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Tag: Spectrum News Staff

  • Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz resigns

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    This comes just days after the team officially introduced Todd Monken as the 19th coach in franchise history.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Weekend Digest Tampa Feb. 7 & 8

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    Your weekend is here, Tampa Bay! Here’s a look at the news and what events are going on in the area.

    This weekend will be mostly sunny and dry. 

    We’ve had a long streak of chilly temperatures, but the pattern will finally start to moderate this weekend into next week. 

    For Saturday, expect a chilly start, but a milder afternoon with highs in the mid to upper 60s.  Skies will be mostly sunny. 

    For Sunday, temperatures will again start chilly in the morning, but then end warmer with highs around 70 in the afternoon. Skies will again be sunny.

    Beach and boating

    This will be a much better weekend for outdoor activities compared to last weekend. 

    Sunday will be warmer for beach activities. 

    For boating, winds will be from the northwest at 10 to 15 knots Saturday, then variable at 10 knots on Sunday.

    Your Hour-by-Hour Forecast | Check Klystron 9 Radar | Latest on the Tropics | Tropical Weather Graphics

    PINELLAS

     

    HILLSBOROUGH

    POLK

    PASCO

    HERNANDO

    MANATEE 

    CITRUS

    SARASOTA

    • Good Times in Florida – Beach Ultimate Tournament | Saturday & Sunday
      The Good Times In Florida (GTIF) festival will take place on the iconic sands of Siesta Beach, bringing a vibrant blend of beach sports, community and competition to America’s #1 beach. Anchored by a two-day beach ultimate (Frisbee) tournament.

      Location: Siesta Key Beach

    • 15th Annual Superhero 5K & Fun Run – A Fostercare Awareness Event | Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
      This family-friendly event raises awareness for 700+ children in foster care across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Dress as your favorite superhero and enjoy the morning with racing, music, food, costume contests and more.

      Location: Nathan Benderson Park

    • The Blue-Sky Boys | Saturday, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | $25 – $46: When JFK vowed to land a man on the moon, the task fell to a band of maverick engineers once the misfits of American science. With no rulebook, they blue-skyed ideas from Buck Rogers, Greek myths and even Snoopy in this witty, imaginative ride to one giant leap.

      Location: Gompertz Theatre | 1265 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
       

    For more events going on in your area, check out our Community Calendar >>

    1. Tampa Bay Rays release new renderings of proposed ballpark at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus

    2. Mayor Welch to review Gas Plant development proposals: 9 in total

    3. Trump signs spending package, ending partial shutdown

    4. Ryan Routh sentenced to life in prison for attempted assassination of President Trump

    5. Punxsutawney Phil is said to have seen his shadow, forecasting 6 more weeks of wintry weather

    6. Florida State Fair Guide 2026: Dates, entertainment, food and more
     

    Tap/Click here for more headlines >>

    Location: Apollo Beach | Courtesy:Lori Hand

    Share your weather photos with us!

     

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  • No. 4 Duke visits No. 14 North Carolina following Wilson’s 22-point game

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    No. 14 North Carolina will hosts the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils this Saturday after Caleb Wilson scored 22 points in North Carolina’s 87-77 win against the Syracuse Orange.

    Saturday’s matchup is the first this season for the two squads.

    Here’s some highlights about the upcoming rivalry matchup.

    Duke Blue Devils (21-1, 10-0 ACC) at North Carolina Tar Heels (18-4, 6-3 ACC)

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Saturday, 6:30 p.m. EST

    BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: 

    • Blue Devils -5.5; over/under is 150.5

    BOTTOM LINE:

    • No. 14 North Carolina plays No. 4 Duke after Caleb Wilson scored 22 points in North Carolina’s 87-77 victory over the Syracuse Orange
    • The Tar Heels are 13-0 in home games. North Carolina ranks fourth in the ACC in rebounding with 36.7 rebounds. Wilson leads the Tar Heels with 9.8 boards
    • The Blue Devils are 10-0 in ACC play. Duke is 1-1 in games decided by less than 4 points
    • North Carolina scores 83.1 points, 19.5 more per game than the 63.6 Duke gives up. Duke averages 8.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.7 more makes per game than North Carolina allows
    • The Tar Heels and Blue Devils face off Saturday for the first time in ACC play this season

    TOP PERFORMERS:

    • Luka Bogavac is shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc with 1.5 made 3-pointers per game for the Tar Heels, while averaging 10 points. Wilson is shooting 61.9% and averaging 20.7 points over the past 10 games
    • Cameron Boozer is averaging 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, four assists and two steals for the Blue Devils. Isaiah Evans is averaging 17 points over the past 10 games

    LAST 10 GAMES:

    • Tar Heels: 7-3, averaging 87.0 points, 34.1 rebounds, 17.4 assists, 6.5 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 77.8 points per game
    • Blue Devils: 10-0, averaging 80.5 points, 34.6 rebounds, 15.2 assists, 8.9 steals and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 64.8 points

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Former Panther Luke Kuechly among 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees

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    SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlined the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class featuring five players but not six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick.

