Issue #555: Record Dry Weather, Turtle Rescue Efforts & Rays Fan Fest’s Valentine’s Block Party

2/13/2026

Author

Ted Grellner
13 Feb

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.

— Tampa Bay Facing Driest Start to Year Since 1890

Local News

— Cold Snap Strands 600 Green Sea Turtles Along Tampa Bay

— Tampa Couple Gets Engaged During Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

Sports

— Rays Fan Fest Returns to St. Pete with Free Valentine’s Day Block Party

Tampa Bay Facing Driest Start to Year Since 1890

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor expanded Severe and Extreme drought coverage along Florida’s west coast following months of below-average rainfall. Since January 1, Tampa is down 2.56 inches, while St. Petersburg and Brooksville each show deficits of 3.11 inches.

Between September 1 and January 31, Tampa recorded just 33% of its normal rainfall, an abnormally dry period even for Florida’s typical winter dry season.

Water restrictions are now in place across several counties as soil moisture dwindles. Forecasters expect rain Sunday night into Monday, but it will not significantly ease conditions.

Persistent dryness is also increasing wildfire danger across the region. Officials urge residents to follow water and fire restrictions as Florida’s rainy season is not expected to return until late May.

Cold Snap Strands 600 Green Sea Turtles Along Tampa Bay

More than 600 juvenile green sea turtles have stranded along Florida’s Gulf Coast this month, overwhelmed by a sudden plunge in water temperatures. Rescuers have recovered turtles from Treasure Island to Crystal River, with many appearing lifeless but reviving once warmed.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium has taken in 37 turtles, while the Florida Aquarium’s Apollo Beach center is also caring for new arrivals. Staff say it’s the highest surge since 2018. Sea turtles thrive in waters above 75 degrees; when temperatures fall into the 50s, they become “cold-stunned,” unable to swim or regulate body heat.

Last year saw a record 1,410 cold-stunned strandings statewide, raising concerns about climate patterns and rapid weather swings.

Despite the strain, recent releases offer hope. Fifteen rehabilitated turtles were returned to waters off Honeymoon Island this week. With no government funding for care, aquariums rely on donations as they prepare for more rescues before winter ends.

Tampa Couple Gets Engaged During Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

Victor Dimaren and Emma Eldridge, who first met at a Tampa pool party, got engaged during Bad Bunny’s live halftime performance, with millions watching nationwide. While the performance was rehearsed, the proposal was completely real — and she said yes.

Dimaren, a St. Petersburg College graduate and professional dancer, suspected early on that a “mystery gig” casting call was tied to the halftime show. He later learned it involved an engagement scene, though Eldridge remained unaware until rehearsals intensified and a ring appeared.

Despite nerves about handling the ring box correctly on live television, the moment unfolded flawlessly. The ring is real, and so is the couple’s excitement.

The newly engaged pair, now based in Las Vegas, plan to return home to Tampa Bay to celebrate with family — and say more surprises may still be ahead.

Rays Fan Fest Returns to St. Pete with Free Valentine’s Day Block Party

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.

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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