blanton said the idea of a merger was first brought up in the early 1990s, but it was thought at the time the counties were too different for the move to make sense

    • Blanton said creating a larger organization could make it easier for Tampa Bay to secure federal dollars for transportation projects

    • The MPOs could vote on whether to merge in March or April. The county commissions and Tampa City Council would also have to give their approval


    Forward Pinellas, the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization, and the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization are the groups that could merge. Blanton said initial talks happened in the 1990s, but it was thought the counties were too different for a merger to make sense.

    For instance, Pasco County was just starting to grow. Now, he said the time is right and the move would be in the best interest of the region.

    “So much funding for capital projects, like the big interstate projects or the big transit projects, is competitive, and you’ve got to show strong regional support to be competitive with Seattle or San Diego,” said Blanton.

    He said a merger could help Tampa Bay compete at that level.

    “We would be a mega MPO, and with that would come so much more opportunity for funding,” said St. Petersburg City Council Member Gina Driscoll.

    Blanton updated council members on the effort at Thursday’s meeting, telling them the latest effort began in 2023. That’s when state lawmakers passed legislation requiring the MPOs to study what a merger would mean. Details are still being worked out, but Blanton said a 25-member board seems to be the preference.

    He said federal law requires the number of representatives from each county to be based on population. He also said Florida statutes require tax revenues to be distributed equitably among counties based on population.

    “So, even though Hillsborough County, City of Tampa may be larger, they would not be able to take down all the transportation dollars, nor would they have a majority of the votes,” said Blanton.

    “It’s going to take a lot of political will across the region to bring this together,” said City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard.

    Gabbard said MetroPlan Orlando, the MPO for Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties, is an example of how local governments can work together to benefit a region.

    “What they’re accomplishing is phenomenal,” said Gabbard. “Because right now, those dollars are not coming to us the way that they should be, and this is really the only way to make that happen.”

    Blanton said a workshop is being held Friday to talk about the details of the governing board and what the structure of the organization would look like.

    He said the MPOs will likely vote on whether to merge in March or April. Next, the three county commissions and Tampa City Council would also have to approve it. Blanton said that could happen by June, and the merger could be complete in 2027 or 2028.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • AI helping more medical offices improve patient interaction

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A new part of a doctor’s greeting with a patient now involves a bit of a new explanation. 

    More medical offices are implementing the use of artificial intelligence to summarize patient visits to help reduce documentation, time, and improve patient interactions. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Orlando Health interventional cardiologist confirmed AI use has immensely helped office efficiency and understanding from patients of their current state of health

    • Dr. Jesal Popat, cardiologist at Orlando Health, said the AI app used is HIPPA compliant, and patients are told and asked for their consent before it is used for information
    • Some patients have been hesitant about AI use in professional, medical settings, but Popat said after understanding how it works that almost all patients in his office are on board 

    “We are using artificial intelligence today in the office,” said Dr. Jesal Popat, an Interventional Cardiologist with Orlando Health.

    Popat said his office at Orlando Health has begun to use AI to summarize his visits with patient, like Maureen Cravey and others. 

    Popat’s cell phone utilizes a secure application with Orlando Health to listen and understand what is said during appointments. 

    “I kind of saw it as sort of a court stenographer,” said Cravey. “Just somebody taking notes, which allowed then my provider, which of course is Dr. Popat, to stay focused on me.”

    The entire visit, Popat never looks at a computer screen or any other technology, keeping his full attention on Cravey. The two discuss her current medical heart needs and future procedures.

    When Orlando Health first launched this, Popat admits some of his clients were wary for their safety.

    Dr. Jesal Popat, an Interventional Cardiologist with Orlando Health, talks with patient Maureen Cravey. (Spectrum News/Erin Murray)

    “There was apprehension about privacy concerns and just reassuring the patients that all of the technology that we use is HIPPA compliant and health care quality grade. If it wasn’t, we would have nothing to do with it,” Popat said.

    Once the visit ended, the information gathered via AI is turned into a summary and printed out. Cravey was given the printout when she checked out. 

    On the paper it showed everything discussed including medications and doses, upcoming procedures, and any lifestyle modifications she may need to make. 

    “Since we started using AI in the office, the phone calls to our office from patients or patients’ family members has gone down by about 50%,” said Popat.

    Popat said that AI has helped in a big way with family of patients who cannot attend checkups with their loved ones, keeping ever the furthest family members up to date with instant information. 

    “It’s just a wonderful thing to be able to look at that hard copy, because it’s hard to retain everything when somebody is telling you something about your health,” said Cravey. 

    Popat said the AI recording from appointments is deleted instantly after a patient’s visit, ensuring none are saved for client privacy, and no identifiable patient information is entered into the AI application other than a person’s name. 

