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
Patchy fog will develop and stick around through mid morning on Thursday.
The day starts in the 60s.
The sky will become mostly sunny with highs in the low 80s.
An on shore wind will keep it in the 70s near the coast.
High: 82
Low: 64
Rain Coverage: 0%
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Today’s Big Stories
1. St. Pete Mayor Welch delivers State of the City: “2025 was a year of recovery”
Welch took a look back at storm recovery, affordable housing challenges and the ongoing issues with trying to redevelop Tropicana Field.
2. St. Petersburg officials use first meeting to take stock of city seawalls
St. Petersburg city officials are one step closer to developing a plan about what improvements will take place for miles of seawall around the city.
3. Events this week to help seniors file for new tax deduction
Seniors across Florida could see meaningful tax savings this filing season thanks to a new deduction aimed at residents age 65 and older.
4. Jesse Jackson celebration of life scheduled for next week
His body will lie in state at the headquarters of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition he founded 30 years ago to advocate for civil rights and economic justice, followed by a church service and final celebration Feb. 28, the family said.
5. Moderna says FDA will consider its new flu shot after resolving public dispute
The dispute centered over a 40,000-person clinical trial that concluded Moderna’s new vaccine was more effective in adults age 50 and older than one of the standard flu shots used today.
6. St. Pete-Clearwater Airport adds 3 new routes, ranked 2nd-most affordable
Allegiant Airlines operating out of the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) will add three new non-stop routes over the next couple of weeks, which will contribute to its record-breaking growth.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
ST. PETE TRAFFIC ALERT | Beginning on Friday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m., lane closures will be in place in both directions around the clock on Tyrone Boulevard (Alt US 19) from 73rd Street N to 68th Street N for about ten days, weather permitting. One lane will remain open in each direction. This project is replacing concrete pavement slabs along Tyrone Boulevard (Alt US 19) from 5th Avenue N to Park Street N in St. Petersburg. Avoid traffic delays and plan your route ahead with our Real-Time Traffic Map.
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.
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 19
President Donald Trump holds inaugural Board of Peace meeting to raise money for Gaza reconstruction
London Fashion Week begins, Europe’s largest selling exhibition for ready-to-wear designer fashion for Autumn/Winter 2026
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games continue, with seven gold medals decided across six sports
The Filling Station Café showcases its “Station Smashburger” and “Diesel Chicken Caesar Wrap.”
A retired car biz guy from New England is following his heart by creating a grab-n-go gathering place in Brevard County.