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Sunrise 7:09 a.m. | Sunset 6:19 p.m.

Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 10:34 p.m. | Low: 6:28 a.m.

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Welcome Gasparilla weekend pt. 2

Take to the streets or the balcony of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade. | Image via Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago

Forget Valentine’s Day — unless that’s your thing — Tampa Bay’s got a packed weekend in store even without the Galentine’s markets, prixe fixe nights, and rom com screenings.

Here’s a look at what’s on tap for this February weekend — sans concerts, Straz shows, and all of the other hoopla going on:

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ | Friday, Feb. 13 + Saturday, Feb. 14 | 12 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | $43+

Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Parade | Saturday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. | Seventh Avenue, Ybor City | Free

2026 Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 2240 9th Ave S., St. Petersburg | Free

Localtopia 2026: “A Community Celebration of All Things Local” | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Williams Park | Free

2026 Rays Fan Fest Block Party | Saturday, Feb. 14 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Outside of Tropicana Field | Free

Editor’s note: Folks heading to Localtopia can ride the SunRunner for free using the 1st Ave N. and 5th St. Station or the station on 1st Ave. N. & 1st Street.

Events

Thursday, Feb. 12

Friday, Feb. 13

Saturday, Feb. 14

See our full events calendar

Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Announced

Pinellas County officially finished the $125.7 million beach renourishment project. In total, workers plopped down 2.5 million cubic yards of sand across 12 miles of land. Apparently, it’s enough sand to fill up the Dalí more than 40 times. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Outdoors

And the next project begins. The county began dredging John’s Pass earlier this week. In total, workers will remove 13,000 cubic yards of sand from the north side of the channel. Why? The project will make the channel safer for swimmers and marine life, and improve the flooding issues. (St. Pete Catalyst)

Outdoors

Florida State Parks are offering free admission tomorrow, Feb. 13, through Monday, Feb. 16, in honor of Presidents’ Day weekend. Gems like Hillsborough River State Park and Little Manatee River State Park are on the list. (WTSP)
Remember the couple that got engaged during Sunday night’s Halftime Show? It was real, and they’re from the Cigar City. Get a peek behind the scenes, including who bought the ring. I told you there had to be a Tampa Bay connection. (Tampa Bay Times)

Plan Ahead

The Rays officially set a date for Longo’s retirement party. The team plans to induct our longtime third baseman into the Rays Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 11 + retire his jersey on Sunday, July 12. Get tickets to Longo Legacy Weekend. (WUSF News)

Try This

Somehow, it’s already the final weekend of the Florida State Fair. Here’s how much it costs to treat the whole family to a Dill Devil and more normal fare before the gates close on Monday, Feb. 16.

Festival

Head to Dade City this weekend for the Lunar Lantern Festival. The lineup promises a large lantern release, a $1,000 “Squid Game”-style challenge, and traditional Lion Dance performances, Asian street food, and plenty of shopping. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Eat

Ribs on the Ridge, the second leg of the annual Triple Crown of BBQ competition, returns on Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21. Come with wet wipes and an empty stomach to taste BBQ from some of our region’s top chefs.*

Featured Home

Hoping for Zillow Gone Wild? Sorry, this one is for the real estate pros: Our business promo portal makes sharing home listings easy. Check out examples and submit your listing to get started.

Read

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*

The Buy

In the name of self-care, treat yourself to a little early Valentine’s Day gift. We think you’ll love these five picks, ordered by price.

💸 Under $15: This viral collagen face mask hydrates, evens skin tone, and improves elasticity.
💸 Under $30: A top-rated plush robe that makes every day feel like a spa day.
💸 Under $50: Moroccanoil’s hydrating hair mask leaves hair feeling noticeably softer + hydrated.
💸 Under $75: This pair of freshwater pearl earrings are perfect for every occasion.
💸 Under $150: A cozy cardigan by Barefoot Dreams that’s crafted from the brand’s famously soft yarn.

More great self-care gifts

Answered

Yesterday, we asked “What’s the oldest restaurant in Tampa Bay?”

A black and white photo of the signage outside Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. There are clouds above, and the iconic sign sits atop arches and pillars which surround the restaurant. — The Columbia Restaurant boasts a legendary tale.

Le duh, it’s the Columbia Restaurant — which 74% of readers guessed correctly. Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. opened what was first called the Saloon Columbia in 1903, and the spot’s stuck around for five generations.

Beyond the OG Ybor City location, the Tampa-grown brand also owns multiple other Columbia locations; Ulele, Casa Santo Stefano, and Cha Cha Coconuts.

More restaurant coverage

The Wrap

As you can tell from the events section, there’s truly no shortage of local Galentine’s + Valentine’s Day events this year. Well, here’s another.

Blind Tiger is hosting a mini market this Saturday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with new love-themed drinks, DJ sets, free yoga on the patio, tarot readings, a bouquet bar, and tons of vendors.