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    Erin Murray

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  • 41 employees to be affected by Saks Fifth Ave closure in Polaris

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — As a result of Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring, 41 employees at Saks Fifth Avenue in Polaris are losing their jobs. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The operator of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus said that it will close eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as its Neiman Marcus Boston store

    • The goal is to focus on its most profitable businesses
    • All employees at the Polaris location will be let go between April 11 to April 30

    The operator of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus said that it will close eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as its Neiman Marcus Boston store as it focuses on its most profitable businesses and pares down debt.

    Among the cities affected by the closures include Columbus. 

    The entire Polaris facility is set to close, and all employees will be let go between April 11 to April 30. The closure is expected to be permanent, according to a WARN Notice. 

    Saks Global also said Tuesday it will be winding down 14 standalone Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suites on Saturday, though it will keep three standalone sites. It also will close its home site called Horchow.com, a business that Neiman Marcus acquired in the late 1980s. As of Feb. 19, shoppers will be redirected to the home category on NeimanMarcus.com, where they will find the full assortment previously available on Horchow.com.

    The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • University of Toledo sees 3 Rockets invited to NFL Scouting Combine

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    TOLEDO, Ohio — Three former Toledo football players are heading to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the most of any Group of Six school and more than the other 12 Mid-American schools combined according to the university. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Defensive backs Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Avery Smith and Andre Fuller will head to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana for the combine

    • The university said the three invites are tied for the most Rockets ever selected to participate in the annual combine

    •  Since 2017, there have been 11 Toledo Rockets drafted

    Defensive backs Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Avery Smith and Andre Fuller will head to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana for the combine. Defensive backs will participate in media interviews on Feb. 26 and on-field workouts on Feb. 27. 

    The university said the three invites are tied for the most Rockets ever selected to participate in the annual combine. In 2017, Kareem Hunt, Treyvon Hester and Michael Roberts particpated and last year Toledo had two invites for defensive lineman Darius Alexander and safety Maxen Hook.

    Safety McNeil-Warren was named to three All-America teams last year: Second Team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Sporting News and Third Team All-America by the Associated Press. He’s the fourth Rocket in Toledo’s 109-year history to be named to at least three major All-America teams and just the second in the past 54 years.

    He was also named the “Group of 6” Defensive Player of the Year by Pro Football Focus and to the PFF All-America Team. McNeil-Warren had 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups in 2025. He also had three forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered.

    Cornerback Smith is a two-time Second-Team All-MAC selection with 100 tackles, three interceptions and 25 pass breakups over the past two seasons. He was the second in the MAC in passes defended in 2024 at 16 and third last season at 12. Smith saw his draft stock rise with his performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl on Jan. 27.

    Cornerback Fuller was a First-Team All-MAC honoree in 2025 had 49 tackles, one interception and 11 breakups. He missed the 2024 season because of an injury, but originally joined the Rockets in 2022 after starting off at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The university said Fuller also had a strong performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

    The three are hoping to be the latest selected for the NFL Draft. Since 2017, there have been 11 Toledo Rockets drafted.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • A Saturday Valentine’s Day means dip in business for florists

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday is a plus for many couples, it’s not a best-case scenario for local flower shops.

    Lu Cushing, owner of Janie Beane Florist in Clearwater, said that they typically see a 20% dip in sales on the years Valentine’s Day hits on a weekend when compared to the holiday hitting on a weekday.

    While a big money-maker as the historically biggest flower-buying holiday of the year, Cushing says Feb. 14 being on a Saturday has made a difference in buying habits.

    “Men love to send flowers to work, in a place where she can enjoy them and everyone can see them,” Cushing said. “This year, we’re getting some orders for earlier in the week because they want them to last all week at the office.”

    What You Need To Know

    •  Major flower suppliers in Columbia and Ecuador are subject to tariffs

    •  Price of flowers has increased as florists find ways to keep costs down for customers 

    •  Valentine’s Day falling on Saturday is not best case scenario for florists 

    • Owner of Janie Beane Florist estimates 20% dip in sales compared to weekday Valentines Day 


    Instead of making dozens of deliveries to offices on Valentine’s Day morning, Cushing says they’ve been scattered throughout the week. There’s also more home deliveries and pickups this year set for Valentine’s Day morning.

    Overall, Cushing says, this hasn’t been the busiest Valentine’s Day in history.

    That’s on par with what she’s seen over the last few decades when the holiday hits over a weekend. Cushing is now in her 54th year at Janie Beane Florist, a shop she opened alongside her late mother.

    The flower industry has had to adjust after the U.S. imposed tariffs on imported cut flowers. More than 80% of flowers found in the U.S. are from major suppliers in Ecuador and Columbia.

    “Flowers are up more … definitely,” Cushing said. “Vases are up more.”

    Vases that used to cost Cushing roughly $6 a piece are now between $8 to $9. Cushing said she’s shifted to finding more suppliers from North America to help curb the costs.

