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Tag: tampa

  • USF announces complete 2026 football schedule

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The University of South Florida has announced its complete football schedule for 2026.

    USF will open the season, its last in Raymond James Stadium before opening its on-campus stadium in 2027, on Sept. 5 at home against Florida International.

    An early-season American Conference game is scheduled for Sept. 12 at Army.

    The Bulls also play home, non-conference games vs. Delaware State on Saturday, Sept. 19, and Kent State on Saturday, Oct. 17, with the Kent State game designated as Homecoming.

    The Bulls’ lone non-conference road contest takes place at Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 26.

    USF will play a total of eight conference games, including home games with Temple, Alabama-Birmingham, Memphis and its season-ending game against Tulane.

    The Bulls went 9-4 last year, with a third consecutive bowl appearance. USF also made the program’s first College Football Playoff ranking appearance and was ranked four times in the weekly Associated Press Top 25 poll.

    The team has a new coach this season, Brian Hartline, after Alex Golesh left to become the head coach at Auburn.

     

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    Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Despite clouds and fog, SpaceX successfully launches Starlink mission

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — While clouds were a bit of a concern, SpaceX was able to successfully launch nearly 30 Starlink satellites atop a Falcon 9 rocket Friday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Falcon 9 rocket sent up Starlink 6-108 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 Friday morning
    • This will be the 30th launch of this Falcon 9’s first-stage booster

    The Falcon 9 rocket was carrying Starlink 6-108 mission from Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, stated SpaceX. 

    The 7:17 a.m. liftoff was within the launch window, which opened at 4:52 a.m. ET and was set to close at 8:52 a.m. 

    The 45th Weather Squadron gave an 85% chance of good liftoff conditions, with the only concern being the cumulus cloud rule.

    Find out more about the weather criteria for a Falcon 9 launch.

    The Big 3 0!

    For this Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, called B1069, it will finally hit the big 3 0! This is one of the older first-stage boosters, with 29 missions in its resume.

    After the stage separation, the first-stage rocket is expected to land on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas that will be in the Atlantic Ocean.

    About the mission

    The 29 satellites from the Starlink company, owned by SpaceX, will be heading to low-Earth orbit to join its mechanical brothers and sisters.

    Once deployed and in their orbit, they will provide internet service to many parts of Earth.

    Dr. Jonathan McDowell, of Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, has been keeping track of Starlink satellites.

    Before this launch, McDowell recorded the following:

    • 9,826 are in orbit
    • 8,352 are in operational orbit

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Planets on parade: Rare 6 planets line up in the sky

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    Coming up on the last evening of February, Mother Nature will treat us to another astronomical phenomenon known as “planets on parade.” 

    What You Need To Know

    • Six planets will align on the evening of Feb. 28

    • Planets lining up happens a couples times per year

    • Two of the six planets can only be seen through binoculars or a small telescope


    It’s nicknamed as such because several planets appear to form a fairly straight line in the early evening sky. However, Spectrum News Space Expert Anthony Leone says it’s all about perspective. “In reality (and out in space), they are not lined up. It only appears that way to us.”

    This ‘parade’ is unique because six planets (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) will align. He recommends looking west to southwest 30 to 60 minutes after sunset and finding a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. The earlier the better, as Mercury will dip below the horizon not long after sunset. Jupiter will appear as a bright star to the east of the waxing gibbous moon.

    And make sure you bring binoculars or a telescope. “With the naked eye, you can see planets Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as stars,” Leone says. “The more distant planets like Uranus and Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope to view.”

    Adding, “Free astronomy apps like ‘Sky Guide,’ ‘Planets’ and ‘SkyPortal’ are great at helping people see when and where the planets will rise.” 

     

    How frequently does this event occur?

    “Believe it or not, planet alignments are not too rare, and they happen a couple of times each year. It just depends on how many planets will be in alignment for a parade,” explains Leone. 

    If the weather doesn’t permit you to view this February, there will be another opportunity in August. The next one will be Aug. 12 with Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all aligning.

    Happy viewing everyone!

    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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    Meteorologist Scott Dean

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  • Planets on parade: Rare 6 planets line up in the sky

    [ad_1]

    Coming up on the last evening of February, Mother Nature will treat us to another astronomical phenomenon known as “planets on parade.” 

    What You Need To Know

    • Six planets will align on the evening of Feb. 28

    • Planets lining up happens a couples times per year

    • Two of the six planets can only be seen through binoculars or a small telescope


    It’s nicknamed as such because several planets appear to form a fairly straight line in the early evening sky. However, Spectrum News Space Expert Anthony Leone says it’s all about perspective. “In reality (and out in space), they are not lined up. It only appears that way to us.”

    This ‘parade’ is unique because six planets (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) will align. He recommends looking west to southwest 30 to 60 minutes after sunset and finding a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. The earlier the better, as Mercury will dip below the horizon not long after sunset. Jupiter will appear as a bright star to the east of the waxing gibbous moon.

    And make sure you bring binoculars or a telescope. “With the naked eye, you can see planets Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as stars,” Leone says. “The more distant planets like Uranus and Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope to view.”

    Adding, “Free astronomy apps like ‘Sky Guide,’ ‘Planets’ and ‘SkyPortal’ are great at helping people see when and where the planets will rise.” 

     

    How frequently does this event occur?

    “Believe it or not, planet alignments are not too rare, and they happen a couple of times each year. It just depends on how many planets will be in alignment for a parade,” explains Leone. 

    If the weather doesn’t permit you to view this February, there will be another opportunity in August. The next one will be Aug. 12 with Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all aligning.

    Happy viewing everyone!

    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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    Meteorologist Scott Dean

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  • Political Connections Florida February 26 2026

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    The Florida legislature has approved a bill that strengthens the rules about candidates swapping parties and a bill creating a remembrance day for political activist Charlie Kirk is one step closer to becoming law.


    Bill clarifying party affiliation requirements for candidates passes both chambers

    The Florida legislature has approved a bill that strengthens the rules about candidates swapping parties ahead of political races.

    That measure passed with flying colors in both the Florida House and Senate.

    In a nutshell, it requires some allegiance to a party before ever running as a partisan candidate.

    “This ensures transparency for the voters to know who they are really voting for,” said State Sen. Kristen Arrington, D-Kissimmee.

    House Bill 91 is now ready for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ final consideration.

    It tightens a long-standing rule that requires party affiliation for at least 365 consecutive days prior to the candidate qualifying period.

    “When we put a party ID on a ballot, it should mean that you’re a person who’s a member of that party, has been a committed member of that party,” said Florida Republican Party Chair Evan Power.

    The bill is essentially designed to address two key issues.

    “One — individuals who changed their party affiliation for convenience a few days before an election, and secondly… those who changed their name in order to disguise their background,” said State Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Pensacola.

    It creates a pathway for candidates to challenge someone in court if they fail to meet the requirement.

