February is the shortest month of the year. The Welsh call February “y mis bach,” which means little month. It’s the third month of winter, which began December 21. In the Southern Hemisphere February is a summer month.
February is named for the Latin word februum, which means purification. Together with January, it was the last of the months added to the Roman calendar.
February dates to remember:
February 1, 2002 – The first Burnt Store Marina Beacon was published by Seabreeze Communications. The first editors were Peg Love, Judy Johnson, Shirley Weersing, Joan Mason and Jan McLaughlin. Liaison to the Section 22 HOA Board was Rachel Martin. This issue marks 24 years of service to the community…Happy Birthday to The Beacon!
February 4, 1985 – The United Nations signed a document entitled “Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.” 20 countries participated in the signing.
February 19, 1913 – A prize was inserted into a Cracker Jack box for the first time.
February 23, 1945 – U.S. marines raise the America flag in Iwo Jima. Just four days after arriving, U.S. Marines captured Mount Suribachi, on Iwo Jima’s south side, famously raising an American flag at the summit. That image was captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, who won a Pulitzer Prize for the iconic photograph.
February 27, 1950 – The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, limiting the president to two terms or a maximum of ten years in office.
February 17 – Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is also known as Mardi Gras Day or Shrove Day. It is a day when people eat all they want of their favorite foods, as the following day is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the fasting period for Christians called Lent. In addition to fasting, Christians also give up something that they especially enjoy. So, Fat Tuesday is a celebration and the last opportunity to enjoy the food, snack or beverage that is given up for the Lenten season, the 46 days before Easter.
Events you may look forward to:
February 5 – 16 – Florida State Fair, Tampa, Florida
The Florida State Fairgrounds stretch across 330 acres and is permanently located adjacent to I-4 and I-75 in the heart of bustling Tampa Bay. Advance tickets at Walgreens – Adults $11; Children 5 and under free, 6 – 11 $7; Seniors $7 (valid only Monday – Friday). For event times and more information, go to https://floridastatefair.com/fair/.
February 8 – Super Bowl LX(60) will be held in Santa Clara, CA at the Levi’s Stadium. Millions of people around the world MIGHT hold or attend the “Big Party” at bars, party houses, and in their living rooms. Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest snack day of the year, second only to New Year’s Eve. Sit down and tune in to the most watched game of the year. Watching the great ads and the super half-time show, are as much a part of the game as the game itself. Many readily admit that they watch the Superbowl just to see the ads.
February 14 – Valentine’s Day has become a day to celebrate the one you love most, as well as those closest to you. Be sure to shop early for your card – do it now!
February 15 – Presidents’ Day is celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States. It was created in 1971 as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, combing the two February birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22). Their birthdays had been previously observed as separate holidays.
Traditionally, Presidents’ Day marks the starting day of the annual Girl Scout Cookie sales. This year, cookie-loving consumers across the country can get a great big taste of deliciousness with new in 2026 “Exploremores,” the latest addition to the Girl Scout Cookie lineup. This cookie is inspired by Rocky Road ice cream, with chocolate, marshmallow, and almond-flavored crème. This cookie reflects the spirit of exploration that is central to the Girl Scouts’ mission.
February 2 – 22 – Swamp Cabbage Festival, La Belle, Florida
For 50+ years, this authentic Florida town east of Fort Myers has been celebrating swamp cabbage in a down-home festival and parade. A unique highlight: Armadillo races. For tickets and information, go to labelleswampcabbagefestival.org/.
February 20 – 22 –Scottish Highland Festival, Mount Dora, Florida
Celebrate Scottish culture in Mount Dora with bag pipers, highland athletes, Celtic music, dancing, society and heritage village and more! For tickets and more information, go to mountdora.gov/1291/Scottish-Highland-Festival
February 26 – March 8 – Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City, Florida
The Florida Strawberry Festival is a sweet slice of sunshine that rolls into East Hillsborough County yearly, celebrating the famous strawberry harvest. This event brings together over 600,000 visitors to enjoy headline concerts, youth livestock shows, not to forget the star of the show—delicious, fresh strawberry shortcake that’s worth every bite. Located at 303 Berryfest Place, Plant City, FL 33563. For more information, go to http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/info/