    “We’ve adjusted,” she said.

    Cushing said she offers options for those looking for flowers on budget by offering wrapped bouquets. She will wrap the stems of flowers in a sponge and a bag so a customer can take them home and use a vase they already have.

    “I shop small business as well so its important to me that I accommodate everybody,” she said.

    What has improved over the last year, Cushing said, is predictability. Before the tariffs went into effect, she said prices would bounce and make it difficult to quote large events like weddings. Now that prices have stabilized, the shop is taking less of a hit.

    After over five decades, they also relocated to Imperial Square in Clearwater, to a family-owned plaza in a smaller more budget friendly space.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Crew-12 will see first landing of Falcon 9 at Space Coast launch site

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — As NASA and SpaceX prepare for the Crew-12 mission, it will mark the first time a SpaceX rocket will land near its launch site in Florida.

    What You Need To Know

    • For the first time in Florida, a SpaceX rocket will return near the launch site
    • Learn more about the four astronauts as they will spend eight months on the ISS
    • They will be doing various experiments to learn more about the human body in space as well as moon-landing simulations

    During the early morning hours on Friday, NASA astronauts Cmdr. Jessica Meir and pilot Jack Hathaway, and mission specialists European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev will climb into the Falcon 9 to take off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated both NASA and SpaceX.

    The instantaneous launch is set to take place at 5:15 a.m. ET.

    The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a 90% chance of favorable launch conditions, with the only concerns being the cumulus cloud rule and flight through precipitation.

    The forecast is an increase compared to the original 85% the squadron gave for Friday’s launch. 

    If the launch is a scrub, the next attempt will be Sunday, Feb. 15.

    Originally, the launch was set for Wednesday at 6:01 a.m. ET and then it was pushed to 5:38 a.m. ET, Thursday, until finally settling on Friday.

    The reason for this was due to the upper-level winds.

    The commute to the ISS and a historical landing

    This is the first crewed launch of 2026 and SpaceX’s Dragon capsule called Freedom is expected to be screaming at about 17,500 mph (28,164 kph) as it goes into the black of space.

    Freedom has had an impressive resume, having been used for four crewed missions.

    For the first-stage Falcon 9 rocket booster B1101, this will be its second mission. Its first mission was last month and it was the first launch of 2026: Starlink 6-88 mission.

    And it will be a long commute to work for them. The astronauts are expected to arrive at the International Space Station at around 3:15 p.m. ET on Valentine’s Day.

    And this is going to be a historical landing for the Sunshine State. Because the Crew-12 mission will have four people onboard, the first-stage booster must land at Landing Zone 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is adjacent to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 40, as seen in this embedded Facebook post. Landing Zone 40 is at the top right of the photo. 

    This will be the first time a Falcon 9 rocket will land near its launch site in Florida. The first-stage boosters usually land on a droneship out in the Atlantic Ocean or at a landing zone on land but away from the launch site.

    However, SpaceX’s lease on Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station ended in July 2025.

    Back in May 2023, Space Launch Delta 45 issued a press release, stating, “SLC 13, currently Landing Zone 1 and 2, is also moving forward with Phantom Space and Vaya Space.”

    It means that the existing launch complex property agreements for landing operations were discontinued after the agreements expired.

    So, going forward, crewed SpaceX launches in Florida will see the first-stage rocket returning on a landing pad near the launch site.

    Understanding the Crew-12 mission

    The quartet is not going to the International Space Station empty-handed and checking out the views of Earth from space.

    They will be busy little beavers as they will be conducting medical experiments during their eight-month stay.

    “The experiments, led by NASA’s Human Research Program, include astronauts performing ultrasounds of their blood vessels to study altered circulation and completing simulated lunar landings to assess disorientation during gravitational transitions, among other tasks,” NASA stated.

    Another experiment is called Venous Flow, which will look at how time on the floating laboratory may increase the chance of astronauts developing blood clots.

    “In weightlessness, blood and other bodily fluids can move toward the head, potentially altering circulation. Any resulting blood clots could pose serious health risks, including strokes,” the U.S. space agency explained.

    For the experiment, the astronauts will undergo preflight and postflight MRIs, ultrasound scans, blood draws and blood pressure readings so scientists can compare the findings.

    But it is not all medical experiments. During the Manual Piloting study, certain crew members will be conducting simulated moon landings before, during and after this mission.

    “Designed to assess their piloting and decision-making skills, participants attempt to fly a virtual spacecraft toward the lunar South Pole region — the same area future Artemis crews plan to explore,” NASA explained.

    Other experiments will be conducted.

    Meet Crew-12

    Crew-12 will not have a traditional welcome

    Usually, a crewed mission will have a welcome party, where the previous mission (in this case, Crew-11), welcomes the new arrivals.