    What You Need To Know

    • Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlined the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class featuring five players but not six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick

    • Brees and Fitzgerald both made it in their first year of eligibility in results announced at NFL Honors

    • Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri made it in their second seasons of eligibility, while Roger Craig was the lone pick among seniors, coaches and contributors

    • But the class is also noteworthy for Belichick’s absence as at least 11 of the 50 voters opted against giving him a vote despite a career with 333 wins and the most Super Bowl titles of any head coach


    Brees and Fitzgerald both made it in their first year of eligibility in results announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night after prolific careers. Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri made it in their second seasons of eligibility, while Roger Craig was the lone pick among seniors, coaches and contributors.

    “One of the coolest moments was getting up on that stage with all the other Hall of Famers,” Fitzgerald said. “That moment kind of crystallized it for me.”

    But the class is also noteworthy for Belichick’s absence as at least 11 of the 50 voters opted against giving him a vote despite a career with 333 wins in the regular season and playoffs and the most Super Bowl titles of any head coach. A report last week that Belichick fell short in his first year of eligibility was met with widespread criticism of both the voters and the process for choosing Hall of Famers.

    “His stats speak for themselves,” said Vinatieri, who played six years for Belichick.

    “I thought he’d have a real good chance to be up there as well. The people who voted made their votes and I think he’ll be up here one day.”

    The man who hired Belichick in New England to set the stage for the Patriots dynasty also fell short, with owner Robert Kraft failing to get enough votes.

    This is the second straight year with a smaller class after only four people made it last year as new rule changes have made it harder to get into the Hall. There had been at least seven people inducted in the previous 12 classes before last year.

    That contributed to the snub for Belichick and Kraft, who were grouped with Craig and two other players — Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood — who have been retired for at least 25 seasons. The voters picked three of the five candidates with the highest vote-getter and anyone else above 80% getting the honor.

    Craig, who was in his 28th year of eligibility, was the only one of those five to make it. Craig was the first player ever to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season, which happened in 1985, and he led the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage in 1988 when he helped San Francisco win the Super Bowl.

    Craig also was part of the title-winning teams for the 49ers in the 1984 and 1989 seasons. His 410 yards from scrimmage in those Super Bowl wins are the third-most ever behind Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Franco Harris.

    The four modern-era candidates all overlapped for several years, waging many battles against each other.

    “Very early on you realized there was something special and unique about these guys,” Brees said.

    Vinatieri was one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, making the game-winning field goals in the first two Super Bowl victories during New England’s dynasty with Belichick and Kraft in charge. He joined Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen as the only players in the Hall who were primarily kickers in their careers.

    Vinatieri helped launch the run with one of the game’s greatest kicks — a 45-yarder in the snow to force overtime in the “Tuck Rule” game against the Raiders in the 2001 divisional round. He made the game-winning kick in OT to win that game and then hit a 48-yarder on the final play of a 20-17 win in the Super Bowl against the Rams.

    Vinatieri is the NFL’s career leader in points (2,673) and made field goals (599) over a 24-year career with New England and Indianapolis. He also leads all players with 56 field goals and 238 points in the postseason.

    Brees is second all time to Tom Brady with 80,358 yards passing and 571 touchdown passes. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing as a free agent with the Saints in 2006, where his career took off as he helped lift a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

    Brees delivered to New Orleans its first Super Bowl title following the 2009 season, when he won MVP of the game after beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Brees made the Pro Bowl 13 times in his career, won AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2011, was an All-Pro in 2006 and was a second-team All-Pro four times.

    Fitzgerald spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals after being drafted third overall in 2004. His 1,432 catches and 17,492 yards receiving in 17 seasons rank second all time to Jerry Rice.

    Fitzgerald topped 1,000 yards receiving nine times — tied for the fourth-most ever — and helped the Cardinals reach their only Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Fitzgerald set single-season records that postseason with 546 yards receiving and seven TD catches, including a go-ahead 64-yard score with 2:37 to play in the Super Bowl before Pittsburgh rallied for a 27-23 win over Arizona.

    Kuechly’s career was brief but impactful. The first-round pick by Carolina in 2012 was an All-Pro five times, with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defensed (66).

    Voters reduced the list of 15 finalists in the modern era category to 10 and then seven before voting for five to make it. The top three vote-getters and anyone else above 80% got into the Hall.

    Offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Marshal Yanda, and edge rusher Terrell Suggs made it to the final seven in the modern-era category and will automatically be finalists again next year.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg: What you need to know

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s that time again! Racing fans from all over will be heading to the Bay area for the start of the next INDYCAR season.

    The 2026 Firestone Grand Prix will be speeding through the streets of St. Pete Feb 27 – March 1.

