By Michele D. Baker
I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe it is already February. It seems 2026 is just flying by… and all the holidays packed into February will absolutely make it seem like the shortest month (oops, it already is the shortest month)!
February starts off strong with American Heart Month – four solid weeks of paying attention to the organ that not only pumps blood and encourages you to “lead from your heart,” but also symbolizes love.
On February 8, football fans everywhere will enjoy Superbowl XL. No matter who wins – the Seattle Seahawks or the New England Patriots – following the game half the world will be happy and half sad. Make your plans now to remain calm, cool and collected no matter the outcome. (For more guidance, there’s a great article on busting stress in this month’s issue.)
Related: January Editorial: Celebrate Janus & “Plan Your Vacation Day” on Jan. 28
February 14 – the most love-soaked day of the entire calendar – brings us Valentine’s Day. A Google search shows that flowers and candy top the list of most-gifted items. (My grandparents had both in the 1940s when they married on Valentine’s Day. On a side note, my mother was also a Valentine’s gift; she was born exactly nine months later.)
Mardi Gras is also early this year, with February 17 as that special no-holds-barred holiday that means there’s just 40 days until Easter and good weather. Be sure to read the article in this issue about the Tampa Bay Fascinators dance group – part of the Krewe of Thoth – which will appear live and in person in New Orleans this year or catch the livestream on Facebook.
Related: Famous Floridians
Perhaps most important, in February we celebrate Black History Month: the achievements, history, and legacy of the many African American citizens of these United States. Just a few of famous Floridians include Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (teacher & civil rights leader), Zora Neale Hurston (writer), Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen (actor), Jackie Robinson (baseball player), Sidney Poitier (actor), George “Buster” Cooper (musician), Ray Charles (musician), Harry T. Moore (civil rights leader), and Angela Bassett (actor).
February may be the shortest month, but it is long on love and fun things to do. No matter how you celebrate, I wish you fair skies, fresh flowers, and a month full of love.