    “That is an opportunity that we will have as a state party, to hold that individual accountable and make sure that the election process is done in a correct and fair manner,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.

    This bill will go into effect immediately if and when DeSantis signs it, meaning it could shape this year’s upcoming election.

    Bill to create remembrance day for Charlie Kirk presses forward

    The bill creating a remembrance day for political activist Charlie Kirk is one step closer to becoming law as the Florida House approved the measure 82 to 31.

    If signed into law, the day of remembrance would fall on Oct. 14, Kirk’s birthday.

    The bill sparked a lot of debate on the House floor.

    Democratic State Rep. Ashley Viola Gantt argued Kirk had zero ties to Florida and offered a new take on how his assassination should be viewed.

    “If we want to talk about free speech, let’s talk about being precise with our words. When we hear assassination, that’s typically related to a person and a political position. Charlie Kirk died from gun violence. We continuously advocate for gun policies, legislation that would ensure that people who probably shouldn’t have a gun, don’t have a gun,” Viola Gantt said. “So was his passing tragic for those who love him. Absolutely, there’s no denying that. But he was not assassinated and words being accurate matters. It was a death by gun violence, that is an issue here in the country that we should all be on the same page of addressing.”

    Supporters argued Kirk should be honored for promoting respectful debate.

    Republican State Rep. Chase Traymont said those against this measure simply don’t want it because Kirk did not validate their views.

    “The refusal to embrace the true meaning of tolerance is what has led to so many people being intolerant of this particular man who not only refused to validate your ideas, but actually dared to challenge those ideas,” Traymont said. “Not through violence, not through protesting, not through boycotting, not through cancellation. He challenged it through civil conversation. Let’s have a conversation. Let’s talk it. That’s what he said, and that’s what he did. This day of remembrance isn’t about demanding agreement — it’s about defending that conversation, and that conversation should always trump confrontation.”

    The Florida Senate companion bill is on its second reading.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • St. Pete wants to expand the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg City Council committee took the first steps on Thursday to potentially give voters the chance in November to approve an expansion of the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub.

    What You Need To Know

    • A St. Pete City Council committee unanimously approved ballot language for a 25-year lease for Hub 2 on Thursday

    • The city wants to expand the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub with a new $30M facility

    • Plans call for a 52,000 square foot research and collaboration facility which would be mostly funded by grants

    • The next step is a public hearing and council approval of an ordinance, which would trigger the referendum to be on the November ballot


    “Our port is a unique asset,” said Alison Barlow, Innovation District CEO. “We want to capitalize on that.”

    The new facility, Hub 2, would cost $30 million and be constructed on a parking lot just west of the current building at 450 8th Avenue Southeast, which opened in 2022. The city must seek voter approval to lease the land, which is a requirement for public waterfront property development.

    Plans call for a 52,000 square foot research and collaboration facility. The current capacity of the Hub is about 32,000 square feet. Hub 2 would feature communal workspaces, a waterfront connection to the Port of St. Petersburg, a rooftop terrace and a lobby with the only NOAA 360 sphere in Florida, according to Barlow.

    “It uses high-tech cameras and shows different weather patterns,” Barlow said. “You can do different storytelling. You can do all kinds of really neat educational programs.”

    The city’s Economic and Workforce Development Committee unanimously approved a 25-year lease for the ballot on Thursday, aligning port facilities with neighboring Albert Whitted Airport. Council Member Gina Driscoll chairs the committee, and the Hub is located in her district. Driscoll called it a tremendous opportunity to expand the marine science sector.

    “This is going to create jobs,” she said. “It’s going to bring new companies here, new research, and it’s going to help the companies that we do have here to be able to expand and stay in St. Petersburg.”

    The average salary for full-time employees at the Hub is $91,500. Driscoll said the City Council must take a few more steps to place the referendum on the 2026 ballot.

    “Next, this item will go to a public hearing,” she said. “If this passes as an ordinance, the ordinance triggers the referendum, and it will be on the ballot in November.”

    Barlow said the Innovation District only plans to ask voters to approve the lease, as she expects to pay for Hub 2 with multiple grants and some tenant investment.

    “That is our goal,” she said. “Maybe some private investment.”

    Peyton Donald and Ashley Player were one of the first startups to move their business, Seven Serpents, into the Hub in 2022. Seven Serpents is just one of 20 businesses packed into the Hub, which includes SubUAS and Pole Star Defense.

    Donald is the president of Seven Serpents, which offers training for special forces in the U.S. military, and said more space is desperately needed

    “It’s a great environment to work. Unfortunately, there’s not enough individualized space for all of the companies,” he said. “There’s not enough facilities here in the St. Pete area. We’ve searched all over the place.”

    Player is the company’s vice president and said it has taken Seven Serpents years to expand into bigger spaces at the Hub.

    “We started out in the co-working space. So hot desking,” she said. “Then we moved into this office, which was a nice change. And we’re about to move into a bigger office.”

    The only space currently available at the HUB is a 10 by 10 office, according to Barlow.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Sprowls Horizon Sports Park hosts its grand opening this weekend

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    PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — Sprowls Horizon Sports Park in Pinellas Park is hosting its grand opening this weekend after years of planning. 

    The complex has six baseball and softball fields, a field hockey rink, a playground and more.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sprowls Horizon Sports Park is home to baseball and softball fields, a multi-purpose field, a field hockey rink and more

    • Sprowls Horizon Sports Park General Manager Michael Nielsen said the park will bring in 160,000 people a year

    • The baseball and softball fields are booked every weekend through the end of 2026

    Baseball coaches like Sean Rodriguez are thrilled that the kids they coach will have the opportunity to play at the park. 

    “To say they got to experience their youth on fields like this, it’s going to make it that much more memorable,” he said. 

    Rodriguez is a co-owner of R3 — With God No Fear. 

    He had a 13-year major league baseball career, including spending 2010 through 2014 with the Rays.  

    Rodriguez said they’ve been looking for fields where they could consistently practice for three years. 

    This sports park is giving them exactly what they’ve been looking for. 

    “I was walking and just messing around with some of my parents, and they were like, man, this is beautiful,” he said. “I was like, yeah, I’m trying to find Jesus because this has got to be heaven.”

    Pinellas Park Community Development Administrator Nick Colonna said the park will be an anchor for the city.

    “We offer good food,” he said about the city. “We offer great manufacturing base. We offer a lot of great retail. We offer farms. We offer a lot. Now, we offer a regional sports complex that brings in people that have never seen the region and the city.” 

    Sprowls Horizon Sports Park General Manager Michael Nielsen said the park will bring in 160,000 people a year. 

    The park is already booked every weekend through the end of 2026.

    “With tournaments every single weekend, including national and regional, and local tournaments, you have people coming from Delaware, Colorado, California, all to see this wonderful city, but also highlighting something for the local community and bringing in people from Tampa or even Lakeland to enjoy the site,” he said.  