    Here’s what you need to know.


    QUICK RECAP:

    The 2025 IndyCar season kicked off with an exciting showdown at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where Alex Palou emerged victorious after an intense battle with two of the sport’s biggest names, Josef Newgarden and Scott Dixon.

    WHEN IS THE 2026 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG?

    The event starts on Thursday, February 27 and goes until Sunday, March 2.

    WHERE DO I GET 2026 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX TICKETS?

    General admission adult tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix start at just $30 and three-day tickets start at $80.

    GRANDSTAND PRICING

    Day / Location Cost Ticket Type
    GOLD – Turn 1 & Turn 10 Grandstands (3-Day Only) $185 Adult
    GOLD – Turn 1 & Turn 10 Grandstands (3-Day Only) $165 Junior
    SILVER – Upper Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $170 Adult
    SILVER – Upper Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $150 Junior
    BRONZE – Lower Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $140 Adult
    BRONZE – Lower Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $120 Junior

     

    Day / Location Cost Ticket Type
    SILVER – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $135 Adult
    SILVER – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $125 Junior
    BRONZE – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $110 Adult
    BRONZE – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $100 Junior

    GENERAL ADMISSION PRICING

    Day / Type Cost Ticket Type
    GENERAL – 3-DAY $80 Adult
    GENERAL – 3-DAY $70 Junior
         
    GENERAL – FRIDAY $30 Adult
    GENERAL – SATURAY $55 Adult
    GENERAL – SUNDAY $70 Adult
         
    GENERAL – FRIDAY $30 Junior
    GENERAL – SATURDAY $45 Junior
    GENERAL – SUNDAY $60 Junior

     

    ADDITIONAL PASSES

    Day(s) Cost Pass Type
    PIT & PADDOCK – 3-DAY $160 Adult (18+)
    PADDOCK – 2-DAY $85 Adult / Junior
    PADDOCK – 1-DAY $55 Adult / Junior

    FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX MAP:

    In downtown St. Petersburg, the streets along the waterfront near Straub Park will be converted into a 1.8 mile race track. Just follow the noise from the loud engines!

    2026 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE:

    THURSDAY, FEB 26

    Time Event Location
    4:00 PM – 7:00 PM INDYCAR Party in the Park

    North Straub Park – No ticket

    required
    5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

    5K Run on the Firestone

    Grand Prix Track

    400 Bayshore Dr. NE

    Sign-up at gpstpete5k.com

    FRIDAY, FEB 27

    Time Series Session
    7:30 AM Gates Open  
    8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

    USF2000

    Practice
    8:55 AM – 9:40 AM Mazda MX-5 Cup Practice
    10:00 AM – 10:30 AM USF2000 Qualifying
    10:50 AM – 11:10 AM Mazda MX-5 Cup Qualifying
    11:30 AM – 12:10 PM USF2000 Race 1
    11:30 AM – 12:30 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Autograph Session – American Legion in Firestone Fan Experience
    12:30 PM – 1:15 PM INDY NXT by Firestone Practice
    1:00 PM – 1:45 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Autograph Session – Details TBA
    1:35 PM – 3:00 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1
    4:00 PM – 4:50 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Practice
    5:05 PM – 6:00 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Qualifying

    SATURDAY, FEB 28

    Time Series Session
    7:00 AM Gates Open  
    7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

    Mazda MX-5 Cup

    Race 1

     

     
    8:35 AM – 9:15 AM INDY NXT by Firestone Practice 2
    9:35 AM – 11:00 AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 2
    11:00 AM – 11:45 AM INDY NXT by Firestone Autograph Session – American Legion in Firestone Fan Experience
    11:30 AM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Driver Introductions
    12:00 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race (80 Laps)
    3:45 PM – 4:15 PM INDY NXT by Firestone Qualifying
    4:35 PM – 6:00 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying

    SUNDAY, MARCH 1

    Time Series Session
    8:00 AM Gates Open  
    9:05 AM – 9:35 AM

    NTT INDYCAR SERIES

    Warm-up
    10:06 AM INDY NXT by Firestone Race (45 Laps)
    11:20 AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Driver Introductions
    12:29 PM Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race (100 Laps)
    3:00 PM – 3:40 PM USF2000 Race 2
    4:00 PM – 4:40 PM Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 2

    PARKING

    City Parking Garage (SouthCore):

    City Parking Garages will be $25 per day.

    Motorcycle Parking:

    Available for $10, along the west side of 1st Street South between 1st Avenue South and Central Avenue.

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  • St. Pete Council votes to hold off on Gas Plant work for now

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Some members of St. Pete’s City Council want Mayor Ken Welch to pump the breaks on development of the historic Gas Plant district.

    The council voted 6-2 on Thursday to pursue a ‘planning-first framework’ before choosing a developer.

    Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard said it is the like the city is “chasing a speeding bullet” when it comes to redevelopment. It was Gabbard who introduced the motion, which can’t force the mayor to delay the project but expresses how Council is feeling.

    Mayor Ken Welch’s office received nine proposals from developers before their deadline earlier this week.

    In a memo sent to the Council on Wednesday, Welch said: “Pausing all progress for yet another planning exercise — after proposals have been submitted, risks repeating a familiar and painful pattern for this community: plans discussed, promises acknowledged, and action deferred.”

    Gabbard hasn’t officially filed but said she plans to run for mayor. Welch has filed to run for re-election.

    This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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  • Tampa Bay Rays new renderings of proposed ballpark at Hillsborough College

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays released initial renderings on Thursday morning of the proposed ballpark and mixed-use district at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus.

    The team is envisioning a domed stadium that can seat about 31,000 people.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Tampa Bay Rays released initial renderings on Thursday morning of the proposed ballpark at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus

    • The team is envisioning a domed stadium that can seat about 31,000 people

    • This week, the Rays, the school, the state of Florida, and MLB voiced support for the new ballpark

    • PREVIOUS STORIES on Rays stadium pursuit


    “We are moving into the next phase of this process with excellent momentum, thanks to the outstanding support of community leaders and our staff and partners here at the Tampa Bay Rays,” added Ken Babby, Chief Executive Officer of the Tampa Bay Rays. “We’re proud to share our bold and dynamic vision for the ballpark and believe strongly in its ability to benefit the team and our fans, Hillsborough College, the surrounding neighborhoods and the entire region.”

    Rendering provided by the Rays of a revamped HC Dale Mabry campus. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)

    Rendering provided by the Rays of a revamped HC Dale Mabry campus. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)

    Rendering provided by the Rays of a revamped HC Dale Mabry campus. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)

    According to a team release, the entire development would stretch about 130 acres across the campus and spread out over three sections: Champions Quarter, Innovation Edge and The Canopy.

    A triangular dome with a translucent roof, the Rays are billing the stadium as “the most intimate in Major League Baseball.” It would sit on the side of the campus closest to Raymond James Stadium in what the team is calling “Champions Quarter.”

    A rebuilt Hillsborough College with be housed in the Innovation Edge area near Lois Avenue and Tampa Bay Boulevard with an area called “The Canopy” including a mix of bars, restaurants, retail spaces and residential units.

     

    This week, the Rays, the school, the state of Florida, and MLB voiced support for the new ballpark. And the Hillsborough County Commission agreed to continue funding discussions with the team to see if a framework can be reached.

    “I’m incredibly grateful for what our organization and the Tampa community have accomplished in just over 100 days since acquiring the team, and of the progress we are making together toward a Forever Home for the Rays and our loyal fans,” said Patrick Zalupski, Managing Partner of the Tampa Bay Rays. “Hillsborough County’s unanimous vote is a significant milestone and a clear signal that Tampa is serious about keeping Major League Baseball in this region and transforming Tampa Bay for generations to come.”

    The team still has to work out a deal with local government about where the money for the new ballpark will come from.

    In addition, the team has begun accepting $19.98 deposits for early access to seating in the new ballpark.


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  • Backyard vegetable gardens are healthy for people, planet. Here’s how to start

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    OHIO — If you want healthy food, experts say to eat what’s local, organic and in-season. Those foods benefit the planet too, because they are less taxing on the soil and they don’t travel as far.

    It doesn’t get more local, organic and in-season than a backyard vegetable garden.

    What You Need To Know

    • At this time of year, many backyards across the country are still covered in snow

    • Vegetable gardens benefit the surrounding ecosystem by adding diverse plant life, especially where they replace grass or cover a deck or patio

    • Homegrown vegetables and fruits are responsible for fewer emissions than their store-bought counterparts
    • Gardening promotes physical health because it requires a lot of movement

    At this time of year, many backyards across the country are still covered in snow. But it’s the perfect time to start planning for a garden because you’ll want to have supplies ready to start planting just after the last frost date in your area.

    Below are some tips on how to plan a backyard garden and reasons why you should do it.

    Homegrown vegetables have fewer emissions

    Vegetable gardens benefit the surrounding ecosystem by adding diverse plant life, especially where they replace grass or cover a deck or patio. They also can provide flowering plants for pollinators.

    The plants capture and store carbon in the soil, promote healthy soil by preventing compaction and can make the air cooler on rooftops and patios, according to Ellen Comeau, who chairs the advisory council for the Cuyahoga County Master Gardener Volunteers with the Ohio State University Extension program.

    Homegrown vegetables and fruits are responsible for fewer emissions than their store-bought counterparts because grocery store produce typically travels long distances on trucks.

    “There’s this whole idea of a zero-kilometer meal, that I don’t have to travel anywhere, except my backyard, to make food. That certainly helps the climate,” said Carol Connare, editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

    Gardening has health benefits

    The health benefits from gardening are multifaceted, “social, emotional, nutritional, physical,” said Katherine Alaimo, an associate professor of food science and human nutrition at Michigan State University.

