Good morning, Toledo.

It's a week of clarity and community work. A vote has been confirmed, neighbors are turning waste into green space, and the city is asking for your input on what matters most.

In today's edition:

-The data center vote is settled—here's what happened
-North Toledo is building a garden out of old tires
-TPS wants to hear from you about school priorities

Let's get to it.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 6k Toledoans for free? Click below.

The City of Oregon confirmed that its new data center ordinance has officially passed, despite confusion following a Feb. 9 council vote. The measure received a 3–2 vote, with one council member abstaining due to a conflict of interest. That abstention raised questions about whether enough votes were cast for the ordinance to take effect. After reviewing the rules, the city’s acting law director determined the vote was valid — meaning the ordinance is now law.

Why it matters: The decision clears the way for potential large-scale data center development in Oregon, a project that could impact local jobs, energy use, infrastructure, and tax revenue across the broader Toledo metro area
Read more →

Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union in South Toledo is helping local families dramatically cut their car payments. They’ve refinanced auto loans from 18–24% down to as low as 5.25%, putting real money back in their members’ pockets.

As Ohio’s first and only Latino credit union, Nueva serves over 1,600 members with savings accounts, personal loans, and “Lending with the Heart” credit-building loans. If high rates OR language barriers have held you back, Nueva is here to help, click below and see how much you could save!

The North Toledo Coalition is turning discarded tires into garden beds for a new pocket park at Stickney and North Michigan. It's a simple idea that tackles two things at once: cleaning up blight and creating a space where neighbors can actually gather.

Director Alfonso Narvaez and volunteers collected nearly two dozen tires last weekend, with plans to plant vegetables, flowers, and trees. It's the kind of grassroots effort that quietly makes the neighborhood better.

Learn more →

Toledo Public Schools held another community meeting Sunday at Rogers High School to talk through Transformation Plan 2.0. The district is working through financial challenges and wants residents involved in shaping what comes next. Two more meetings are scheduled for early March at Waite and Scott High Schools, and there's still time to weigh in through the district's online survey.

Read more →

A crash on Western Avenue near Champion Street took down a utility pole Saturday night. The driver's condition hasn't been confirmed yet, but it's the kind of incident that reminds everyone how quickly a routine drive can turn into something more serious.

Crews worked to clear the scene and restore service. It's a good reminder to stay alert, especially on familiar routes where it's easy to go on autopilot.

Read more →

The Athlete Mental Health Summit
Monday, February 23, 2026
Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604
Building on last year's success, this summit continues to transform the culture around sports and mental health. Get details →

36th Annual Black History Month Concert w. the Toledo Symphony

Sunday, February 22, 2026 · 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
St. Martin de Porres, 1119 W Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43606
A Black History Month celebration concert featuring the Toledo Symphony at St. Martin de Porres. Get details → https://visittoledo.org/event/36th-annual-black-history-month-concert-w-the-toledo-symphony

Monday, February 23, 2026 · 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

First Base Lounge, 20 N St. Clair, Toledo, OH 43604

Kick off the week with live local performances (plus food/drinks) at First Base Lounge. Get details → https://visittoledo.org/event/open-mic-night-at-first-base-lounge/2026-02-23

Monday, February 23, 2026 · (Series — see class times)

Toledo Mindfulness Institute, 5648 Main Street Suite 1, Sylvania, OH 43560

A rotating lineup of wellness classes (including things like Stretch & Sound Bath). Get details → https://visittoledo.org/event/monday-classes-toledo-mindfulness-institute/2026-02-23

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 · 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Lucille’s Jazz Lounge, 1447 N. Summit St., Toledo, OH 43604

Weekly live jazz night at Lucille’s (music fee + minimum applies per listing). Get details → https://visittoledo.org/event/sessions-tuesday-night-live-jazz-at-lucilles/2026-02-24

Thursday, February 26, 2026 · 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604

A free (RSVP required) community conversation on how the Negro Leagues shaped America beyond sports. Get details → https://visittoledo.org/event/more-than-baseball-community-conversation

Thursday, February 26, 2026 · 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Toledo Spirits Company, 1301 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43604

No-cover comedy night underground at Toledo Spirits (seating starts 7:30 per listing). Get details → https://visittoledo.org/event/thursday-night-comedy-at-toledo-spirits/2026-02-26

Friday, February 27, 2026 · 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604

A comedy + magic stage show on the Valentine’s 2025–26 variety series. Get details → https://visittoledo.org/event/the-naked-magicians

Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 · (Times vary)

Glass City Center, Toledo, OH

A multi-day dance convention/event at Glass City Center (see site for schedule specifics). Get details → https://glasscitycenter.com/upcoming-events/

Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave, Toledo, OH 43606

Big indoor vintage shopping day downtown (clothes, collectibles, etc.). Get details → https://visittoledo.org/event/ohio-vintage-fest-30-toledo

Saturday, February 28, 2026 · 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Scott High School, 2400 Collingwood Ave., Toledo, OH 43620

Free seed swap with activities and local orgs — great “get ready for spring” event. Get details → https://visittoledo.org/event/toledo-grows-22nd-annual-seed-swap

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH

A winter bird-focused day at the Toledo Zoo (activities/details on the Zoo event page). Get details → https://www.toledozoo.org/events/winter-bird-day/

Sunday, March 1, 2026 · 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front Street, Toledo, OH 43605

Drop in to volunteer (tasks vary month-to-month) and support the museum. Get details → https://nmgl.org/event/volunteers-1st-day-mar26/

Thanks for reading The Toledo Dispatch. Talk soon!