    Pleasantries and workload are exchanged during this transition.

    However, Crew-11 was cut short after one of its members suffered a medical episode.

    The crewmember has not been named and his or her medical issue was not disclosed.

    The event happened days before a planned spacewalk for NASA astronauts Cmdr. Zena Cardman and pilot Michael Fincke.

    NASA officials decided to cut the mission short and return Cardman, Fincke and mission specialists Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov to Earth.

    It was the first medical evacuation in the space station’s 25 years of full service. Originally, the mission was going to end in February.

    NASA officials stressed that the person was in stable condition and the four Crew-11 members appeared together in a press conference nearly a week after returning to Earth in a splashdown.

    [ad_2] Anthony Leone, Jon Shaban
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  • Withlacoochee River could be headed toward record low water levels this summer

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    DUNNELLON, Fla. — Conservation leaders say lakes, rivers and the aquifer in Citrus County could be headed toward record low levels by this summer.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakes, rivers and the aquifer in Citrus County could be headed toward record low levels by this summer

    • In last month’s hydrologic report, the Southwest Florida Water Management District says current water levels along the Withlacoochee River are 2 to 3 feet lower than a year ago
    • The dip in water levels could affect businesses along the river, such as Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak
    • SWFWMD officials say they do not expect conditions to improve until the summer with some much-needed rain in the wet season


    A recent hydrologic report from the Southwest Florida Water Management District shows that current water levels along the Withlacoochee River are 2 to 3 feet lower than a year ago because of the shortfall of rain we’re seeing across the region.

    “Our shop does both a trip on the Rainbow (River), a trip on the Withlacoochee, and I always tell people, no matter what, that the confluence is the coolest spot,” Rainbow River and Kayak owner Meriah Kirk said.

    Tucked away amongst the trees in Dunnellon, you’ll come across Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak — a business that thrives on both the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers. But recently, something about the water is being noticed.

    “Usually they’re at least, this time of year, about up to here,” Kirk said, pointing out water lines. “They’ve been about up to here, but now even further.”

    Kirk said staff and visitors alike have noticed a dip in the river’s level.

    “We have had some people comment on the flows being lower, being a little more stagnant,” she said. “And then with the way over in the marina, the way the cove is very stagnant, we’ve had some of our boat owners there kind of comment on that.”

    Following the river south into Pasco County, Mark Fulkerson with the Southwest Florida Water Management District surveys the river.

    “Over the past three decades, we’ve had four severe droughts that hit the Withlacoochee River,” Fulkerson said. “Just in those 30 years, it’s only happened four times. But this year, just looking at the data, we’re shaping into a fifth one of those.”

    In last month’s hydrologic report, Fulkerson noted water levels are 2 to 3 feet lower than a year ago. A big change for the river and surrounding ecosystem.

    “Last year at this time, we were three months after Milton,” Fulkerson said. “The water was probably 3 feet higher than it is now. So that’s kind of the difference between last year and this year. This year, we didn’t have a Milton. We didn’t have a big, real wet season to fill things up.”

    Just looking at the surrounding trees, you’ll notice water lines from Milton are still there, showing just how low the river has become. Fulkerson said he does not expect conditions to improve until the summer with some much-needed rain in the wet season.

    “Those summer rains are going to have to materialize a lot better than what we had last year, or we’re going to go into maybe an additional year of very low water levels.”

    As for Kirk and her business, she said she remains optimistic for rainfall — even with the business’ busiest time of year, spring break, just around the corner.

    “The springs are really important, so I think it’s important to make sure we’re taking care of them and making sure we’re doing as much as we can to take care of them,” Kirk said.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Cincinnati Parks begins habitat restoration project in French Park

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    CINCINNATI — While the worst of the cold seems to have passed, Cincinnati Parks is preparing for warmer weather as it kicks off a habitat restoration project in French Park. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The project will cover a 22-acre section of forested area

    • There are a number of invasive shrubs, vines and trees within the park including Amur honeysuckle, Buckthorn, Callery pear, Multiflora rose and English ivy

    • Specialized contractors will use two primary methods depending on conditions including equipment in heavily infested areas and utilizing hand-removal in areas will valuable native plants

    The project will cover a 22-acre section of forested area, removing invasive plant species through a donation from the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. Park officials said the project is set to be completed this May. 

    The 22-acre area where the restoration will take place. (Cincinnati Parks)

    There are a number of invasive shrubs, vines and trees within the park, including Amur honeysuckle, Buckthorn, Callery pear, Multiflora rose and English ivy, which crowd out native plants, reduce biodiversity and make it harder for native wildlife to thrive, according to the parks.

    By removing these plants, the habitat is improved for birds and wildlife while restoring healthy forest ecosystems

    Specialized contractors will use two primary methods depending on conditions including equipment in heavily infested areas and utilizing hand-removal in areas will valuable native plants. Cincinnati Parks said invasive shrubs and small trees will be mulched and native trees will be flagged for protection.