    There will be a ribbon-cutting on Saturday to recognize the opening of the park. 

    The park will open at noon every day. 

    Nielsen said rental for the baseball and softball fields is $90 per hour.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Attorney asks Stetson Law School to denounce Pam Bondi

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is under fire about the way she handled the Epstein file release. And the people speaking out are some of her fellow attorneys and judges who are alumni of Stetson Law School.

    What You Need To Know

    • Attorney General Pam Bondi faces criticism for her handling of the Epstein file release

    • Stetson Law alumni, including judges and attorneys, call for the school to denounce Bondi

    • A letter initiated by attorney Johnny Bardine has gathered hundreds of signatures

    In a letter written to Stetson Law School officials, Bondi’s ethics were called into question and it asks the school to publicly denounce her.

    Like Bondi, attorney Johnny Bardine is a graduate of Stetson Law. He’s also the author of the letter that’s garnered about four hundred signatures and counting.

    “I was surprised by how many there were in a short amount of time,” he said. “We count among our numbers three retired members of the judiciary and a former county commissioner and hundreds more attorneys that span political differences.”

    He read part of the letter that was sent out on Feb. 23, 2026:

    “We write to you with grave concern about the conduct of one of our most prominent graduates, Pam Bondi,” he read.

    In the letter, attorney Bardine asks the law school to issue a public statement reaffirming the college of law’s commitment to ethical practice, transparency and the rule of law. It also requests the school to express formal disapproval of Bondi’s actions and to support efforts to hold positions of legal authority to the highest ethical standards.

    Bardine said there were several tense moments during a congressional hearing where Bondi testified.

    “You don’t tell me anything you washed up loser lawyer. You’re not even a lawyer,” Bondi said while being questioned in that hearing. “I have spent my entire career fighting for victims, and I will continue to do so. I am deeply sorry for what any victim has been through. Especially as a result of that monster.”

    Bardine says Bondi’s words didn’t appear to match her actions. There were several tense moments during the hearing, but there was a moment Bardine said he knew he had to say and do something.

    “In particular, in that testimony there was the moment in which she wouldn’t turn around and acknowledge the Epstein survivors and the sort of glib look on her face really struck a chord which is sort of immediately empathetical to the Florida oath of attorney which requires we handle ourselves with ethics and candor,” Bardine said.

    President Trump came to Bondi’s defense the day after the hearing in a Truth Social post saying she was under intense fire and was fantastic at the hearing on the never-ending saga of Jeffrey Epstien.

    Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds told Spectrum Bay News 9’s partners at the Tampa Bay Times Bondi did the best she could with millions of pages of documents. He said the messaging kind of got a little off, but the files are out there.

    As an attorney and a Stetson Law graduate, Bardine says more is expected from anyone who took the oath.

    “At a minimum, attorneys are trusted to follow the law, and not one attorney is above the law. And prior to her testimony she had fallen short of the law. She’d been dilatory releasing these files and when she did, they were sloppily redacted,” Bardine said.

    At a 2013 Stetson Law School graduation, Bondi delivered a speech to graduates with a message about ethics and the law.

    “The value of Stetson is so much more than the degree you’re about to receive. My studies at Stetson taught me to understand, respect and love the law and speak up for what’s right,” Bondi said in that speech.

    The message she gave to students about doing the right thing is what Bardine said his letter is calling on Stetson administrators to do.

    “In a perfect world, I think the dean makes a statement that says this is not who we are. This is not who we stand for. Stetson has a long legacy of prizing ethical conduct and professional responsibility,” Bardine said.

    Spectrum News reached out to Stetson Law School about the letter that’s asking them to denounce Bondi, and they said they have no comment. Spectrum News is also still waiting to hear back from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. As for Bardine, he says he plans to continue collecting signatures and press officials at Stetson.

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    Saundra Weathers

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  • Veteran students hope for changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Logan Cappelli is a Coast Guard veteran and also a student at St. Pete College in Pinellas County and thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, or Chapter 33, Cappelli has had the financial support he needed to attend SPC since 2024.  

    What You Need To Know

    • HR 1965, better known as, The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, was introduced to legislation in early March 2025 

    • The bill would raise stipend amounts to $1,400 for books and supplies. The program is estimated to assist almost 1 million participants with $13.4 billion in benefits 

    • The amount of money provided through this stipend has not changed since 2009; the new stipend raise will respond to changing inflation and costs for tuition

    • Current Post-9/11 GI Bill regulations require veterans to take at least one in-person class to receive full benefits, a rule veteran students like Logan Cappelli find outdated as programs shift online


    Focused on providing needed benefits to eligible service members and veterans who served on or after the events of September 11, 2001, it supports veterans by paying tuition, offering a book stipend, and a living expense stipend.

    “It definitely pays for a lot of things that I wouldn’t be able to pay for,” Cappelli said.

    However, the GI Bill isn’t perfect, and Capelli said many parts feel outdated or tied to regulations that aren’t realistic anymore. That includes the requirement to take at least one in-person class to keep GI benefits.

    Many of Cappelli’s classes for his major are offered virtually online.

    “I ran into a problem in the summer where I couldn’t take any classes because none of them were going to be in person,” said Cappelli. 

    Additionally, Cappelli thinks stipends for education support need to provide more money to keep up with rising costs.

    The Post-9/11 GI Bill book stipend has stayed at $1,000 since 2009. But with an inflation increase of over 50 percent the last 17 years, that money is now worth a total of $1,500.

    “One textbook could be $300 or more just for one textbook,” Cappelli said. “So, I definitely don’t think that it’s kept up with modern times. Nor do I think I’d be able to afford my Wacom tablet with it.”

    That’s what New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez wanted to target when he introduced the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act in 2025. The new legislation would raise the book and supplies stipend to $1,400 and tie future adjustments to inflation.

    He sent Spectrum News the following statement:

    “Currently, the GI Bill’s annual book stipend no longer reflects today’s costs and falls woefully short of meeting the financial needs of our veterans today. At a time when millions of veterans are already working to make ends meet, Congress should not allow outdated policy to become yet another barrier to their success.”

    SPC Veteran Student Advisor, Trevor McGilvery, said a vast majority of veterans at the college in Pinellas County use the GI Bill for education assistance.  

    He said this potential increase could make a big difference for many veterans or service members looking to go back to school.

    “The last thing I want any of my students to have to do is take out a loan to pay for books or a computer or any of their mandatory educational supplies when the GI Bill, its original purpose was to ensure that they didn’t have to do that,” McGilvery said. 

    Spectrum News reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs as well. They directed us to their testimony to the House committee last summer, which stated:

    “While this stipend has remained constant since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was initially enacted in 2009, the cost of books has increased every year. Thus, VA fully supports an annual adjustment to the stipend, similar to the adjustments that are made for tuition and fees payments.”

