Good morning! A man in Japan just set the world record for "most T-shirts worn at once" at 260 shirts. He said his biggest challenge wasn't the weight—it was finding someone to help him go to the bathroom. Somewhere, a productivity expert is having an aneurism. Also, we are switching it up today, the juicy story we save for last.

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Mark your calendar: February 12 at 11 a.m. is when Whataburger officially returns to Tampa Bay after disappearing more than 15 years ago.

The Texas burger chain announced Wednesday that its first location will open at 10150 Ulmerton Road in Largo—a $1.3 million remodel of the old Joella's Hot Chicken spot. And yes, it'll be open 24/7, because apparently Whataburger believes Floridians need access to made-to-order burgers at 3 a.m. (They're not wrong.)

"When we brought the Whataburger Food Truck to Tampa in 2024, the Florida heat showed up, but the energy showed up even bigger," said CEO Debbie Stroud. "We met people with long-held Whataburger memories and first-time fans who couldn't wait for more."

This is the first of eight planned Whataburger locations across Tampa Bay by the end of 2027. The company's already scouted spots in Brandon and Lutz that should open this spring.

The Largo location seats 62 people, has a drive-thru, and here's the kicker: the first 100 guests on opening day get swag bags. If you're wondering what's in a Whataburger swag bag, join the line on February 12 and find out.

Whataburger originally expanded into Tampa Bay in the early 2000s but closed all its locations several years later. One of those old spots—at 8700 Ulmerton Road in Largo—is now a Popeyes, which feels poetic somehow.

Before anyone asks: yes, the chain donated $10,000 to Feeding Tampa Bay's school pantry program and fed 150 Hillsborough County elementary school students this week. So they're at least trying to be good neighbors.

Bottom line: Texas burgers are officially back in Tampa Bay, and if you've ever lived somewhere with Whataburger, you already know why this is a big deal. If you haven't, prepare for your friends to explain it to you. Repeatedly.

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg held a preview event Thursday, and organizers are clearly excited about what's coming February 27-March 1: the first-ever NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on St. Pete's downtown street circuit.

"What a great new racing addition," said Kim Green, co-owner and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions. "Saturday will be packed for our fans with entertainment."

Here's what's notable: Track construction begins Monday, February 9, and the whole thing—building the 1.8-mile, 14-turn circuit, hosting three days of racing, and tearing it all down—takes just 22 days now. When the Grand Prix first came to St. Pete 22 years ago, it took 75 days to do the same work.

The IndyCar season opener happens Sunday, March 1 (airing live on FOX), with NASCAR trucks making history on the streets Saturday, February 28. If you've never seen stock-car-style trucks fender-to-fender on a narrow street course surrounded by concrete walls, this should be interesting.

Bottom line: Downtown transforms into a race track in three weeks. If you work or live near the waterfront, start planning alternate routes now.

Yes yes yes, another update to the Gas Plant situation. Its almost like a reality Tv show so we have to bring the updates. The political gloves came off Thursday when City Council voted 6-2 to pass a resolution asking Mayor Ken Welch to pause the Historic Gas Plant District developer selection process and hire an independent planning firm first. The mayor's response? Thanks, but no thanks.

Council member Brandi Gabbard—who's running against Welch for mayor this year—sponsored the resolution calling for a "planning-first framework" before picking from the nine developers who submitted proposals this week. She wants the city to hire the Urban Land Institute for about $135,000 to create a comprehensive plan before any developer gets chosen.

"Today we are not just voting on a resolution, we are deciding how history will remember our stewardship for St. Petersburg's most valuable remaining asset," Gabbard told the council.

Welch fired back with a memo before the vote, saying the city's already spent over a decade planning the Gas Plant's future—including two full studies and extensive community input. "With respect to timing, pausing all progress for yet another planning exercise—after proposals have been submitted, risks repeating a familiar and painful pattern for this community: plans discussed, promises acknowledged, and action deferred," he wrote.

The 6-2 vote (Council members Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Copley Gerdes voted no) hands Gabbard a political win, but here's the catch: the resolution is non-binding. That means Welch has zero legal obligation to follow it, and he's made clear he plans to keep moving forward anyway.

"No, I'm not pausing," Welch told the St. Pete Catalyst before the vote.

This is shaping up to be the issue in the 2026 mayoral race. Welch filed for reelection on February 2. Gabbard has publicly declared her candidacy. And now they've drawn clear battle lines over how to handle the 86-acre site surrounding Tropicana Field.

Bottom line: City Council wants to slow down and plan first. Mayor Welch says we've been planning for a decade and it's time to act. The nine developers who just submitted proposals are watching this political chess match unfold, and nobody knows how long the review process will actually take.

Florida Politics coverage | FOX 13 has more

🗳️ Madeira Beach candidate forum held Thursday: The League of Women Voters hosted a candidate forum Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at Madeira Beach City Hall as part of their series ahead of the March 10 municipal elections. More forums scheduled for St. Pete Beach and other beach communities.

🚔 Immigration concerns raised at St. Pete forum: Immigration enforcement was a concern at a community policing forum Wednesday night in St. Petersburg, where Police Chief answered questions about warrants and violence seen in other cities.

📚 Teachers rally in Tallahassee against school closures: Florida teachers and education advocates rallied at the state capitol Thursday calling for increased teacher pay and voucher reform. They warned that 30 Florida school districts—including nearby Pinellas County—could face closures if funding issues aren't addressed.

⚡ Lightning beat Panthers 4-1 Thursday night: Tampa Bay extended their win streak to five games with a dominant performance against Florida at Amalie Arena. The Bolts continue rolling as one of the NHL's hottest teams heading into the Olympic break.

🏃 Fit City 5K + 1-Mile Glow Walk – 9th annual event hosted by Healthy St. Pete in downtown. Get your steps in while supporting community fitness initiatives.

🎭 Desoto Tiger's Testimony – 8 PM at Palladium Theater, 253 5th Ave N. Roots-blues guitar featuring Damon Fowler (BMA nominee), Jason Ricci (three-time BMA winner), and Jonathon Boogie Long.

🎻 The Florida Orchestra: Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 – 7:30 PM at Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater. Classical music for a chilly Friday night.

🎵 ZUEZEU at Siren St Pete – 10 PM at 350 1st Ave N. If you're looking for a late-night vibe, Siren's got you covered.

We couldn't dig up anything that happened on February 6 in St. Pete history—if you know of something, hit reply and let us know!

In the meantime, here's a general Florida history fact from this date: On February 6, 1933, the Florida Legislature approved the design of the state seal. The seal features an image of a Seminole woman, a sabal palm, and water—symbols representing Florida's heritage, natural beauty, and coastal geography. It's been the official state seal for 93 years now, which means it's outlasted most of our sports teams' championship droughts.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AMAZING!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, do better
⭐️ You didn't bring the heat