    Cut stumps will be treated to stop regrowth and crews will mark treated areas to protect soil, trails, water bodies and infrastructure. 

    Crews will work from Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with some possible weekend work. 

    Visitors should not be affected by the work, but may see crews, workers or temporary access limitations in some areas. Trails will remain open, but may have short-term closures if necessary for safety. There will be markers and signage for crews and their vehicles.

    The project will be monitored by Cincinnati Parks.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Foreclosure complaint filed against Elements on Third owner

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — People who live at the Elements on Third apartment complex say they’ve dealt with everything from maintenance issues to a possible water shut-off that could’ve resulted in them needing to find new places to live.

    That’s all within the past six months.

    Now, a foreclosure complaint has been filed against the complex’s owner. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Court records show a mortgage lender has filed a complaint for foreclosure against Lurin Real Estate Holdings for a loan it issued for the Elements on Third apartment complex

    • In the complaint, lawyers for BDS IV Mortgage Capital say Lurin failed to make payments starting in August and now owes more than $110 million

    • Lurin previously came under scrutiny when the city of St. Petersburg said a water shut-off at two properties, including Elements, was possible after Lurin failed to pay its utility bills

    • Read previous coverage here


    “Am I surprised? No, not really,” said Boshko Stanisic, an organizer with the St. Petersburg Tenants Union. “Lurin has been in kind of a financial fall for quite awhile.”

    The complaint was filed on Feb. 6 against Lurin Real Estate Holdings. Lawyers for BDS IV Mortgage Capital claim Lurin failed to make payments on a $110 million loan starting in August.

    “I didn’t know this was an ongoing thing. So, it’s a little concerning,” said Elements on Third resident Mitchell Williams.

    In the nearly three years Williams has lived at the complex, he’s seen it go through ups and downs.


    “I think they were running out of cash or something,” he said. “The property started to get a little bit dirty.”

    Then, the city said Lurin wasn’t paying its water bill at Elements and another of its properties, The Morgan Apartments.

    “It was a little scary when we were notified that we might be without water and might have to make other accommodations when we’d been paying for it the whole time,” Williams said. “So, that was definitely frustrating.”

    Williams said things started getting better in the fall, with maintenance and amenities being brought up to par. A city spokesperson also said back in August that Lurin paid its outstanding utility balance on the property. 

    Now, the BDS is seeking for force Lurin to pay the principal of the loan, plus interest and expenses, in full. 

    Stanisic said he’s working with residents at The Morgan as they navigate their own uncertain situation. He said tenants of a property facing foreclosure wouldn’t necessarily see immediate impacts.

    “A lot of it is just a change in ownership, a little bit of uncertainty,” he said. “A new owner, they might purchase the property, they might come in and change up the property manager.”

    Williams said residents haven’t been notified of the proceedings or any changes.

    “We’re happy at the moment, but hopefully nothing goes downhill to where we were a few months ago,” he said.

    A spokesperson for Lurin did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

    The complaint says BDS is requesting the court appoint a receiver for Elements on Third. It also asks that the property be sold at a public sale if Lurin doesn’t pay the debt.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Clearwater gets national attention as spring tourism season starts

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — The spring tourism season has started in the Tampa area.

    From Major League Baseball to college softball, fans and athletes heading to the diamonds are bringing with them welcome exposure and an economic boost to the Bay area.

    While spring training for the MLB is already underway in Pinellas County for the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays, Clearwater kicked off the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational softball tournament at Eddie C. Moore Complex Thursday.

    “Clearwater’s becoming the diamond capital of the county in the month of February,” said Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector. “Diamond sports, softball and baseball, so ESPN is broadcasting all 40 games on one of their various platforms.”

    Rector is proud the national attention shines the spotlight on Clearwater.

    “The road to the World Series starts in Clearwater,” said Brian Lowack, President and CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.

    He says tickets to the tournament were sold through 47 states and three countries. Fans from across the country and around the world will cheer on 16 college softball teams — 10 of them ranked top 25 in the country.

    The Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational runs Feb. 12-15. (Spectrum News/Melissa Eichman)

    “Tens of thousands are going to be here over the course of the next four days. That’s thousands of hotel room nights and ultimately leading towards over $10 million in economic impact,” Lowack said of the impact.

    Lenny’s Restaurant feels that impact, reporting that business more than doubles this time of year. Loraine Bates has been a server at Lenny’s for more than 25 years and says the restaurant will be ready.

    “It’s means we’re going to be fully staffed,” said Bates. “It’s going to be like a Sunday every day of the week. We’re all hyped for it, we’re all looking for it.”

    Visitors working up an appetite while cheering on their favorite teams.