    Gardening promotes physical health because it requires a lot of movement. The food is typically picked at the height of ripeness and eaten fresh so it tends to have more nutrients than grocery store produce.

    Alaimo said most gardeners don’t use pesticides and grow their food organically. And of course, when you grow more produce, you eat more produce.

    “That’s going to reinforce people eating more fruits and vegetables even in the off season when they’re not growing food. So they try new foods, they potentially increase creativity and their cooking skills,” she said.

    Alaimo said gardening also connects people with nature, provides a sense of responsibility and accomplishment and encourages sharing harvests with friends. All of that can contribute to reduced stress, lower blood pressure and higher energy, she said.

    Picking the right spot and budgeting

    Sunlight is the biggest factor in choosing where to put your garden. Most produce wants at least six hours of sunlight per day. If sunny spots are few, save them for fruiting plants because leafy greens can tolerate more shade.

    It also helps to have a nearby water source because you’ll get more food for less effort if you’re not lugging buckets of water a long way.

    If you’re growing in the ground, Comeau said to start with a soil test to determine its acidity and nutrient makeup. Soil samples, once bagged or boxed, can typically be sent to a cooperative extension office at a university. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers a list of extension offices by state. The results will give you an idea of what to grow and whether you need fertilizer or other amendments.

    If you have barren soil or a concrete patio, you can buy or build raised beds with purchased soil. Connare said raised beds have advantages such as controlling the soil, but the disadvantages include the cost and the likelihood of compacting soil and eventually needing to replace it.

    After finding the right spot, Comeau said the next step is figuring out how much you have to spend. That determines how big the garden is, whether you sow seeds or buy baby plants known as starts and how many supplies you can afford.

    Another major investment: fencing for pests. That means digging fences into the soil to stop burrowing animals like groundhogs, making them tall to deter deer or installing netting for climbing critters.

    Choosing what to grow and when to start

    What you can grow depends on what falls into your region’s plant hardiness zone. Californians can grow olives more easily than Ohioans, for example.

    Connare recommends finding out what plants are working for your neighbors.

    “They might be able to tell you, ‘I can’t grow a Cherokee tomato here to save my life, but these tie-dye ones do great,’” she said.

    Once you’ve narrowed down what can grow, pick what appeals to you. Kevin Espiritu, founder of Epic Gardening, said he used to advise people to focus on what grows the fastest and easiest, but now he also emphasizes choosing what you like to eat.

    Connare also recommends adding flowers to attract pollinators. Local garden centers are good sources of knowledge about what native plants will attract beneficial insects.

    Espiritu said to figure out the last frost date in your area and plan around that. Many fruits and vegetables are best planted after the frost threat has passed, but some can go in earlier. Cool-season crops like leafy vegetables can tolerate slightly colder temperatures. Seeds can get started indoors weeks before the last frost date.

    Comeau said seed packet labels often provide instructions.

    “The label will tell you when you can start it and when it can go into the ground. Some obviously go right into the ground and some can be started ahead of time,” she said.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Morning Briefing Tampa February 4 2026

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    Good morning, Tampa Bay. Here’s what you need to know today.

    Your Weather Planner

    After a chilly start to the day, we will warm to the upper 60s to low 70s this afternoon.

    Winds will be southeast to southwest around 10 mph.

    Enjoy the pleasant afternoon with mostly sunny to partly sunny skies.

    Expect mostly cloudy skies and rain tonight as the next cold front approaches our area. 

    Highs: 69

    Lows: 51

    Rain Coverage: 0%

    Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos

    Around Tampa Bay

    1. City and county officials next up to bat as talks turn to finances of Rays stadium proposal
    If completed, the new Rays’ stadium would be one of the most expensive in Major League Baseball.

    2. New Florida Center for EMS, created through $10 million grant, ready to help
    Through research, education, and innovation, the Florida Center for EMS plans to enhance the state’s EMS system.

    3. Tampa Sports Authority raises questions about proposed Tampa Bay Rays ballpark
    After the crowds clear and the pirates sail away, Gasparilla Pirate Fest leaves behind more than just memories.

    4. HART kicks off Black history bus tours for Hillsborough County students
    The school tours are scheduled throughout February, and each is tailored for students age and grade level. HART expects to visit about 18 schools total.

    Around the Nation & World

    1. Trump signs spending package, ending partial shutdown

    2. Sen. Warner calls on Tulsi Gabbard to testify about Georgia election center search

    3. Signs of forced entry found at Arizona home of ‘Today’ show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother

    4. Trump hosts Colombia’s Petro just weeks after insulting him as a ‘sick man’ fueling the drug trade

    Quote of the Day

    This Black History Month marks one hundred years of Black history commemorations.

