🌱 End In Sight For COVID-19 Restrictions + Tannenbaum Celebrates

Happy Valentine's Day, folks. Gov. Bryan is rolling back COVID-19 restrictions, meet the new CEO of WAPA, and we've got some tips for tax day. Keep reading, cupids!

• Governor Albert Bryan told the VI Consortium that most COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted starting March 1. "We are working on a plan that should have most restrictions except mask [mandate] and [the USVI Travel] Portal gone by March 1," said Mr. Bryan. "This would include all government employees returning to work and all schools going to full schedule."
• Do you have one of the new Ford Broncos? Then pay attention: there is a recall on certain 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape SUV vehicles due to a potential brake issue. 115,000 vehicles might be affected. Find out more in the VI Consortium.
• The 2021 tax filing due date is April 19 and the V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue has a few tips and tricks for residents. Following these tips will prevent unnecessary delays, says B.I.R. Director Joel Lee. Check it out in the VI Consortium.
• And more tax good news: the BIR is bringing back the Volunteer Taxpayer Assistance Program. BIR staff will help residents file their 2021 income tax returns, free of charge. The taxpayer assistance program will start on Saturday, Feb. 26 and run until April 9. More details in The Source.
• It's been a lights-off, water-off weekend for many and you might be asking yourself "who's in charge around here, anyway?" Alexander Smith, that's who. Smith is the new executive director and CEO of the V.I. Water and Power Authority and he sat down with the Virgin Islands Daily News last week to share his plans. Smith told the Daily News he wants to rebuild customer trust while creating a reliable power grid. Hopefully, the lights stay on long enough for you to read the article.
• Let's end with a story that will make you feel good: Katie Tannenbaum is celebrating her time at the Beijing Olympics and the long road it took to get there. Who cares about a medal, we should all share her attitude and perserverance! Via Fox Sports.

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Today's weather: Mostly sunny with a shower. High: 82 Low: 73.

Today's Events:

• Power Yoga with Bille at Yacht Haven Grande (5:30 p.m.)
• Rhyme & Lime Valentine's Edition: Art, Jazz, Poetry & Bubbles at Mongoose Junction in St. John (5:00 p.m.)
• Tune in for this webinar: Hovenza Watershed Stormwater Solutions (5:30 p.m.)
• Whine & Fête While You Sweat: Dance Class with Natalie on the lawn at Yacht Haven Grande, hosted by Nicci's boutique. (6:30 p.m.)

Social Buzz:

• 'It’s Super Bowl Sunday! And we’re excited to celebrate the @usviports_ig ‘s K9 Officers Ryan Thomas and Henny, and Shaquella Wyllis and Luna who were selected to provide police security at the 2022 @SuperBowl at the @SoFiStadium in Los Angeles, CA.' Click the link to see some cute canines. (Instagram)
• "It’s that wonderful time of year when migrating whales are in our waters!" (Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park)
• Happy Sunday Runners! Here are next week’s morning run meetups: Monday: meet at bottom of Peterborg Rd at 6 am Wednesday: meet at Stir it up at 6 am Friday: meet at Stir it up at 6 am Saturday: meet at Magens at 6:30 am Just show up! (St. Thomas Run Club)
• "Christopher Tirado, who in July 2015 was featured on the Consortium when he was 14 years old and was chosen because of his exceptional skills as a young pianist to attend one of the U.S.'s most prestigious camps, the Luzerne Music Center in New York, is making waves at Liberty University where he currently attends and plans to attain his PhD." (Facebook)
• Numerous tributes to beloved radio broadcaster Dr. Athniel "Addie" Ottley:
  • "Press Release issued by Senator Milton E. Potter on the passing of Mr. Athniel “Addie” Ottley" (Facebook)
  • "A Tribute to Radio Legend and Former Lieutenant Governor Athniel “Addie” Ottley" (Facebook)
  • "A Tribute to Radio Legend and Former Lieutenant Governor Athniel “Addie” Ottley" (Facebook)
• U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature: "Committee Notice for the Committee on Youth, Sports, Parks, and Recreation hearing that will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, in the Earl B. Ottley Legislative Chamber" (Facebook)

See you tomorrow for another update.

— Ashleigh Baldwin

About me: I'm the Patch Community News Editor for the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm here to provide news you can use. Do you have a news tip, question or feedback? Please contact me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.