    “If you’re hungry or hung over, come to Lenny’s. We’ll feed you and we’ll take care of you,” said Bates.

    A host city taking care of fans while they take in Tampa Bay’s sunshine and beaches, whether it’s from the stands or while watching on TV.

    The Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational runs Feb. 12-15.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Pinellas County Meals on Wheels requests funding to keep seniors off waitlist

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Feeding America data shows that the number of food-insecure seniors is rising. 

    Based on its research, it says nine million seniors could be food insecure by 2050. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Neighborly Senior Care Network requested $1 million in funding in the 2026-27 state budget

    • The nonprofit said the dollars will keep seniors from returning to the waitlist

    • While the program is mostly funded by federal money, the organization said those dollars are uncertain

    • Neighborly served more than 500,000 meals in 2025


    Neighborly Senior Care Network’s Meals on Wheels in Pinellas County has a waitlist that it’s looking to shrink. 

    To help accomplish that, they are requesting additional state funding. 

    With the delivery bags loaded with food, volunteers are ready to feed hungry seniors.

    “I do it because it’s something that I feel like you should be doing to give back to the community,” said Tom Henkel, a volunteer.

    Henkel has been volunteering with Neighborly Senior Care Network’s Meals on Wheels for more than five years, and he goes the extra mile.

    “Everybody gets a banana on Tuesdays. They all look forward to it,” Henkel said.

    While the number of people he delivers to has fluctuated over the years, Henkel said the need is great.

    “I’ve seen a lot of folks who this is the only meal they get all day and how important it is for them to receive a meal that’s nutritionally balanced like these meals are,” Henkel said.

    Neighborly now serves 500,000+ meals every year. Last year’s total was a more than 30,000 increase from the number of meals provided in 2023.

    James White has been using Meals on Wheels for over a year. He said it’s a great financial help.

    “I’m disabled, so I don’t have to go out as much. I don’t have to do all the walking through the store and plus food today, it’s just real expensive,” said James White.

    Most of Neighborly’s clients are served through approximately $2.5 million in federal funding, but the nonprofit said that money is always uncertain. State funding helped in the last two fiscal years. The $750,000 from last year’s Florida’s budget, Neighborly said, helped get hundreds of people off its waitlist.

    “Right now, we’re lucky that it’s, it’s all-time low, about 600 people because of the state appropriation that we’ve received recently,” said Anita Cihlar, nutrition director, Neighborly Care Network.

    The nonprofit is requesting $1 million in funding in the 2026-27 state budget. Cihlar said the funding will prevent seniors from returning to the waitlist.

    “We want to just keep those people fed — it’s about almost 800 people. That’s a lot of seniors that could go without meals and go back on the waitlist if we didn’t get the funding again,” Cihlar said.

    Henkel, who sees the impact firsthand, said the money would help many seniors in the county that he enjoys serving every week.

    “I would highly recommend that if anybody is interested in volunteering, that they look up their local Meals on Wheels program and see how they can go about doing so,” Henkel said.

    The Older Americans Act, which provides about $2.5 million to Neighborly’s nutrition program, expired in 2024. 

    A reauthorization act was introduced in June 2025. It has had no movement through Congress yet.

    Neighborly said their OAA funding has remained steady even without its reauthorization.

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    Tyler O’Neill

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  • How to see the Crew-12 launch

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    During the early morning hours on Friday, NASA astronauts Cmdr. Jessica Meir and pilot Jack Hathaway, and mission specialists European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev will climb into the Falcon 9 to take off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

    The instantaneous launch is set to take place at 5:15 a.m. ET.

    The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a 90% chance of favorable launch conditions, with the only concerns being the cumulus cloud rule and flight through precipitation.

    If the launch were to occur as scheduled Friday morning, it would be visibile in the early morning sky across the East Coast, including here in South Carolina.

    The latest high resolution models forecast mostly clear skies. There could be better cloud coverage along the coast compared to inland areas so plan your viewing accordingly.

    Forecast cloud coverage Friday morning. (weathermodels.com)

    If the launch is a scrub, the next attempt will be Sunday, Feb. 15.Hour-by-hour forecast 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Pinellas Park officials approve golf carts ordinance

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas Park leaders have passed a new ordinance defining where you can and cannot drive golf carts.

    It was a unanimous vote at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

    The new guidelines allow you to drive golf carts on public streets and roads that are regulated by the city.

    They also ban golf carts on county and state roads, including a few of the area’s busiest highways.

    “No crossing on US-19,” said Mayor Sandra Bradbury, announcing that they are not allowed on certain roads. “No crossing on 66th Street which is a state road. No crossing on Park Boulevard, which is a state road. And no crossing on 49th Street, which is a county road.”

    There are some exceptions to that rule at legally approved crossing points.

    City council members say the new policy gives people more flexibility while keeping safety a priority.



