An unusual cold front hits Southwest Florida, prompting the Charlotte CARE Center to open its doors as a shelter from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Residents are advised to prepare for extreme temperatures and high winds.

Tampa Bay's National Weather Service issued Extreme Cold, Freeze, and Gale Watches, anticipating a severe cold snap with wind chills possibly in the teens. Residents are advised to take precautions for travel, home, pets, and outdoor activities.

Hillsborough County offers recycling tips post-Gasparilla festivities, outlining acceptable recyclables and advising the donation of non-recyclable items like beads.

Tampa Bay residents prepare for a cold snap with freeze and wind advisories, including possible sub-freezing temperatures, gusty winds, and high surf with rip current risks.

Tampa Police will enforce a no-fly zone for personal drones during the Pirate Invasion and Gasparilla Parade, urging public safety and deploying their own drones for surveillance.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office held a ceremony for 25 new deputies and 15 promotions, with Sheriff Bob Gualtieri officiating and community members attending.

The New Tampa Performing Arts Center offers a diverse February schedule, including theater, music, films, and dance. Events range from "The SpongeBob Musical" to classical concerts and drumming performances.

Tampa Fire Rescue extinguished a significant house fire on N. Branch Avenue within 25 minutes; no occupants or injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation.

The 29th Annual Kumquat Festival in Tampa Bay, initially set for Jan. 31, is postponed due to a severe cold front. It's rescheduled for March 8. Local businesses await the event, important for the economy.

Tampa is facing a weekend of hazardous weather with strong winds, freezing temperatures, and coastal threats prompting multiple advisories, including wind, freeze, and surf warnings. Residents are urged to take precautions.

Joyce Mandley restores headstones in Clearwater Municipal Cemetery, documenting and preserving local history, including notable figures like Dixie M. Hollins Sr. and Nancy Campbell.

A Pinellas County deputy, James Jones, was fired and charged for battery against an inmate, George Miller, following a sheriff's investigation into a November 2025 incident.

Hillsborough County urges residents to prepare for natural hazards during Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week from Feb. 2-6, focusing daily on different dangers like lightning, hurricanes, and wildfires.