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Florida Strawberry Festival 2026: Dates, entertainment, food and more

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    PLANT CITY, Fla. — The 91st annual Florida Strawberry Festival will make its return to Plant City on Thursday. Guests can celebrate the history of the Florida strawberry while enjoying plenty of entertainment, rides, agriculture, fine arts and food — including the St. Clement “Make Your Own” Shortcake Booth.

    Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival.

    What You Need To Know

    • View the guide to the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival below
    • Follow Spectrum Bay News 9 for coverage and download our app to track the weather before heading out


    When is the Florida Strawberry Festival? ⏰

    The Florida Strawberry Festival is scheduled to take place from Feb. 26 through March 8.

    Festival Hours:

    Administrative Office:
    Open Daily

    Amscot Main Ticket Gate, Gate 1:
    Open Daily

    Solution Source Construction Box Office Hours:
    Open Daily

    Midway Hours:

    SUN ‘n FUN Kiddie Korral:
    Open Daily

    Tuesday-Friday:

    • 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. (*On Friday, March 6, Midway closes just before 10 p.m. and reopens from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for Moonlight Magic. Moonlight Magic wristband purchased for $30 includes gate admission.)

    Weekends & Monday:

    Ticket Prices 🎟️

    • Adults (ages 13+): $15
    • Children (ages 6-12): $5
    • Children (ages 5 and under): Free with paid adult admission

    Discount Gate Admission:

    (Available Feb. 1 through March 8 at these participating Publix Super Market stores throughout Central Florida.)

    • Adults (ages 13+): $10
    • Children (ages 6-12): $4
    • Children (ages 5 and under): FREE with paid adult admission

    Purchase tickets for the Florida Strawberry Festival.

    Special Days and Discounts 🍓

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH, 2026

    Florida Blue Senior Citizens Day | Lazydays RV Ride-A-Thon Day

    Patrons 60 years of age or older will be admitted at a discounted gate admission ticket for $10. From noon – 11 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $25 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Visit the Lazydays RV display on the festival grounds to receive a $5 off voucher. Take this voucher to any Midway ticket booth to receive $5 off the $25 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for this one low price of $20. Vouchers will be available at the Lazydays RV display on Feb. 26 and March 5.

     

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2026

    Publix Food & Fun Friday | Special Smiles Day

    Present any Publix branded or GreenWise non-perishable and receive a voucher for $5 off the $30 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $25. Special Smiles Day is sponsored by Rotary Club of Plant City and welcomes all individuals with special needs from 9 a.m. to noon. This unique event is reserved for celebrating and serving our most treasured guests in a safe, fun and sensory considerate environment. All Special Smiles attendees and one companion will be admitted FREE. Entry at Gate 5.

     

    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, 2026

    Mid Florida Credit Union Free Kids Day | Circle K Super Saturday Wristband Day

    Kids through high school age admitted FREE. Just stop by any Festival ticket booth and receive a complimentary voucher on this special day. From 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Present a Circle K register receipt and receive $5 off the $35 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $30. One receipt required per wristband.

     

    SUNDAY, MARCH 1ST, 2026

    Coca-Cola Family Day

    Present any empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at the entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $35 wristband and ride most mechanical rides from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. for only $30. One voucher required per wristband. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission. Only one can per person.

     

    MONDAY, MARCH 2ND, 2026

    TITAN’s Grand Parade Day | Chick-fil-A Ride-A-Thon Day

    Grand parade begins at 1 p.m. and passes by Festival grounds at approximately 2 p.m. 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. – Present a Chick-fil-A register receipt or any proof of purchase and receive $5 off the $25 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $20. Home Depot Kid’s Workshop starts at 3 p.m. located near The Bank of Tampa Berry Big Wheel.

     

    TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD, 2026

    Tampa Bay History Center TWOSDAY | FREE Kids Day

    All kids up to age 17 are admitted free with a paid Adult. From noon – 11 p.m. Ride any single ride for only $2 or ride all day with a $25 wristband.

     

    WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH, 2026

    Grow Financial American Heroes Day | Hungry Howie’s Ride-A-Thon Day

    All active, reserve, and retired military veterans, law enforcement, first responders and healthcare professionals are admitted free with valid ID. Ride-A-Thon from noon – 11 p.m. Present a Hungry Howie’s register receipt or any proof of purchase and receive $5 off the $25 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $20.

     

    THURSDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2026

    Florida Blue Senior Citizens Day | Lazydays RV Ride-A-Thon Day

    Patrons 60 years of age or older will be admitted at a discounted gate admission ticket for $10. From noon – 11 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $25 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Visit the Lazydays RV display on the festival grounds to receive a $5 off voucher. Take this voucher to any Midway ticket booth to receive $5 off the $25 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for this one low price of $20. Vouchers will be available at the Lazydays RV display on Feb. 26 and March 5.

     

    FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH, 2026

    Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway | Moonlight Magic Night

    The Tampa Bay Times Day on the Midway noon -10 p.m. Receive $5 off the $30 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $25. Moonlight Magic – Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $30 per person. All patrons entering the Midway will be required to purchase a $30 wristband., 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.

     

    SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH, 2026

    Farm Worker Appreciation Day sponsored by Astin Farms | Circle K Super Saturday Wristband Day

    Farmworkers receive free admission with a voucher from Astin Farms. Super Saturday Wristband Day from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Present a Circle K register receipt and receive $5 off the $35 wristband and ride most mechanical rides for only $30.

     

    SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH, 2026

    Coca-Cola Family Day

    Present any empty Coca-Cola brand can or plastic bottle product at entry gate to receive a voucher for $5 off the $35 wristband and ride most mechanical rides from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. for only $30. Can or bottle is not valid for gate admission.

    Information provided by the Florida Strawberry Festival

    Location 🗺️

    The Florida Strawberry Festival is located at 2209 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563.

    Festival Parking 🚗

    There are 11 festival parking lots (cash only) surrounding the grounds. These are manned by local churches and nonprofit organizations who benefit from the profits. The lots are easily accessible to gates 1, 16, 14, 13, 10 and 5, depending on where the lot is located.

    • All festival lots are $10, including the Red, Gray, Pink, Purple, White, Tan, Yellow, Green, Orange and Magenta Parking Lot. Additional parking lots can be located off Ritter Street, Highway 92 or Highway 574.

    In the Red lot only:

    • Cars, pickup trucks and vans under 20 ft: $10 cash
    • Vehicles over 20 ft. to 39 ft.: $20 cash
    • Vehicles or buses over 40 ft.: $20 cash

    The T-Mobile tram runs daily from the Red parking lot to the Festival’s entry Gate 10 and 14 as well as the corner of BerryFest Place and Oak Avenue near Gate 1 and Gate 5. There will also be parking available in independent lots around the festival grounds.

