Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Tallahassee. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jay Morrell, owner of Early's Kitchen, tells his journey from working in migrant fields to co-owning a longtime local restaurant built on hard work, pride, and family legacy. His inspiring story is featured during Listening Week, which began yesterday. WFSU Public Media
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dylan Scott will headline the Springtime Tallahassee Music Festival at Kleman Plaza on March 27. Rising star Madden Metcalf and Tobacco Rd Band will also perform at the free event, which starts at 6 p.m. and features a Beer Garden opening at 5:30 p.m. WCTV
- ➤ On Saturday, Feb. 14, FSU hosted its 31st Annual International Bazaar at the Student Union Ballrooms, drawing about 900 attendees for global music, dance, and cultural table displays — a showcase of traditions from around the world. Florida State University
- ➤ Tallahassee native director Robby Rackleff hosted a screening of his film 'Dance Freak' at FSU's Askew Student Life Cinema on Feb. 11 and joined a Zoom Q&A to share his creative process with local students. The event offered filmmaking advice and a deeper look into his work. FSU News
- ➤ Local events offer exciting options today and this weekend in Tallahassee, with Shakespeare in the Park at Cascades Park beginning today at 7:30 p.m., FSU’s musical Footloose starting Feb. 20, and a free MagLab Open House plus a Wakulla cook-off and concert on Feb. 21—providing fun for all ages. Tallahassee Democrat
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Florida State University announced a new Bachelor of Arts in Music Business major. Applications are open through March 1, and the College of Music will offer a curriculum in music, business, law, marketing + technology to prepare students for roles in artist management, music publishing and digital platforms. Florida State University
- ➤ FSU Associate Professor Joel M. Smith received the prestigious Eli Lilly Grantee Award on Thursday, Feb. 19, which brings $150,000 to his lab for research on synthesizing complex molecules for potential medicines for neurological disorders. Florida State University
- ➤ FSU MagLab is hosting a free science festival on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its lab on E. Paul Dirac Drive in Tallahassee, where families can enjoy literary-themed science demos, interactive tours, and hands-on activities. Tallahassee Democrat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials revised construction plans in the Market District to fast-track repairs on Maclay Boulevard — aiming to reopen the road by late summer ahead of the busy shopping season. The project is set to finish by year-end as staff coordinates with local businesses and residents. Tallahassee Reports
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Rickards girls will face Fort Walton Beach at Fort Walton on Feb. 20 and the Godby boys will host their game in Tallahassee on Feb. 21 as they compete in the FHSAA 4A state tournament. Tallahassee Reports
- ➤ Today FAMU basketball hosts Alabama A&M at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center in a SWAC doubleheader with the women at 6:30 p.m. and the men at 8:30 p.m.— the team will host Alabama State on Saturday with a 4 p.m. tip-off. Tallahassee Democrat
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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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