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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • FC Cincinnati unveils ‘The Seven Hills’ kit ahead season opener

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    CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati’s newest kits pays ode to the city’s history. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The team unveiled “The Seven Hills” kit on Wednesday just before the Major League Soccer season starts in 10 days

    • The term “Seven Hills” goes far back in the city’s history, going all the way back to the 1800s

    • The kit replaces the Canvas Kit from the past two seasons

    The team unveiled “The Seven Hills” kit on Wednesday just before the Major League Soccer season starts in 10 days. 

    The term “Seven Hills” goes far back in the city’s history, going all the way back to the 1800s. At the time, the city recognized the seven hills as: 

    • Mount Adams
    • Walnut Hills
    • Mount Auburn
    • Vine Street hill
    • College Hill
    • Fairmount
    • Price Hill (formerly known as Mount Harrison)

    “The popular origin of Cincinnati’s ‘seven hills’ stems from the 1881 book “History of Cincinnati, Ohio” by Henry A. Ford, A.M. and Mrs. Kate B. Ford, who reflected that the hills of Cincinnati formed naturally beautiful amphitheaters and created a ‘splendid panorama of the city below,’ which nowhere else in the nation could rival in beauty,” wrote Carter Chapley for FC Cincinnati. “The official interpretation of the names of the seven hills have been debated over the years, but the sentiment remains the same – the communities that make up the city’s peaks and valleys are as much part of Cincinnati as the geology they are founded on.”

    The kit replaces the Canvas Kit from the past two seasons. It’ll be worn as the secondary uniform along with the primary Orange and Blue Legacy Kit, which was worn last season. 

    “The Seven Hills” kit is unique, as the white and orange combination is a first for the team.

    It’ll be worn during the season opener at TQL Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 21 against Atlanta United. “The Seven Hills” kit is also available to buy on FCCGo.com and at the FCC Team Stores.

    Fans can purchase their Seven Hills Kit online at FCCGo.com or by visiting the Over-The-Rhine Team Store (1433 Vine Street) and the TQL Stadium Team Store (NE corner of the stadium; 1501 Central Parkway) which will be open for special hours Wednesday through Saturday.

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Classes canceled in New Port Richey due to brush fire smoke

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Lingering smoke from a brush fire in the Starkey Road area has canceled classes in the New Port Richey area.

    Pasco County Emergency Management advised that smoke has not cleared and continues to linger from the Starkey Preserve area near River Ridge High and Middle schools.

    What You Need To Know

    • Classes at two New Port Richey schools canceled due to lingering smoke from nearby brush fire 
    • Smoke has not cleared from classroom buildings as quickly as anticipated

    • Brush fire is 100 percent contained as of Tuesday night; crews said smoke may linger

    • Pasco County Schools

    The Florida Forest Service responded to two fires in that area on Tuesday. The 45-acre brush fire in the Starkey/New Port Richey area was 100 percent contained as of Tuesday night, but crews said smoke may linger today. 


    River Ridge school officials posted this Wednesday morning: 

    As we continue to assess the smoke conditions in our area this morning, we believe it is necessary to cancel school today to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

    The smoke has not cleared from classroom buildings as quickly as anticipated. After evaluating the conditions on campus, we determined that canceling school is the safest decision. All afterschool activities and events are canceled as well.

    At this time, we anticipate that school will resume as normal tomorrow and will provide any updates if conditions change.

    We understand that this may create inconvenience for families, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we prioritize the health and safety of our school community.

    Thank you for your continued partnership.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Pasco County voters may be asked to extend school tax

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — In November, Pasco County voters may have a decision to make: Continue paying a school tax referendum, or let it expire. 

    In 2022, Pasco voters approved a referendum to support school employee salaries, but it expires in June 2027. The school board voted last week to ask taxpayers for a renewal.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco school board voted last week to ask taxpayers for a renewal of a school tax referendum 

    • The tax money is used to supplement pay for both instructional and non-instructional positions, including bus drivers, teachers, custodians, and other school support staff

    • Superintendent John Legg the referendum is a needed source of income that helps the school district keep up with other districts

    • What is millage? One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. It’s how the taxing authorities calculate your property tax. Want to know more about millage rates? Visit the Pinellas County Tax Collector website.


    The tax money is used to supplement pay for both instructional and non-instructional positions, including bus drivers, teachers, custodians, and other school support staff.

    Without it, Superintendent Dr. John Legg said it’ll be tough for Pasco to compete with neighboring districts, which have referendums.

    “What this referendum does is it continues the pay we’ve been doing the last several years,” Legg said.

    Legg said since voters approved the initial tax referendum in 2022, classroom vacancies decreased by nearly 83%, and without it, “If the voters say no to this, it would mean a drastic cut in our teachers’ pay. 

    “It would drop our teacher pay by 12% on average.”