    View additional information about directions and parking (including a parking map) for the Florida Strawberry Festival.

    Food 🍰

    The Florida Strawberry Festival is known for its variety of food options. Here are some highlights to expect this year, which include many new offerings such as the viral Strawberry Dubai funnel cake, and of course plenty more strawberry-themed treats:

    Fresh Strawberries:

    • Parkesdale Farms – South side of Parke Exhibit Building
    • Wish Farms – Northeast corner of Parke Exhibit Building and just outside Gate 1/ Amscot Main Ticket Gate

    World-Famous Strawberry Shortcake:

    • St. Clement “Make Your Own” Shortcake Booth – In the middle of the Parke Exhibit Building, next to the Parkesdale Farms booth
    • Transforming Life Church – Inside the Entenmann’s Strawberry Tent
    • East Historical Society Shortcake Booth – South of the TECO Expo Hall near Pioneer Village

    Strawberry shortcake station from the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Fla. (Spectrum News)

    Strawberry shortcake station from the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Fla. (Spectrum News)

    Here are some of the new foods that guests can enjoy at the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival:

    Strawberry BBQ Eggroll:

    • Double T Enterprises (formerly Piggy Palace, inside Gate 10)

    Strawberry Shortcake Snoball and Royal Strawberry Snoball:

    • Pelican’s Snoballs (on the west side of the Arthur Boring Civic Center)

    Penne Pickle Pasta:

    • Spaghetti Eddie’s (outside the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Pavilion)

    Hot Honey Apple Fries:

    • Crumpet Concessions (by the Central Florida Exterior Comfort Zone)

    Strawberry Decker:

    • Plant City High School Raider Regiment (inside the Stadium Exhibit Building)

    Strawberry Campfire Crunch Melt:

    • Sunshine Concessions (north of the Wish Farms Soundstage)

    Strawberry Crunch Funnel Cake:

    • Prowant Specialty (on the west side of the GT Grandstands)

    Strawberry Cinnamon Bun à la Mode:

    • Cinnamon Bun Saloon (south of the Parke Exhibit Building)

    Strawberry Crunch Nachos:

    • Sweet Missions (in the Softub Carriage House)

    Deep Fried Uncrustable:

    • Plant City Black Heritage Concessions (north of the Tampa Electric EXPO Hall)

    Poor Porker:

    • Sandy Ann’s Fried Pies (by the Stingray Chevrolet display)

    Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Slush:

    • Moose Joose Slush (outside the Tampa Electric Expo Hall)

    Dubai Chocolate Truffles with Pistachio Cream:

    • Orme’s Deep Fried Treats (near the Stingray Chevrolet display)

    Strawberry Dubai Funnel Cake:

    • Best Around Concessions (north of the BayCare Center)

    Strawberry Dubai funnel cake from the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Fla. (Spectrum News)


    Dubai Strawberry Chocolate Cups:

    • Super Crunch (inside the TECO Expo Hall)

    Chicken Teriyaki Mac and Cheese, White Cheddar Truffle Mac and Cheese and Buffalo Mac and Cheese:

    • Brody’s Mac & Cheese (west of the GT Grandstands)

    View additional details about food at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

    Headline Entertainment 🎶

    The Florida Strawberry Festival has been long known for its popular entertainment lineups. This year, attendees of all ages can expect to see dozens of performers take the stage. Some performances are free with the price of admission.

    Here is the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival entertainment lineup:

    🍓DATE 🍓TIME 🍓LINEUP   🍓COST  
    Thursday, Feb 26 10:30 a.m. Jimmy Stuff & His Orchestra FREE WITH PAID ADMISSION
    Thursday, Feb 26 3:30 p.m. The Oak Ridge Boys $40
    Thursday, Feb 26 7:30 p.m. Alabama $65
    Friday, Feb 27 3:30 p.m. Jo Dee Messina $40
    Friday, Feb 27 7:30 p.m. Jamey Johnson $45
    Saturday, Feb 28 3:30 p.m. Lonestar $35
    Saturday, Feb 28 7:30 p.m. Ty Myers $50
    Sunday, March 1 6:30 p.m. Riley Green featuring Hannah McFarland $110
    Monday, March 2 3:30 p.m. Gene Watson $30
    Monday, March 2 7:30 p.m. Legends of Love featuring Brian McKnight, Ginuwine & Ruben Studdard $40
    Tuesday, March 3 3:30 p.m. Sandi Patty $30
    Tuesday, March 3 7:30 p.m. Lauren Daigle $70
    Wednesday, March 4 3:30 p.m. John Foster $25
    Wednesday, March 4 7:30 p.m. Brantley Gilbert $50
    Thursday, March 5 10:30 a.m. Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets FREE WITH PAID ADMISSION
    Thursday, March 5 3:30 p.m. The Bellamy Brothers $30
    Thursday, March 5 7:30 p.m. Dierks Bentley $70
    Friday, March 6 3:30 p.m. The Marshall Tucker Band $35
    Friday, March 6 7:30 p.m. Forrest Frank $70
    Saturday, March 7 3:30 p.m. Pitbull Toddler FREE WITH PAID ADMISSION
    Saturday, March 7 7:30 p.m. The Offspring $70
    Sunday, March 8 7:30 p.m. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts $45

     

    View additional Florida Strawberry Festival entertainment details and tickets.

    On Grounds Entertainment 🎪

    The Florida Strawberry Festival has dozens of free on grounds entertainment, acts, and performers for all ages to enjoy.

    Here’s the schedule of events:

    EVENT TIMES
    Granpa Cratchet Daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. & 7 p.m., Puppet Mobile Daily at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
    K9s in Flight Daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. & 6 p.m.
    Rannels Rustic Wood Carving Show Daily at 11:30 a.m.,1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
    Robinson’s Racing Pigs Daily at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. 
    “Mr. & Miss Berry” Daily at 11- 11:30 a.m., 3:30-4 p.m. & 5:30- 6 p.m.
    Gizmo D Robot Daily at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
    & 6 p.m.
    Runa Pacha Daily at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.
    Kids Coloring Corner Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Pretty Bird Paradise Daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    The Berry Big Wheel Celebrating America’s 250 Daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. *Ticket required to ride.

    Information provided by the Florida Strawberry Festival

    View more free entertainment at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

    Florida Strawberry Festival official mascots, Mr. & Miss Berry (Courtesy of Florida Strawberry Festival)

    Agriculture 🐮

    The Florida Strawberry Festival will hold livestock shows each day, which give youth the opportunity to showcase the animals and plants they have been raising for months, some even years. Animals in the shows include cows, sheep, pigs, rabbits and chickens.

