Issue #554: Love Is in the Air (and Traffic), Wildfire Surge, Rays Open Camp & How to Watch in 2026

2/12/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
12 Feb

In partnership with

Keep your finger on the Pulse!

GOOD MORNING

Dr Ted
USAF Retired

 
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse

Our Event Calendar 

Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.

Local News

— Love Is in the Air — and So Is Gridlock in Tampa

— Drought, Freeze Fuel Surge in Bay Area Wildfires

Sports

— Rays Open Camp After Busy Offseason of Big Moves

— How to Watch the Rays in 2026: Key Changes Explained

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Love Is in the Air — and So Is Gridlock in Tampa

City officials are warning drivers to prepare for heavy traffic throughout Valentine’s Day weekend, as concerts, festivals and sporting events fill the calendar.

Friday night kicks off with Beer, Bourbon & BBQ at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Rascal Flatts at Benchmark International Arena, and multiple performances at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

Saturday, Valentine’s Day, brings a packed schedule, including the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Parade in Ybor City, Tampa United Volleyball at the Tampa Convention Center, and a Tampa Bay Sun game at Suncoast Credit Union Field. Events continue Sunday with volleyball tournaments, Water Street Market, and additional theater performances.

Officials encourage attendees to consider alternative transportation, including the TECO Line Streetcar, DASH service, HART buses, scooters, or bicycles to avoid congestion.

Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time and plan routes in advance.

Drought, Freeze Fuel Surge in Bay Area Wildfires

Severe drought conditions and a recent historic freeze have placed the Tampa Bay region under a heightened fire alert, with wildfires reported in every county this week.

Lingering smoke from a contained fire in the Starkey Ranch area prompted Pasco County Schools to cancel classes Wednesday at River Ridge Middle and High Schools. Officials say both campuses will reopen Thursday.

All Bay Area counties are now under mandatory burn bans, prohibiting outdoor burning, including yard waste and trash. Violators face fines of up to $500, possible jail time and liability for fire suppression costs.

Since late January, Florida has recorded 678 fire alerts statewide, underscoring the growing threat. Recent fires in Spring Hill, Lithia and Crystal River have destroyed property and strained emergency crews.

Fire officials warn that even small sparks — from grills, cigarettes or parking in dry grass — can quickly escalate. Burn bans will remain until sustained rainfall reduces the risk.

Rays Open Camp After Busy Offseason of Big Moves

A new season is officially underway as pitchers and catchers reported Wednesday to Charlotte Sports Park, kicking off Spring Training for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Players began the day with physicals and team photos, with their first on-field workout set for Thursday. Full-squad workouts start Feb. 17, and the Rays open Grapefruit League play Feb. 21 against Atlanta in Port Charlotte.

This spring follows an active offseason marked by multiple three-team trades. Tampa Bay dealt Brandon Lowe, Shane Baz, Josh Lowe and Mason Montgomery, along with minor leaguer Jake Mangum, reshaping the roster to add versatility and long-term assets, including Gavin Lux and Jacob Melton.

President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander and manager Kevin Cash will address media Thursday as the club begins its transition toward a new-look 2026 campaign.

Meanwhile, the team hosts its annual Fan Fest Block Party Saturday near Tropicana Field, featuring player interactions and community events beginning at 1 p.m.

How to Watch the Rays in 2026: Key Changes Explained

The Tampa Bay Rays will have Major League Baseball produce their local television broadcasts for the 2026 season, joining several other clubs in the league-run model.

Fans across Florida can still watch games through their existing cable or satellite providers, as well as via MLB.TV, which continues to stream out-of-market games.

Under a new agreement, ESPN Unlimited subscribers will receive a slight discount on MLB.TV, while non-subscribers will pay standard rates. Services including Spectrum, DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu Live TV and Verizon Fios already bundle ESPN Unlimited into certain plans.

Fourteen teams — including the Rays, Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals — will offer in-market streaming directly through MLB platforms.

While features like multiview, integrated stats and alternate home/away feeds remain, home and away radio broadcasts will no longer be available on ESPN this season.

Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of
Feb 9
Source: tampabay.com

Things to do in Tampa this weekend
2/6 - 2/8
Source: tampanewsroom.com

Things to do Around
Tampa & WC
2/5- 2/11:
Source:
tampabeacon.com

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