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 a cool start to Tuesday, but we will warm to near 80 in the afternoon.

A sea breeze will keep the coast a bit cooler.

We will see mostly clear skies at night with lows falling to the low 60s. 

High: 80

Low: 61

Rain Coverage: 0%

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

Today’s Big Stories

1. Crews battle multiple brush fires across Polk County
Polk County Fire Rescue crews responded to more than 30 brush fires throughout Polk County on Sunday.

2. Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall dies
Robert Duvall, the veteran actor who starred in masterpieces such as “The Godfather” and “Network,” died Sunday, his wife announced Monday. He was 95.

3. Florida A&M University awarded stewardship of historic Chinsegut Hill
A new partnership is reshaping the future of one of Hernando County’s most historic landmarks during Black History Month.

4. No end in sight for partial government shutdown as both sides dig in
As the partial government shutdown over Department of Homeland Security funding drifts into its first week, congressional Democrats aren’t letting up on their demands for dramatic changes to federal immigration enforcement operations.

5. Sarah Branyan helps fellow veterans with her personal story of recovery
A Bay Area veteran is using the personal trauma she suffered and her resulting downward spiral to help other vets at at the C.W. Bill Young Veteran’s Medical Center in Bay Pines.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

NEW RIVERVIEW TRAFFIC PATTERN | During the early morning hours on Tuesday, February 17, crews will shift all travel lanes to the north side of Big Bend Road from Simmons Loop and through the intersection of US 301 in Riverview. The new traffic pattern will accommodate two travel lanes along eastbound and westbound Big Bend Road, allowing construction crews to work safely on the south side of the roadway. Drivers may want to consider using alternate routes to avoid congestion and traffic delays.

ADOPT-A-DRAIN PROGRAM | The city of Clearwater is launching its Adopt-a-Drain Program, an initiative designed to strengthen community involvement in stormwater management, reduce localized flooding and improve the overall quality of the gulf and bay’s waterways. The program encourages residents to voluntarily “adopt” storm drains within their neighborhoods and assist in keeping them free of leaves, litter and other debris. By participating, community members contribute directly to minimizing stormwater pollution and maintaining the functionality of the city’s drainage infrastructure. To learn more or adopt a drain, visit myclearwater.com/AdoptADrain.
ART & POETRY CONTEST | The city of Tampa is accepting submissions for its 3Rs Rs Art & Poetry Contest. All Tampa elementary through high school students are encouraged to share their message of waste reduction and environmental stewardship for the chance to win prizes. The deadline to enter is Feb. 25. Learn more about the contest.

National Notes

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Lunar New Year, the first day of the new lunar year * Observed as a public holiday in several Asian countries, it is widely celebrated across East and Southeast Asia and by diaspora communities globally. In China, each year is linked to one of the 12 zodiac animals, with 2026 designated the Year of the Horse. Known as Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in South Korea
New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations, marking Fat Tuesday aka Mardi Gras
Gisèle Pelicot’s memoir published
Milano Cortina Winter Olympics continue
Shrove Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras or Pancake Day, celebrated by Christians by eating pancakes, before the beginning of Lent fasting tomorrow on Ash Wednesday

The Seahorse Restaurant in Pass-a-Grille reopened Feb. 6 after nearly 1-1/2 years of recovery from hurricanes Milton and Helene, and customers are coming back for breakfast and lunch. (Spectrum News/Tyler O’Neill)

An iconic 88-year-old restaurant finally reopened in Pass-A-Grille Beach following the 2024 storms.

The Seahorse Restaurant opened its doors this month after nearly 1-1/2 years of work.

The restaurant sits right on the water.