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

A weak cold front will be over the area on Thursday.

This will bring a chance of a brief sprinkle or light shower.

Otherwise, most of us stay dry with partly sunny skies,

Highs will be in the mid 70s with lows in the upper 50s overnight. 

High: 74

Low: 58

Rain Coverage: 10%

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

Today’s Big Stories

1. Pinellas Park officials approve golf carts ordinance
Pinellas Park leaders have passed a new ordinance defining where you can and cannot drive golf carts.

2. Spring Training kicks off as Rays pitchers and catchers report
Pitchers and catchers reported to camp this morning for the Tampa Bay Rays. The players, along with soon to be in attendance position players, will have a busy few weeks ahead.

3. Disney shares new details for Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Disney World officials announced new details this week for its 2026 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, which is set to return in full bloom next month.

4. Bondi defends handling of Epstein files release during fiery House hearing
During a fiery oversight hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files and apologized to victims of the late convicted sex offender. In the latest release of 3 million documents, many survivors’ names, addresses and pictures were unredacted.

5. ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star James Van Der Beek dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, who is best known for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” has died, his family confirmed today in an Instagram post. He was 48.

6. ULA prepares to launch U.S. Space Force tracking satellites
Early tomorrow morning, United Launch Alliance (ULA) will be sending up satellites for the U.S. Space Force.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

FLORIDA STATE FAIR | The Florida State Fair is back in Tampa, with the theme “America’s Sunniest Celebration” to honor America’s 250th birthday. Attendees can enjoy plenty of fun at the fairgrounds, including entertainment, rides, agriculture, food and more, with many new offerings this year. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Florida State Fair.

TRAFFIC NOTE | Part of 7th Avenue in Tampa remains closed, between Nebraska Avenue and Central Avenue. The closure is for work on the downtown interchange. Drivers will be detoured around using Palm Avenue. The closure will last until Friday.

LEVEL UP ARTS GRANT | The city of St. Petersburg has launched the Level Up Arts Grant for nonprofit arts and culture organizations with budgets of $50,000 or less. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on April 30, or until funds are depleted. View additional information about the Level Up Arts Grant.

National Notes

Thursday, Feb. 12

Man convicted of 2006 double murder slated for execution
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
U.S. under secretary of war speaks at NATO Allied Defense Ministers meeting
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games continue, with nine gold medals decided across seven sports.
New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewe of Muses, all-female parade. This year’s honorary muse is Soledad O’Brien

Julian Pancer loves to cook almost as much as he loves to teach people to cook.

His family has owned and run a Jewish deli in Ontario, Canada, since 1957.

Pancer and his wife, Danielle, moved from Canada to the Tampa Bay area recently to be near family.  

Luckily, they were familiar with the St. Petersburg area after so many annual pilgrimages.

Pancer is building on his family’s long culinary tradition.

The duo brings their cooking classes.