Good evening, Tampa Bay. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.
Your Weather Planner
Saturday will start cold again, but with sunshine we will warm back to near 70 during the afternoon.
Clouds will begin to return Saturday evening.
There will be a chance of rain Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Another cold front arrives during the day on Sunday.
High: 71
Low: 54
Rain Coverage: 0%
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Today’s Big Stories
1. Cold weather shelters in the Tampa Bay area
With colder conditions moving into the Bay, cold weather shelters will be opened in the Bay area.
2. Rays, Hillsborough College officials set to discuss stadium site
The stadium plans of the new ownership group of the Tampa Bay Rays may become clearer soon. The Hillsborough College board of trustees is scheduled to host a meeting Tuesday afternoon to hear the Rays idea of a stadium at the campus site.
3. Students with intellectual disabilities thrive with Project EDGE class at MTC
At Manatee Technical College, there’s a program called Project EDGE that teaches students with intellectual disabilities work skills to increase their independence.
4. NASA to roll out SLS rocket Saturday for Artemis II moon mission
During the early morning hours of Saturday, NASA will begin the Artemis II’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s slow roll to the launch pad.
5. Tiny animals, big smiles: Inside Clermont’s Whispering Oaks Miniature Ranch
Tiny animals with big personalities are drawing visitors to a unique stop in Lake County. Whispering Oaks Miniature Ranch is home to miniature horses, donkeys, goats, and other pint-sized farm animals, giving guests a rare chance to get up close with animals no taller than a few feet high.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
ON THE TOWN | The “Manatee Capital of the World” is hosting the 39th annual Florida Manatee Festival this weekend in downtown Crystal River. The festival features two days of live entertainment, food, activities and vendors along with guided manatee boat tours and kayak tours. “Marley the Manatee,” who locals lovingly describe as a Crystal River celebrity, will also be in attendance. Tickets are $10 for adults. Children under the age of 12 can get in for free.
LEVEL UP ARTS GRANT | The city of St. Petersburg has launched the Level Up Arts Grant for nonprofit arts and culture organizations with budgets of $50,000 or less. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on April 30, or until funds are depleted. View additional information about the Level Up Arts Grant.
UNIVERSAL MARDI GRAS CONCERT LINEUP | Guests at Universal Orlando can enjoy a live concert series during the return of its event, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval from February 7 through April 4. The concert series takes place on select nights and is included with regular park admission to Universal Studios Florida, park officials said. Attractions Insider shares who you can expect to see.
The annual Treasure Island Kite Festival returns to the beach today for the first time since a pair of hurricanes devastated the area in 2024. The family-friendly event runs through Sunday. It is free to attend, and the public can bring their own kites to fly.