Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Tallahassee. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Girl Scout Cookies 2026 are available today in Tallahassee, featuring the new Exploremores flavor offered at locations from Walmart to the FSU campus; shoppers may text COOKIES (59618) or use the finder for sale details. Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson died Tuesday morning at 84, leaving behind a legacy of activism in the Big Bend and beyond. Local figures recall his 1970s speeches and urge the community to keep alive his message of justice and nonviolence. WCTV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fat Tuesday was celebrated on Feb. 17 with locals enjoying traditional indulgences before Lent begins today as many prepare for fasting and reflection. Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ Young Actors Theatre will show Honk, Jr. from Friday, Feb. 20 through March 1 at its stage – nearly all 70 youth performers, aged 9 to 18, will share the spotlight in this updated musical retelling of the classic tale. WFSU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ FSU Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor Michael Shatruk earned a 2025 Novo Nordisk Fellowship that provided about $117,000 (752,000 Danish kroner) to study quantum materials at the Technical University of Denmark in Copenhagen until early May. He used electron-diffraction crystallography to improve quantum technology research. Florida State University
- ➤ FSU’s Chief Information Officer Jonathan Fozard received the 2026 Florida Large Enterprise ORBIE Award for his leadership in digital innovation and for enhancing student internship opportunities. His work has boosted FSU’s tech initiatives + strengthened statewide partnerships with major companies. Florida State University
- ➤ FAMU President Marva Johnson has less than five months to meet freshly approved goals + tracked by 16 Decision Point Reports on student retention, faculty hiring and financial health before a June 30 deadline to determine her eligibility for an $86,000 bonus. Tallahassee Democrat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City commissioners will vote today on a $10 million incentive package at Tallahassee Airport aimed at attracting new carriers. TLH Airport Director Pollard said the plan — a risk-mitigation tool — could soon bring fresh services to replace lost routes and boost long-term connectivity. Tallahassee Democrat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, HCA Florida Capital Hospital appointed Sylvia Lollis as VP of Human Resources at its facility serving Leon and Gadsden Counties. Lollis, who previously led HR initiatives at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, Osceola Hospital & Poinciana Hospital, will drive new programs to support staff growth. Tallahassee Reports
- ➤ Following two measles cases at a nearby university on Feb. 5 and a state tally of 13 cases, FSU now enforces an MMR vaccination requirement for all students and staff to protect its campus, with vaccines also available at local pharmacies (ensuring community safety). FSU News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Savannah Bananas are hosting three sold-out Banana Ball games from Feb. 26-28 in Tallahassee with two games at Howser Stadium and a Saturday finale at Doak Campbell Stadium at 7 p.m. – the unique rules include a two-hour game limit and fan challenges to keep play fast-paced. Tallahassee Democrat
- ➤ The No. 16 FSU baseball team traveled to Jacksonville on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. ET at John Sessions Stadium — both teams entered undefeated as redshirt sophomore left-hander Payton Manca and grad righty Ben Baker-Livingston made their season debuts. Tallahassee Reports
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Cirque Italia - Water Circus
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Governor’s Square — Ticket prices vary — Experience a breathtaking aquatic performance under the big top with dazzling acts from around the world.
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Local Band Showcase at The Bark
7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Bark — $10 cover at the door — Enjoy vibrant performances from BLAIRSTONE, CONFLICT OF INTERESTS, BACKWARDS DRIVING, OH!FAUNA, and BLAME.2.
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Cirque Italia: Water Circus
1:30-4:30 p.m. — Governor’s Square — Tickets start at $74 — Experience the magic of acrobatics and water performances at this unforgettable circus event.
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Professional Bartender Training Class
6-10 p.m. — Courtyard by Marriott Tallahassee North/I-10 Capital Circle — $275 full price, $59 down payment — Gain essential bartending skills and industry knowledge in an engaging hands-on class.
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AdventureCONNECT Networking Event
10 AM – 12 PM — Tallahassee Automobile Museum — Free entry — Connect with adventure travel professionals and explore new opportunities in a relaxed setting.
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FCW Presents: Rise of a Champion
5-9 p.m. — Northside Community Center — $10 GA, $15 Floor, $20 Front row — Experience family-friendly wrestling action with local stars vying for the first-ever FCW Champion title.
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Field Day Music Festival 2026
12:00 a.m. — Phipps Farm — Tickets available now — Enjoy a live music experience featuring Eddie 9V in Tallahassee.
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Congress The Band Live
8:30-10:30 p.m. — 926 Bar & Grill — Support act TBD — Experience a dynamic performance from one of the Southeast's rising rock acts in Tallahassee.
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Vincent Mason Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Moon — $33-$164 — Enjoy an electrifying evening with Vincent Mason and Cole Goodwin at The Moon on the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour.
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Matilda Jr. the Musical
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Apalachee Tapestry Magnet School of the Arts — VIP Adult: $15, General Adult: $10 — Enjoy a charming performance showcasing that even the littlest can achieve great things.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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