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Editor’s Pick

The Olympic and Paralympic Symbols in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. — Let the games begin. | Photo via Pexels

Shocking upsets, personal confessions, and cheating accusations. Any guesses what we’re talking about? This year’s 2026 Winter Olympics has been full of controversy, and the theatrics aren’t over yet.

The Closing Ceremony takes place this Sunday, Feb. 22, and WTSP will be covering the spectacle. After that, if you’re going to miss the drama, here are a few on-stage productions we’ve got our eye on:

A cast of international ballet stars are bringing Tchaikovsky’s “The Sleeping Beauty” to The Mahaffey Theater on Thursday, March 5.
American Stage returns in March with another season of “Theatre in the Park,” with performances of “Into the Woods” at Demen’s Landing.
A taste of Broadway is coming to Derby City as “Hell’s Kitchen” takes over the stage for a two-week stint at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, starting Tuesday, March 24.

Asked

What was American Stage’s original name?

A. Tampa Bay Players
B. Palisades Theatre
C. Bayway Acting Troupe
D. Sunshine City Theatre

Can we fool you?

Events

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Sunday, Feb. 22

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News Notes

Civic

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet are considering giving the Rays 22 acres for the new stadium. But the deal would come with terms. For example, the Rays would need to start building the Dale Mabry project within five years of the land transfer. When’s the meeting? (Tampa Bay Times)

Development

On a similar and definitely related note, Mayor Ken Welch is still pushing to redevelop the Gas Plant District despite the city council’s pleas to hit pause. Earlier this week at the State of the City, Welch announced his administration’s plans to evaluate proposals and potentially pick one by the fall. (Tampa Bay Times)

Arts

We’re in the final few days of Art Week Tampa, but there’s still plenty of right brain fun to be had. Check out exhibitions across the USF Corridor and Seminole Heights like “Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion” and “Impressions: 35 Years of Women in Print.” What else is on the lineup? (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Coming Soon

Didn’t rush in college? Now’s your chance to go Greek. The aptly named Go Greek Yogurt is opening in the Sundial this July. Don’t expect the sugary stuff, the joint focuses keeps it simple with flavors like plain tart, Greek honey, and chocolate, along with rotating seasonal picks like guava and hazelnut. (St. Pete Rising)

Weather

Got a green thumb? This one’s for you. The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 Last Frost Date Map, and it suggests Nashville gardeners may want to plant a little earlier than usual this year. Pro tip: Pick up some native plants at Citrus Park Nursery.

Travel

The world’s smallest country is making upgrades for visitors. The Vatican is enhancing the experience at St. Peter’s Basilica by expanding terrace access to negate long wait times and increasing translation offerings. TPA is the place to start your adventure. (AP News)

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The Wrap

I plan to spend at least part of my weekend holed up on the couch with my dog watching “Love Story” the new series about Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr.'s love story.

I’m trying not to go into it with any preconceived ideas — so don’t blow up my line. But I’m a bit dubious the Hulu series will do America’s most fashionable couple of the last 40 years justice. Just me?

Thankfully, “Grey Gardens,” the lauded documentary following two famous Kennedy relatives, always lives up to the hype. And the Tampa Theatre has a showing on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

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