TAMPA, Fla. – Opening night at the Florida State Fair brought high-flying rides, fried food and hundreds of families to Tampa on Thursday night.

What we know:

Organizers expect more than 400,000 people to visit the fairgrounds, as the annual event runs through Feb. 16. 

This year’s theme, “America’s Sunniest Celebration,” honors the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.

One familiar face is Gage Sears, a fourth-generation vendor at the Florida State Fair. He described all the sweet treats he sells in his booth.

Florida State Fair debuts new foods for 2026

“Funnel cakes, Oreos, slushies, lemonade, anything sweet,” Sears said.

He says rides and food go hand in hand, especially on opening night.

“Rides are a big thing, but everyone gets hungry when you’re enjoying the thrill of everything,” Sears said. “They’re coming out and eating good food, fair food.”

What they’re saying:

Crystal Gunn attended opening night with her twin daughters, Brianna and Tianna, to celebrate their 15th birthday. 

She says it’s become a family tradition.

“We do this every year,” Gunn said. “We come to the fair every year on its first day.”

Opening night came with temperatures dropping and gusty winds. 

Nevertheless, Gunn and hundreds of other visitors chose to brave the cold.

“I’m a true Floridian, so this is cold for us,” she said. “I’m not used to this kind of cold, but we’ll get through it.”

New Attractions:

Among the new attractions this year is the world’s largest portable observation wheel. 

The Ferris wheel stands at 230 feet tall and features 45 gondolas, each themed after a U.S. president.

Hope Thaler says the fair’s wide variety of attractions offers something for everyone.

READ: Florida’s new ‘America 250’ license plate design catching drivers’ attention

“I’ve been coming to the state fair since I was a kid,” she said. “So it’s very well-rounded.”

From rides, games, animals and live music, Joshua Lewis says the fair is all about making memories.

“Riding the rides was fun,” Lewis said. “From the animals to everything, it’s a great atmosphere.”

By the numbers:

Security remains a major focus throughout the fairgrounds. 

More than 1,000 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies will work the fair over the next 11 days on foot, bike and horseback.

Organizers are also reminded families that kids under 17 must be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m. each night.

If you are interested in attending the fair and want to map out your visit, just click here.

• If your yard was damaged by the freezing temperatures, don’t panic. Some plants may look worse before they get better.
• Scratch the bark of a plant lightly with a fingernail or a coin. If the revealed area is green, the plant is still alive.
• Water your plants. Moist soil holds more heat than dry soil and releases it slowly overnight.

Recent freezing weather may have damaged plants in your yard, but not all damage is permanent.

Some plants may look worse before they get better, according to Sara MacDonald at the St. Lucie County Extension office of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

We compiled a list of things residents should do with their plants after freezing temperatures to help them recover and avoid causing more damage, along with some tips for preventing damage before the next freeze. Here’s what to do to tell if your plant has been killed, and how to save it if it still has a chance.

How to tell if a plant is killed by freezing temperatures, or just damaged

Scratch the bark of a plant lightly with a fingernail or a coin. If the revealed area is green, the plant is still alive. If it is brown or black, the plant is likely dead.

Guidelines for watering Florida plants before and after a freeze

Here are some things to remember when watering plants:

• Moist soil holds more heat than dry soil and releases it slowly overnight
• Cold, windy weather can dry plants out
• Water plants to help thaw soil and rehydrate roots
• Container plants may need extra attention
• Suspend irrigation during freezing conditions

Florida State football picked up another local product during National Signing Day. Florida High’s WR Keenen Jeune announced on Wednesday morning that he will be a preferred walk-on for the Seminoles and officially on Wednesday afternoon.

Jeune had a career year as a senior after finishing the last season with 46 catches, 759 receiving yards and five touchdowns. As a three-year starter, he recorded 73 catches, 1,138 receiving yards and five scores. He made second-team All-Big Bend.

The Tallahassee native is the fourth local player to be part of the 2026 class. Jeune joins Godby’s linebacker Trenton Rogers, who also signed his letter on the same day, and Gadsden County’s Jakobe Green and Daylen Green, both of whom are already enrolled.

Florida High finished 5-7 last season.

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.