    The Pasco County School Board is seeking a renewal of its one mill property tax. 

    If passed, nothing would really change for Pasco County homeowners; they would continue paying the same tax, which Dr. Legg says is $300 per year for the average homeowner.

    A Pasco school bus driver and teacher, both in their professions for over 18 years, said both they’ve personally noticed positive changes since receiving the referendum.

    “The morale of faculty members has increased,” said James Washington, a Pasco County teacher. “The idea that we’ve got a community that supports us, there was a lot of vitriol in the news for months and months and months four years ago, and now it’s starting to swell in the opposite direction where people validate what teachers are again.”

    Bur driver Mary Ann Brini said the referendum has made a difference.

    “It’s very important to keep new staff moving in,” Brini said. “If we don’t have this, in my personal opinion, I don’t know what will happen down the line.”

    Critics of the referendum say teachers and school staff shouldn’t have to rely on voters to maintain their raises. 

    Michelle Mandarin, a parent who hosts an education podcast, said teachers need sustainability in their salaries.

    “We knew it was coming,” said Mandarin, who also is running for the District 5 school board seat. “But we did warn the board that it’s not a sustainable way to increase the pay of our teachers. We really feel like there is a way we can restructure the budget and put it into the core budget.”

    Meanwhile, Legg said he is confident Pasco County voters will continue supporting education. 

    “The people of Pasco County value education and believe that education is important and essential for our thriving economy so I’m confident that our voters will re-affirm what they’ve already said.”

    The next step is for the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to vote on whether to put this on November’s ballot. Legg said he plans on meeting with them and he doesn’t expect any issues. 

    The vote may happen as soon as March.

    The referendum adds from around $3,000 to $5,500 per year for staff, depending on their position.

    Hillsborough and Pinellas County schools both have referendums that voters approved in recent years.

    Polk County voters will be deciding on a school tax referendum in November. 

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • The Deuces: Where Black community thrived, barred from other parts of St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Before the end of segregation, there were two St. Petes: a white one and a Black one. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Segregation and Jim Crow laws restricted where the Black community could go in St. Pete 

    • The Black community created a mostly self-contained community around 22nd Street South 

    •  It offered houses, businesses, schools, healthcare and entertainment

    • Groups now strive to preserve the history of that area 


    Laws restricted Black residents from going to certain portions of the city except for work, limiting them to designated areas and neighborhoods.

    The most famous of those neighborhoods is the one centered around 22nd Street South, often called “The Deuces.”

    “It was more than a street. It was an ecosystem. It was our ecosystem,” said Latorra Bowles, executive director of Deuces Live. “It was the only place African Americans thrived.”

    It was also a self-contained area that tried to cover all facets of life.

    Housing

    The neighborhood offered housing options for African Americans, though early housing was built without formal planning. In 1941, the Jordan Park Housing Complex opened. It incorporated 446 apartments, the state’s largest public housing endeavor to that time.

    “He knew African Americans needed decent and affordable housing,” said Basha Jordan Jr., whose grandfather, Elder Jordan Sr., donated the land for the project. The housing complex is named in Jordan’s honor.

    Businesses

    At its peak, more than 100 businesses lined 22nd Street South and some of the streets that ran parallel and perpendicular.

    “Everything we need is in the corridor,” Bowles said. “You have your small businesses, you have your restaurants, you have your hotels, you have your clubs.”

    Churches

    Numerous churches lined the streets in the neighborhood, especially along 9th Avenue South, which intersected with 22nd Street South. The city notes that in 1939, 19 of the city’s 123 churches were located in the 22nd Street neighborhood.

    Schools

    Jordan Park Elementary opened in 1925, a segregated school located on 9th Avenue South. Gibbs High School, the first all-Black high school in St. Pete, opened in 1927.

    Healthcare

    Mercy Hospital was established in 1923, one of the few healthcare institutions that accepted Black patients during the segregation era. Jim Crow laws precluded some hospitals from treating Black people, while prejudice stood in the way as well.

    Entertainment

    The Royal Theater opened in 1948, one of just two theaters that African Americans could attend in St. Pete.

    Down the street, the Manhattan Casino Hall had launched in 1925. It was the focal point of entertainment, socializing, and music in the neighborhood. It was even a well-known stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of performance venues safe for African Americans to play during the segregation era.

    “This was a place where African Americans could come, feel at peace, feel human, in the midst of segregation and racism that was running rampant in the city,” Jordan said, sitting underneath a statue of his grandfather that stands on 22nd Street South.

    Deuces Live is attempting to “preserve, promote and revitalize” this corridor, preserving its history while promoting a rich future.

    “It’s extremely important to preserve the history of this area because if we don’t tell the story, it will be rewritten or untold,” Bowles said. “If we don’t tell our story, no one will.”

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    Jeff Butera

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