    Here is this year’s livestock show schedule:

    EXHIBIT TIME DATE LOCATION
    Poultry & Rabbit Exhibit Days   ALL DAYS Astin Pavilion
    Swine Exhibit Days   Thursday, Feb 26 -Friday, Feb 27 Astin Pavilion
    – Swine Show (Mosaic) 6 p.m. Thurday, Feb 26  
    – Swine Sale (Mosaic) 6 p.m. Friday, Feb 27  
    Dairy Animal Exhibit Days   Friday, Feb 27 – Sunday, March 1 Astin Pavilion
    – Dairy Judging Contest 1 p.m. Friday, Feb 27  
    – Dairy Showmanship 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb 28  
    – Dairy Show 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb 28  
    – Dairy Adult Showmanship 11 a.m. Sunday, March 1  
    – Dairy pee Wee Showmanship 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 1  
    – Dairy Costume Ball 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1  
    Plant Exhibit Days   Sunday, March 1 Swindle Pavilion
    – Plant Silent Auction 11 a.m. –
    1 p.m.    		 Sunday, March 1  
    – Plant Sale 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1  
    Lamb Exhibit Days   Monday, March 2 – Tuesday, March 3 Swindle Pavilion
    – Lamb Jumping Contest 3 p.m. Monday, March 2  
    – Lamb Costume Contest 7 p.m. Monday, March 2  
    – Lamb Showmanship 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 3  
    – Lamb Show 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 3  
    Steer Exhibit Days   Wednesday, March 4 – Friday, March 6 Astin Pavilion
    – Steer Show (Mosaic) 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 4  
    – Steer Sale (Mosaic) 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5  
    – Steer Showmanship (Mosaic) 6 p.m. Friday, March 6  
    Beef Animal Exhibit Days   Saturday, March 7 – Sunday, March 8 Swindle Pavilion
    – Beef Breeds Showmanship 6 p.m. Saturday, March 7  
    – Beef Breeds Show 11 a.m. Sunday, March 8  
    Livestock Judging 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7 (Registration – 9 a.m.)  

    *All shows and sales are held in the Patterson Arena located in the Grimes Family Agriculture Center
    Information provided by the Florida Strawberry Festival

    Festival App 📱

    The Florida Strawberry Festival has a mobile app where visitors can access food locations, event schedules, the grounds map and more. Guests can also purchase and download gate admission and headline entertainment concert tickets to their mobile wallets. The app is available on Apple iOS and Google Play.

    [ad_2] Anna Wronka
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  • Crew-11 astronaut with mission-ending medical issue identifies self

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    CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION — In a prepared statement, NASA astronaut Mike Fincke revealed that it was he who suffered a medical issue onboard the International Space Station that resulted in the Crew-11 mission being cut short.

    What You Need To Know

    • NASA astronaut Mike Fincke thanked his fellow astronauts and NASA’s medical team after he suffered a medical issue onboard the International Space Station
    • It is not know what type of medical issue he suffered while onboard
    • 🔻Scroll down to read his full statement🔻

    The 58-year-old retired U.S. Air Force colonel recapped and thanked his fellow astronauts and NASA flight surgeons when he experienced his medical issue, which he did not reveal what that was.

    “On Jan. 7, while aboard the International Space Station, I experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from my incredible crewmates. Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized,” he wrote.  

    Fincke, who was the pilot of Crew-11, and Cmdr. Zena Cardman were scheduled to conduct a six-hour spacewalk the following day, where the pair were going to install a modification kit and cables for a future rollout of a solar array.

    That did not happen.

    The Crew-11 mission was cut short and splashed down back to Earth this past January, a month earlier than when the mission was supposed to end.

    During a press conference, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman only revealed that an unnamed astronaut suffered a “serious medical condition” while onboard the space station.

    Even during a separate press conference with the Crew-11 members, no one revealed the identity of the astronaut or what the medical episode was.

    Fincke was selected to be a NASA astronaut in 1996. The Pennsylvania native is a veteran astronaut, logging 549 days in space with nine spacewalks.

    In his words

    “On Jan. 7, while aboard the International Space Station, I experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from my incredible crewmates. Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized.

    After further evaluation, NASA determined the safest course was an early return for Crew-11—not an emergency, but a carefully coordinated plan to be able to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station. On Jan. 15, we splashed down off the coast of San Diego after an amazing five-and-a-half-month mission.

    I am deeply grateful to my fellow Expedition 74 members—Zena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, Oleg Platonov, Chris Williams, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, and Sergei Mikayev—as well as the entire NASA team, SpaceX, and the medical professionals at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla near San Diego. Their professionalism and dedication ensured a positive outcome.

    I’m doing very well and continuing standard post-flight reconditioning at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are. Thank you all for your support.”

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    Anthony Leone

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  • Could a retractable wall in Tampa Bay prevent storm surge flooding?

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The immediate past president of the Shore Acres Civic Association, Kevin Batdorf, has pitched lawmakers on a big idea to install a retractable wall at the entrance of Tampa Bay to protect against storm surge flooding from hurricanes.  

    Batdorf lives in the lowest lying neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Shore Acres, which has experienced repeated flooding from storms in the past five  years. Batdorf said he’s constantly looking for solutions to mitigate the rising problem.

    “Create a floodgate system that crosses from Pinellas County to Manatee or Hillsborough County at the narrowest point that rises 12-to-15 feet high when a storm is coming,” he said. “It would prevent the water from coming into Tampa Bay and save billions of dollars of damage.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Kevin Batdorf has pitched lawmakers on a big idea to install a retractable wall at the entrance of Tampa Bay

    • Batdorf wants the 14 mile long wall to be 12-to-15 feet high to prevent storm surge flooding from hurricanes  

    • State Senator Nick DeCeglie said “it’s a great concept” but he’s skeptical it could actually be implemented

    • Sen. DeCeglie said he’s focused on more realistic solutions which include stormwater and seawall infrastructure improvements


    “In the Netherlands, they had a similar situation to us,” he said. “Meaning they were inundated by rising tides, changing climate. So they had their engineers come up with a solution.”

    State Senator Nick DeCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, represents District 18, which covers most of Pinellas County. Senator DeCeglie said “it’s a great concept” but he’s skeptical a 14 mile long retractable wall in Tampa Bay could actually be implemented.

    “Something like this would be billions and billions of dollars,” he said. “My question is immediately, what about the coastal communities? How does the water interacting with a dam, essentially, how does that impact areas North of the Bay? South of the Bay? That water has to go somewhere.”

    DeCeglie said he’s focused on more realistic solutions and has been working on a permitting bill this session to make it easier for homeowners to install flood barriers.

    “What we can actually accomplish in the near mid and long term is infrastructure improvements,” he said. “Whether that be stormwater, whether that be seawalls.”

    Batdorf said he realizes there are big challenges with his idea from jurisdictional, funding and environmental.