    Dr. Carter G. Woodson came up with the concept in 1926 as a weeklong celebration that later evolved into Black History Month.

    A lot has changed since the first Black history observance, and one woman has been alive for it all. Amanda Page just celebrated her 100th birthday.

    She said she saw the marches, got her voting rights, but still sees so much that needs to be done today. Especially learning about Black history.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • José Ramírez will get final payment from Guardians in 2051

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    CLEVELAND — José Ramírez will receive his final payment in 2051 under the third baseman’s $175 million, seven-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians.

    What You Need To Know

    • He gets a full no-trade provision and a hotel suite on road trips

    • Ramírez’s deferred money from each season will be payable in 10 equal installments each Dec. 15 starting in the 10th year after it was earned

    • The 33-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has played his entire 13-year big league career in Cleveland

    His deal, announced Friday, includes annual salaries of $25 million, of which $10 million annually will be deferred.

    Ramírez’s deferred money from each season will be payable in 10 equal installments each Dec. 15 starting in the 10th year after it was earned. His 2026 money will be paid from 2036-45 and his 2032 money from 2042-51.

    He gets a full no-trade provision and a hotel suite on road trips.

    Ramírez earned $72 million from 2022-25 under a $141 million, seven-year deal that had $69 million remaining: $21 million this year, $23 million in 2027 and $25 million in 2028.

    The 33-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has played his entire 13-year big league career in Cleveland.

    A seven-time All-Star, Ramírez had a career-high 44 stolen bases last season and became the fourth player with multiple seasons of at least 30 home runs and 40 steals. He had a .283 batting average.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Debate ramps up on immigration enforcement, Florida Museum of Black History

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    Another funding cliff for the Department of Homeland Security, and the Florida Museum of Black History is one step closer to becoming a reality.


    Another funding cliff for the Department of Homeland Security as hearing held on ICE’s future

    Debate is ramping up on immigration enforcement. Congress has passed a funding bill to end the partial government shutdown, and President Trump signed it earlier Tuesday.

    But it creates another funding cliff for the Department of Homeland Security.

    DHS is only funded through Feb. 13 as Congress debates reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    On Tuesday, Democrats held a public hearing on ICE’s future.

    They called as witnesses the brothers of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis.

    “The deep distress our family feels because of Renee’s loss in such a violent and unnecessary way, is complicated by feelings of disbelief, distress, and desperation for change,” said Luke Ganger, one of the brothers.

    “In the last few weeks, our family took some consolation thinking that perhaps Nee’s death would bring about change in our country. And it has not,” he said. “The completely surreal scenes taking place on the streets of Minneapolis are beyond explanation. This is not just a bad day or a rough week or isolated incidents. These encounters with federal agents are changing the community and changing many lives, including ours, forever.”

    Brent Ganger added, “There are billions of people who know her name. And it would be so easy to fall into the false belief that great, heroic things are required to overcome difficult things in the world. But as Tolkien wrote, it is the small, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”

    During the hearing, members also brought up the case of Alex Pretti.

    Pretti was an intensive care unit nurse in Minneapolis that was killed by federal agents on Jan. 24.

    On Monday, a judge lifted the order requiring federal investigators to preserve evidence from the Pretti shooting scene.

    The hearing called out the Trump administration for lack of accountability in these investigations.

    Democratic candidate for Florida governor David Jolly joined Political Connections on Tuesday to discuss the issue. The interview is included in the video above.

    Bill paves way for 1st Black history museum in Florida

    The Florida Museum of Black History is one step closer to becoming a reality. It’s a plan that has been years in the making.

    If approved, it would become Florida’s first museum of Black history.

    But the proposal will need approval in both the Florida House and Senate.

    It would be located in St. Augustine in St. Johns County.

    The bill paves the way for construction and establishes a new board to oversee it.

    Lawmakers kicked off the museum process in 2023 with a task force interviewing more than 4,000 people.

    Fast forward to Tuesday, when the bill made it out of its final Florida Senate committee stop.

    If approved by lawmakers, the bill would go into effect July 1.

    “I don’t think the history of Florida can be told without also telling the story of Black Floridians,” said Republican state Sen. Tom Leek of St. Augustine. “What this does is give the opportunity for that history to be told and for the story to be completed.”

    In 2024, a state task force chose St. Johns County over Eatonville in Central Florida.

    — Jason Delgado, Spectrum News

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  • Two Hernando schools closed Monday due to rolling power outages

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    HERNANDO COUNTY — Hernando High School and Brooksville Elementary School will be closed Monday, Feb. 2 due to rolling power outages scheduled by Duke Energy, according to the Hernando School District.

    The district says YMCA programs are also cancelled.

    All other campuses will remain open.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Live updates: Dangerous travel conditions expected as snow falls across N.C.

