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 another warm day for Wednesday with highs in the mid 70s at the beaches and low 80s inland.

Winds will be out of the south at 5 to 10 mph.

Lows will fall to the low 60s at night near Tampa with 50s north and inland. 

High: 79

Low: 63

Rain Coverage: 0%

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

Today’s Big Stories

1. Stronger Seawalls: St. Pete wants community input before launching master plan
The city of St. Pete wants input from the community before moving forward with creating a plan that would strengthen 15 miles of city-owned seawalls.

2. What becomes of ‘abandoned’ Florida toll booths?
Toll booths are becoming a thing of the past in Florida, with many roads now using toll-by-plate.

3. Paint it pink: New St. Pete condo tower project catches public’s eye
An entire downtown St. Petersburg block, consisting of six buildings, was recently painted pink at the corner of 4th Ave. S and 4th St. S.

4. Black leaders pay tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson
The two-time presidential candidate, who fought for social justice in the decades following Rev. Martin Luther King. Jr.’s assassination, died Tuesday at the age of 84.

5. Spring Training games set to begin across the Tampa Bay area
Baseball fans are heading back to Florida as Grapefruit League spring training games begin this weekend across the state, with matchups scheduled in cities including Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Dunedin, Lakeland and Sarasota.
 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

ATTRACTIONS | Disney World officials announced new details for its 2026 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, which is set to return in full bloom next month. The vibrant festival will take place from March 4 to June 1. Every year, attendees enjoy character-themed topiaries, live entertaintment and garden-inspired food and beverages at the popular event.

TRAFFIC ALERT | Both northbound lanes of North Himes Avenue, including the sidewalk, are closed between West North B Street and West Gray Street while the Tampa Water Department returns to complete a more permanent restoration following earlier repairs on a water main break. There will be barricades and signs in the area to help reroute traffic. The work is expected to be completed with a return to normal traffic patterns by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, weather permitting. The Tampa Water Department may need to return at a later date to complete additional work.

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

Wednesday, Feb 18

Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent, 40 days representing the time Jesus is recorded in the Bible as spending in the desert being tempted by Satan before the beginning of his public ministry
Muslim month of Ramadan begins in the U.S., although the date varies by country depending on moon sighting. Muslims typically fast from dawn through dusk throughout the holy month as part of an effort towards self-purification and moral excellence * Ends with Eid ul-Fitr (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast), when Muslims celebrate over three days with special prayers followed by community celebrations
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games continue, with eight gold medals decided across six sports. 
Former Victoria’s Secret CEO Les Wexner scheduled to sit for deposition following a subpoena issued by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Last week, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna announced Wexner as one of six men whose presence in the Epstein files had been redacted in public releases and said his inclusion meant he was ‘likely incriminated’ in the financier’s sex trafficking operation. Wexner has not been criminally charged. Epstein served as Wexner’s money manager and it appears it is from Wexner that he derived most of his multibillion personal fortune. Wexner, a billionaire himself, made his fortune with brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works, and Abercrombie and Fitch

Edith Thomas has been working in Polk County Public Schools for 31 years.

TShe started out as the school nurse at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary and then decided to become a paraeducator. She says she wanted to help children in her community.