    “I think it’s going to be the State of Florida and the federal government that are going to have to come in and do the engineering and frankly, pay for it,” he said. “FEMA’s paying out billions of dollars in claims, there’s money available to stop paying those claims.”

    “There are going to be environmental concerns and I get that it’s going to disturb the environment by installing it,” he added. “But I think it’s going to enhance the environment for sea life. Once it’s built, becomes a natural reef.”

    Batdorf points out Tampa General Hospital and the City of St. Petersburg have purchased an Aqua Fence to prevent flooding and he wants to do the same for residents on a much larger scale.

    “This idea is just common sense. If there’s a wall of water coming in, you put something up to stop it from coming in,” he said. “You see all these other entities putting up barriers to keep water out. Here’s a barrier to keep it out of everybody’s home.”

    Batdorf has announced he’s going to run in the St. Petersburg mayor’s race but has not yet officially filed.

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    Josh Rojas

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  • Morning Briefing Tampa February 25 2026

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

    Your Weather Planner

    After another cold morning, temperatures will warm to the mid 60s at the coast to the low 70s inland.

    It’s mostly sunny with winds out of the south/southwest around 10 mph.

    It will be a nice afternoon for a bike ride or walking the dog.

    It will not be as chilly tonight with lows in the low to mid 50s.

    Expect some 40s north of Tampa tonight. 

    Get the full forecast here.

    High: 59

    Low: 43

    Rain Coverage: 0%

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

    Around Tampa Bay

    1. Pinellas County school board approves closings, consolidations to adjust to declining enrollment
    The board unanimously approved closing Cross Bayou Elementary and Disston Academy, as well as turning Bay Point and Oldsmar into K-8s.

    2. Could retractable wall in Tampa Bay prevent storm surge flooding? 
    The immediate past president of the Shore Acres Civic Association, Kevin Batdorf, has pitched lawmakers on a big idea to install a retractable wall at the entrance of Tampa Bay to protect against storm surge flooding from hurricanes. 

    3. Anna Maria City Pier set for comeback after $2 million county approval 
    Manatee County commissioners have approved a grant of up to $2 million to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier. In total, it’s a $7 to $8-million project.

    4. Manatee County Commissioner Carol Felts dies
    Commissioner Carol Felts has died, according to a statement by District 5 Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann.

    5. Sarasota another step closer to reopening pier, park and Hart’s Landing
    All projects have price tags in the millions, and FEMA will not start paying the city back until the projects reach completion.

    6. NASA to roll back its Artemis II moon rocket for repairs
    NASA will use a crawler transporter to move the Space Launch System rocket and its Orion capsule back to the Vehicle Assembly Building.

    Around the Nation & World

    1. President Trump’s State of the Union Speech

    2. Judge bars government from ‘wholesale’ search of Washington Post reporter’s seized devices

    3. Texas Rep. Gonzales resists calls to resign over allegations of an affair with an ex-staffer

    4. Iranians worry over American military buildup as next, last-chance round of talks with U.S. nears

    Quote of the Day

    For some young children in Columbus, Ohio, reading assessments don’t start in the kindergarten classroom — they happen first in the doctor’s office. With concerns rising about lagging childhood literacy rates across the country, Nationwide Children’s Hospital has begun screening children’s literacy skills starting at age 3 during pediatrician visits. The idea is to catch reading struggles early on and guide parents on how to help their kids. “They are all doing developmental screenings, they’re all talking to parents repeatedly,” said Sara Bode, the hospital’s medical director of school-based health. “So this is an opportunity.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Anna Maria City Pier set for comeback after $2 million county approval

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County commissioners have approved a grant of up to $2 million to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier. In total, it’s a $7 to $8 million project.

    Anna Maria City Mayor Mark Short said right now, the city is paying for the work, but will soon receive money from FEMA, the state and the county.

    Members of the community can’t contain their anticipation for when the rebuilt pier will be complete.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee County commissioners approved a grant of up to $2 million to help rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier — part of a $7 to $8 million total project
    • The mayor says the pier is coming back stronger built with solid cement pilings and reinforced connections designed to better withstand major storms
    • Local business owners and residents say the pier is a vital landmark and gathering place, and its return will boost both community spirit and local businesses

    Kitchen Manager Michael Rain has been working at The Waterfront Restaurant in Anna Maria for 17 years.

    “I love it,” he said. “Love the people I get to meet that work here. They’re fun.”

    What wasn’t fun, he said, was dealing with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Right across the street from his restaurant, the iconic Anna Maria City Pier was significantly damaged.

    But now it’s being rebuilt, with help from the Manatee County commissioners’ grant.

    The pier is special to many people in the community, including Rain.

    “I grew up coming out here visiting my cousin, fishing on the pier. So that’ll be exciting,” he said.

    He says a rebuilt pier will also be good for business.

    “I believe so, especially locals from in town,” he said. “You get to come out and it gives them just one more thing to do while out here.”

    Short said they’re not just rebuilding the pier, but it is coming back stronger than ever.

    Short said the walkway this time around is being built with solid cement pilings. The prior walkway, built after Hurricane Irma, was constructed with precast pilings that had a hole in the middle. In addition, they will all be connected by cement bents and stringers.

    He said they’re focused on making this new pier more resilient than the last.

    “Now, there’s never a guarantee,” Short said, adding the rebuilt pier is on track to be completed by the end of the year. “We do believe that this walkway will survive a significant storm.”

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Surplus food from the St. Pete Grand Prix to be distributed to those in need

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With the festivities around the St. Pete Grand Prix come a lot of food, but not all of it gets prepared and served.

    That’s where Positive Impact St. Pete steps in. They’ll be taking the surplus food and getting it to those in need.

    Executive Director Karen Rae said that before the partnership, much of the food her organization now collects would have been thrown away.

    “It’s such a blessing to be able to take food that otherwise would go to waste and provide it to our neighbors who may not have food on their dinner tables if not for this partnership,” she said.

    Rae said this is the third year they’ll collect the extra food and that they’ll be able to serve hundreds more families than they’re typically able to in the immediate days after the race.

    Still, she hopes the community understands the need is constant.

    “It’s one of our biggest weekends, but food insecurity affects families year-round,” she said. “So we are out here every single week, year-round, ensuring our neighbors have groceries.”

    This is a relationship Rae hopes continues for many years to come.

    The organization distributes food every weekend at Tangerine Plaza in St. Pete.

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    Matt Lackritz

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  • Polk County receives federal funding for Kathleen Road extension

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Planning is moving forward on the long-awaited Kathleen Road extension in Lakeland.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County continues to plan the extension and widening of Kathleen Road in Lakeland to US 98

    • For years, drivers have been hoping for an extension of Kathleen Road to relieve traffic congestion

    • A new U.S. House appropriations bill now includes $3 million to complete the design and permitting process for the extension project


    Residents say it is needed as the area continues to grow.