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    North Carolina

    UPDATED 4:16 AM ET Feb. 01, 2026
    PUBLISHED 2:00 PM ET Jan. 30, 2026
    PUBLISHED 2:00 PM EST Jan. 30, 2026

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • PHOTOS: Cold weather brings flurries, ice to Tampa Bay

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 2:15 PM ET Feb. 01, 2026
    PUBLISHED 2:15 PM EST Feb. 01, 2026

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • So, what do I do with all these Gasparilla beads?

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    TAMPA, Fla. — It’s the morning after Gasparilla and you find yourself still weighed down with all those beads.

    So what do you do with all of them?

    As it turns out, they can reused, recycled and repurposed. 

    But there is important information for you to know before you dispose of them.

    Keep Tampa’s waterways bead-free, and remember that throwing beads or any other items in the water is prohibited according to Florida Statute 403.413. 

    Beads and other non-biodegradable items are harmful to the environment and pose serious threats to marine wildlife. They take a thousand years to break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which never decompose.

    Beads can be reused year after year keeping them out of the waste stream and more importantly, out of the bay. Cleaned and sanitized beads are packaged and sold back to parade crews for other City events.  

    Also, the Florida Aquarium is once again partnering with the City of Tampa on the Bead-Free Bay initiative. The effort turns a fun tradition into a meaningful way to protect the environment while supporting conservation and community programs.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Weather playing along for Lightning’s outdoor game

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    TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning is set to drop the puck Sunday evening an an entirely new location – outdoors.

    The Bolts will take on the Boston Bruins Sunday evening in the NHL’s Stadium Series game taking place at Raymond James Stadium.

    And the weather is cooperating.


    Bay area wind chills early on Sunday morning could be as low as the single digits and teens north and inland, so an extreme cold watch is in place for early Sunday.

    Sunday will be very cold and breezy with highs only in the 40s. 

    As far as the actual game, here’s what you need to know:

    Boston Bruins (32-20-3, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (34-14-4, in the Atlantic Division)

    Puck drop is at 6:30 p.m.

     

    The Tampa Bay Lightning will try to keep their seven-game home win streak intact when they play the Boston Bruins.

    Tampa Bay is 34-14-4 overall and 6-3-1 against the Atlantic Division. The Lightning have scored 180 total goals (3.5 per game) to rank sixth in league play.

    Boston is 32-20-3 overall and 9-8-0 against the Atlantic Division. The Bruins have a 7-4-0 record in games they have fewer penalties than their opponent.

    The matchup Sunday is the second time these teams play this season. The Lightning won 4-3 in the previous matchup. Anthony Cirelli led the Lightning with two goals.

    TOP PERFORMERS: Nikita Kucherov has 27 goals and 55 assists for the Lightning. Jake Guentzel has five goals and six assists over the past 10 games.

    Morgan Geekie has 30 goals and 20 assists for the Bruins. Viktor Arvidsson has five goals and one assist over the last 10 games.

    LAST 10 GAMES: Lightning: 8-1-1, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.6 assists, 4.2 penalties and 12.6 penalty minutes while giving up 1.6 goals per game.

    Bruins: 8-1-1, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.3 assists, 3.9 penalties and nine penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game.

    INJURIES: Lightning: None listed.

    Bruins: None listed.

    Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ohio Weekend Digest: A deep freeze while digging out from the winter storm

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    Your weekend is here, Buckeye State. Let’s look back at some of the stories that were in the headlines this week. But first, here’s a look at the forecast:

    Find more forecast details: Cincinnati | Cleveland | Columbus | Dayton | Toledo

     

    Top headlines across Ohio this week

    Snow totals from this weekend’s winter storm

    A weekend winter storm dropped several inches of snow on the state Saturday, with many areas reporting more than a foot. The snow was followed by bitterly cold temperatures. Read more >>>

    Understanding Ohio’s snow emergency classifications

    During the storm, many counties provided “snow emergency level notifications.” But some counties opted for different ways to notify the public about the safety risks associated with the storm. Read more >>>

    Schools prepare as Temporary Protected Status for Haiti nears end

    On Feb. 3, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti comes to an end. Many people in Springfield, Ohio, are preparing to see a potential influx of ICE activity in their city. The Springfield City School District is pushing for stability, safety and normal operations as a way to brace for what could happen next. Read more >>>

    Troopers seize millions in cocaine during traffic stop

    Law enforcement seized 154 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop in Madison County last Friday, Jan. 23, accordingLaw enforcement seized 154 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop in Madison County last Friday, Jan. 23, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.. Read more >>>

    OSU declines to take Leslie Wexner’s name off of its football practice facility

    Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno is pushing to end dual citizenship in the United States, which immigration attorney Ayla Blumenthal said would override decades of Supreme Court precedent. Read more >>>

    The biggest stories of the week across the nation

    1. DOJ has opened a federal civil rights probe into death of Alex Pretti, deputy AG says

    2. Justice Department says it’s releasing 3 million more pages as part of final Epstein files release

    3. Trump sues IRS and Treasury for $10 billion over leaked tax info

    Download the Spectrum News App

    There are plenty of things going on this weekend across the Buckeye State. If you’re looking for something to do, check out our Weekend Pass for some ideas.

