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

Dense fog will be possible for early Friday morning, then expect skies to clear by late morning. 

Highs will range from the mid 70s at the coast to the mid 80s inland. 

Sea fog could linger over the gulf until midday. 

Fog comes in again late Friday night with lows in the mid 60s. 

High: 82

Low: 65

Rain Coverage: 0%

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Interactive Map: Tracking wildfires across Florida
Burn bans are in effect for the Tampa Bay area due to enhanced fire danger from the dry season. View an interactive map for latest wildfire locations.

2. Report: Florida Cabinet to discuss gift of 22 acres to Hillsborough College for Rays stadium
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet are considering giving Hillsborough College 22 acres of land. The move would give the college the land needed for a proposed Tampa Bay Rays baseball stadium.

3. Universal Orlando announces new multi-day ticket with access to all parks
Universal Orlando announced a new ticket option this morning that gives access to all four theme parks, including Epic Universe. Attractions Insider has more.

4. Proposed Manatee cruise port could be stopped with bill
State lawmakers have advanced a bill that could put a stop to proposed plans to build a new cruise port in Manatee County.

5. Gulfport Senior Center expansion to be considered by city council
An expanded Gulfport Senior Center may soon become a reality. Preliminary concepts for an expansion will be unveiled at the council chambers on March 3. 

6. Rainbow laser lights to illuminate 50 blocks of St. Pete’s Central Avenue
For three nights, 50 blocks of Central Avenue in St. Pete will be illuminated with a rainbow of laser lights. The lights will project off the roof of the Mari Jean Hotel and end at a vacant building in South Pasadena. The lasers will cover a more than 2-mile stretch of Central Avenue.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

ST. PETE TRAFFIC | Beginning at 6 a.m. tomorrow, 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 approximately 10  days, weather permitting. One lane will remain open in each direction. These closures are necessary for crews to perform paving operations and guardrail installation as part of the Alt. US 19 (Tyrone Boulevard) pavement rehabilitation project from 5th Avenue to Park Street in Pinellas County. Read more about the project here.

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.

BRADENTON TRAFFIC | Several events scheduled for tomorrow and this weekend, including the 11th Annual Bradenton Area River Regatta, LECOM 5K Run/Walk, Bradenton Public Market, and Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Home Opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, are expected to draw extra traffic to downtown Bradenton. View more information and road closure maps.

National Notes

Friday, Feb. 20

Court hearing for Vance Boelter, charged with federal stalking and possession and use of a firearm charges. Boelter allegedly used a realistic silicon mask, fake police plates, and body armor 14 Jun in an attack against two Democratic state lawmakers. Prosecutors said he visited the homes of at least four public officials on the night he allegedly entered the home of Democratic State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who were both fatally shot. Democratic State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were also injured in a shooting at their home. Police arrested Boelter in Green Isle, MN, after a two-day manhunt * Case no. 0:2025cr00272 * Before Magistrate Judge John Docherty * Boelter also faces state-level charges of murder St Paul, Minnesota 11am ET
Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes advance GDP data for the fourth quarter of 2025, after last month’s data said that real gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 4.4% in Q3, following annual growth of 3.8% in Q2
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games continue, with six gold medals decided across four sports.
MLB Spring Training begins, with Major League clubs competing in Cactus and Grapefruit League games
U.S. Supreme Court convenes for a public non-argument session. Court also meets in private conference to discuss cases and vote on petitions for review today
Extended deadline for Warner Bros Discovery shareholders to accept Paramount offer

Children gather at the aquarium on the first floor of Mote SEA, inches away from the glass as sharks swim over them. Photo by Virginia Johnson/Staff

Mote SEA (Science Education Aquarium) in Sarasota has more than 100 species of marine life including manatees, otters, sharks and more.

It opened on Oct. 8, 2025, and is training the next generation of marine scientists with internships and mentorships.