    “Well, we’ve been hearing about 15-20 years, that they were going to go four lanes,” said Marie Yale, owner of K&K Nursery, located just off of Kathleen Road.

    Kathleen Road is a north-south route through north Lakeland. Much of the road is two lanes.

    For years, drivers have been hoping for a widening and extension of Kathleen Road to U.S. 98 to relieve traffic congestion.

    That was especially the case when construction at the new Fox Branch Ranch development started in 2024.

    A new U.S. House appropriations bill now includes $3 million to complete the design and permitting process for the extension project. Polk County officials confirmed they are receiving those funds.

    Rep. Laurel Lee (R, FL-15) said in the funding request, “This is needed to reduce congestion on an already failing roadway. The State would receive a substantial benefit from the widening and extension of this roadway to the north,” according to her website.

    Yale is hopeful it will help as long as construction doesn’t impact her business.

    “I would hope they would take us into consideration to help people get to us so that we can stay in business,” Yale said.

    Polk County officials confirmed the project is still in the planning phase. Construction likely won’t start for another three or four years, but officials say the federal funding helps move it forward. The project is also in the county’s long term transportation plan.

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    Tim Wronka

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  • Residents express concerns over plans for Polk agriculture center

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — County leaders presented plans to the community Tuesday night for an agriculture center.

    While the county believes the facility will be an economic boost, others are not totally on board with the idea.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County commissioners presented plans for a new agriculture center

    • The center will be located near the Mosaic Peace River Park in Bartow

    • Some residents are concerned over the effect it will have on the existing disc golf course


    One of those is Eric Bailey, who has a passion for disc golf. He picked up the sport about three years ago.

    “It gets you out in the environment, we’re out in wildlife,” he said.

    Every weekend, you’ll find him at the Mosaic Peace River Park on the disc golf course.

    “This is one of the top courses in the state of Florida. It brings a lot of challenges, it’s open to creativity with our shots,” he said.

    But this space will soon look a lot different. It will be home to Polk County’s newest agriculture center.

    Bailey says the change worries him. “This property is already occupied by a disk golf course, nature, birdwatchers,” he said.

    Polk County Commissioner Rick Wilson said the facility will include a new arena, livestock stables, trails, and RV parking. They won’t be getting rid of disc golf — it will just be in a new space.

    “They’ll still be on the property,” Wilson said. “We’re going to build a nice place for them because they are good for the community and good for what we got going on here.”

    Wilson said the county has outgrown the current agricultural center, which is actually in a state-owned building. 

    He said a new complex will provide an economic boost for the county. “This is a good starting point. This can be utilized with a lot of different areas and agricultural,” he said.

    The county will fund the project, and Wilson says they’ll also be looking for federal grants to move forward.

    Bailey said that he is not opposed to a new center, although he hopes the area doesn’t lose the appeal it currently has.

    “It’s not just to support disc golf or wildlife, agriculture, everything that’s out here is important to everybody,” he said.

    The county’s decision means change is coming, but it doesn’t mean Bailey won’t be able to enjoy disc golf.

    Wilson says their goal is to have the center constructed by the end of 2028.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Evening Briefing Tampa February 24 2026

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    Good evening, Tampa Bay. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

    Your Weather Planner

    It will be mostly sunny for Wednesday with highs near 70 in the afternoon.

    Winds will be out of the south at 10 mph.

    It will not be as chilly for Wednesday night with lows falling back to the low to mid 50s.

    Expect some 40s north of Tampa.

    High: 70

    Low: 53

    Rain Coverage: 0%

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

    Today’s Big Stories

    1. Live Updates: State of the Union will hit on affordability, America’s 250th anniversary, Leavitt says
    Make sure to refresh this page often this evening, along with during and after President Trump’s State of the Union address.

    2. Hillsborough magistrate who was over school zone speed cameras is reassigned
    Thomas Santarlas believes the program isn’t being fairly enforced by Hillsborough County and the sheriff’s office. He says that his concerns fell on deaf ears until December, when the magistrate dismissed a number of cases.

    3. Final word on Pinellas schools closings and consolidations likely Tuesday
    Parents and students at a handful of Pinellas County schools should have a final answer Tuesday night on whether their school will be closing or consolidating at the end of the school year.

    4. New research could help strawberry farmers with two pests
    Two-spotted spider mites and chili thrips are attacking the crops and destroying fruit, leaving farmers with smaller yields.

    5. Zelenskyy says Putin has ‘not broken’ Ukrainians as he marks 4 years since Russia’s all-out invasion
    Zelenskyy spoke Tuesday four years after an invasion that has severely tested the resolve of Kyiv and its allies and fueled European fears about the scale of Moscow’s ambitions

     

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    Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

    • STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL | The 91st annual Florida Strawberry Festival will make its return to Plant City on Thursday. Guests can celebrate the history of the Florida strawberry while enjoying plenty of entertainment, rides, agriculture, fine arts and food — including the St. Clement “Make Your Own” Shortcake Booth. View our guide for everything to know.
    • RAYS THIS WEEK | The Tampa Bay Rays, who beat the Minnesota Twins 12-1 today, are at the Baltimore Orioles tomorrow in Sarasota, at the Boston Red Sox on Thursday in Ft. Myers and back in Port Charlotte on Friday to host the Toronto Blue Jays. First pitch for all three games is 1:05 p.m.
    • CLEARWATER TRAFFIC NOTE | The outside northbound lane of North Nebraska Avenue will be closed between East Seward Street and East Eskimo Avenue while the Tampa Water Department conducts maintenance on the water distribution system. Barricades and signs will be located in the area to assist with traffic flow. Completion of the work with a return to normal traffic patterns is expected by 4 p.m. Wednesday.

    National Notes

    Wednesday, Feb. 25

    • U.S. Supreme Court may announce opinions
    • Harvey Weinstein returns to court as he faces third sex assault trial
    • Rev. Jesse Jackson’s body lies in state at Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Chicago, ahead of public memorial Friday
    • U.S. Supreme Court hears tax foreclosure case

    (Spectrum News)

    Avery Ortiz teaches first grade at Moon Lake Elementary. She has been teaching there for four years, and she is this week’s A+ Teacher.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Selma-to-Montgomery march

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    Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965

    • It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South

    • Heavy rain soaked the protesters


    What was the Selma to Montgomery March?

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.

    It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.

    On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.

    In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.

    Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)

    The beginning of the march

    The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.

    Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.

    On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.

    On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.

    A big win for racial equality

    After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.

    Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.

    The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

    Source link

  • Selma-to-Montgomery march

    [ad_1]

    Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965

    • It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South

    • Heavy rain soaked the protesters


    What was the Selma to Montgomery March?

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.

    It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.

    On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.

    In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.

    Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)

    The beginning of the march

    The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.

    Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.

    On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.

    On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.

    A big win for racial equality

    After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.

    Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.

    The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

    Source link