    Asia Plaza in Cleveland is celebrating the Lunar New Year. (Spectrum News 1/Chloe Magill)

    Weekend Playlist

     

    Here’s what we’re listening to as we relax and unwind this weekend.

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  • 29th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City postponed due to high wind forecast

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    DADE CITY, Fla. — The 29th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City has been postponed due to high winds forecasted for Saturday, officials with the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce announced on Friday morning.

    Officials issued the following statement:

    “Due to high winds forecasted for tomorrow and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees, the 29th Annual Kumquat Festival will be postponed. A new event date will be announced this afternoon.”

    The kumquat festival is a popular event celebrated every year, typically on the same date as Tampa’s Gasparilla pirate fest, where attendees can celebrate the “little gold gem of the citrus industry” with treats inspired by the unique fruit along with a children’s activity area, classic car show, craft kumquat beer and wine, and activities for all ages.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • FAA recommends 44 launches per year for SpaceX’s Starship

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — SpaceX passed another milestone in its effort to bring its Super Heavy Starship rocket to the Space Coast.

    What You Need To Know

    • The report recommended that SpaceX could pursue up to 44 launches per year from Kennedy Space Center
    • This also includes 88 landings, 44 for Starship and 44 for the Super Heavy rocket booster
    • Super Heavy is the rocket booster part of the vehicle; the spacecraft is called Starship

    On Friday, the FAA released a 444-page “Record of Decision” on a final environmental impact statement.

    The report recommended that SpaceX could pursue up to 44 launches per year from Kennedy Space Center. This also includes 88 landings, 44 for Starship and 44 for the Super Heavy rocket booster.

    The agency previously released an environmental impact statement to allow up to 76 launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

    SpaceX would still need to complete mitigation work and get approval for a launch license from the FAA before those launches could begin.

    Some residents have voiced concerns about beach access or noise related to the launches.

    The agency acknowledged impacts on commercial flights, in particular, international flights, due to the need for ground stops and re-routing.

    The FAA also considered that launches could cost the National Parks Service revenue due to required closures of parts of the Canaveral National Seashore.

    And that sonic booms could expose some Brevard County residents to noise during late-night operations, but still stuck with the recommendations to approve.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Blue Origin puts a pause on New Shepard launches to focus on the moon

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    NATIONWIDE— Space will not be a destination for paying customers for a while, at least not through Blue Origin.

    What You Need To Know

    • Blue Origin stated it wants to focus on its “lunar capabilities”
    • NASA has tapped Blue Origin and other companies for the Artemis III mission

    The company announced Friday that it would pause its reusable New Shepard rocket flights for at least two years.

    Those are the ones that sent passengers, including Katy Perry, Gayle King, Jeff Bezos, Michael Strahan, and William Shatner, above the Kármán line to experience weightlessness.

    The majority of the passengers have not been celebrities who went beyond the line to the edge of space, at 62 miles/100 kilometers above the planet’s surface.

    Blue Origin had run more than a dozen of those flights, with the most recent one having lifted off just over a week ago, on Jan. 22.

    The company stated it will shift resources to accelerate its “lunar capabilities.”

    “Blue Origin today announced it will pause its New Shepard flights and shift resources to further accelerate development of the company’s human lunar capabilities. The decision reflects Blue Origin’s commitment to the nation’s goal of returning to the Moon and establishing a permanent, sustained lunar presence,” stated Brett Griffin, director of Blue Origin’s public relations.

    In October 2025, then NASA acting Administrator Sean Duffy said the U.S. space agency is considering Blue Origin and other companies to handle the task of returning humans to the moon’s surface because SpaceX’s Starship was behind schedule.

    “Now, SpaceX had the contract for Artemis III. By the way, I love SpaceX and it’s an amazing company, but the problem is, they are behind. They pushed their timelines out and we are in a race against China. The president and I want to get to the moon in this president’s term. So, I’m going to open up the contract and I’m going let other space companies compete with SpaceX, like Blue Origin. Whatever one gets us there first to the moon, we are going to take. If SpaceX is behind and Blue Origin can do it before them, good on Blue Origin,” he wrote on X at the time.

    During a September 2025 media tour of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket facility in Florida, Spectrum News asked U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, who is the chairman of the U.S. Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, if NASA had any backup plans if Starship was behind schedule.

    He only said that the only focus at that time was Artemis II, which will see four astronauts flyby the moon in NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft.

    Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1 lunar lander is set to have an uncrewed launch to land on the moon sometime in 2026, and the Blue Moon Mark 2 lunar lander will be taking humans back to the moon’s surface for the Artemis V mission.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Anthony Leone

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