Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Mobile. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Spanish Fort broke ground on Valor Park, a two acre park along Highway 98 near Mobile Bay, on Feb. 13. The park will feature green space, sidewalks, picnic tables and a pavilion, and is expected to open by summer's end—funded by a $3 million GoMESA grant and a $7,500 grant. Gulf Coast Media
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service exceeded expectations by carrying nearly 70,500 passengers from its Aug. 2025 launch through Jan. 31, with fares averaging $34 per ride + 94.1% of riders reporting high satisfaction. This strong performance reinforces the new Gulf Coast route as a promising travel option boosting local economic impact. NBC 15
- ➤ Southern Company earned $4.3 billion in profit for 2025 as fourth-quarter revenues climbed to $416 million; its Alabama Power unit serves about 9 million customers in the Southeast & supports reliable energy for local communities. 1819 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mobile's Comic Cowboys displayed humorous placards at the Mardi Gras parade as new mayor Spiro Cheriogotis received a warm welcome from community members & locals. The group's signs joked about business ties and rival sports rivalries during this lively cultural celebration. AL.com
- ➤ In National Sweet Potato Month, Alabama Extension celebrates sweet potatoes (the state’s official vegetable) as local farms in Baldwin lead the harvest while consumers pay a premium for local produce. Experts say this healthy crop supports local growers and boosts Alabama's economy. Gulf Coast Media
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Amrize Cement has agreed to pay a $250,000 civil penalty for violating air emissions permit conditions at its Theodore Industrial Canal plant in Mobile County. The consent order is open for a (30-day) public comment period before final approval. NBC 15
- ➤ Environmental activist Erin Brockovich warned on Wednesday that plans to sink the SS United States, currently docked in Mobile, could release toxic waste if hazardous coatings + thorough cleaning are not completed. Officials must finish extensive remediation before the vessel becomes the world’s largest artificial reef. UTV 44
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Complete Streets projects in downtown Mobile are prompting an extended lane closure on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave and a block closure on St. Louis Street between Washington and Dearborn — the section from Broad to Bayou reopens this week while temporary detours guide traffic during waterline work. City of Mobile
- ➤ The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is accepting applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to boost local specialty crop research and marketing. Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 26 with grant projects set to begin in October. Gulf Coast Media
- ➤ Mobile residents will set their clocks ahead one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Mar. 8 + an earlier shift than last year. Daylight Saving Time will continue until Sunday, Nov. 1 as directed by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. AL.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Operation VETS has expanded its recovery program for veterans on the Gulf Coast by offering substance use treatment, counseling and tailored support to address military-related challenges. Veterans may self-refer or be referred by courts, hospitals, employers and community partners. Gulf Coast Media
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PickleRage Cupids Cup Tournament
2 AM – 8 AM — PickleRage — Registration fee may apply — Compete in an exciting weekend of pickleball action in Mobile, AL.
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Clue Crew Adventure
4-5 p.m. — Ben May Main Library — Free entry — Unravel mysteries and enjoy puzzles with scavenger hunts and detective crafts.
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Microsoft Word Basics Workshop
10-11 a.m. — Virginia Dillard Smith/Toulminville Branch Library — Free entry — Master essential Microsoft Word skills and unlock your productivity.
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Chess Club for Everyone at Semmes
3-5 p.m. — Semmes Regional Library — Free entry — A fun chess club for beginners and experienced players to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Watercolor for Beginners
4-5 p.m. — Monte L. Moorer/Spring Hill Branch — Free entry — Explore watercolor techniques while enjoying a creative afternoon with friends.
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K-POP WARRIORS
4:30-8:30 p.m. — Mobile Convention Center — Family-friendly show — Experience high-energy K-Pop music and dance in a thrilling family spectacle.
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Kyle Kinane Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Crescent Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Kyle Kinane from Addison, Illinois.
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McFunk Duo Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — The Rear Pocket — Free entry — Enjoy a lively acoustic duo performance in a cozy Mobile venue.
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Medal Madness Race
8 a.m. — Medal of Honor Park — $30-$65 — Participate in family-friendly races of 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances.
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Maggie Koerner Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Callaghan's Irish Social Club — Very limited tickets available — Experience the powerful Louisiana singer Maggie Koerner with guest Olivia Barnes.
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