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

We will see a bit more cloud cover on Thursday with clouds and some sun mixed in.

Highs will be in the upper 70s in the afternoon. 

Lows will fall to near 60 for Tampa at night with some near 50 north. 

High: 77

Low: 60

Rain Coverage: 0% 

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Teachers union backs Florida Senate bill targeting teacher shortages
The Florida Education Association is backing Senate Bill 320, known as Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools. The proposal would allow school districts to offer teachers multi-year contracts and require higher pay for educators who hold advanced degrees.

2. In Davos speech, Trump says he won’t use force to take Greenland but urges negotiations
The president made the statement in front of fellow world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland after weeks of tensions over his repeated insistence that America needs the Arctic island for national security. 

3. Hillsborough County leaders OK up to $358.5 million for arena renovations
The county will invest as much as $358.5 million into the project at Benchmark International Arena, formerly known as Amalie Arena.

4. A look back at how we got here: The long and winding road of the Rays stadium pursuit
The Tampa Bay Rays’ quest for a new ballpark took a step forward this week. But how did we get to this point in the first place? Check out the history of the stadium saga.

5. House Republicans begin push to hold Clintons in contempt of Congress over Epstein probe
House Oversight Committee chairman Rep. James Comer says that the Clintons have responded to a subpoena “with defiance”; the Clintons argue the subpoenas are invalid.

6. Divisions emerge among western European nations over Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza
The development underscores European concerns over the controversial and ambitious project — which some say seeks to replace the United Nations’ role in mediating global conflicts — as Trump arrived in Davos, Switzerland, where he was expected to provide more details about his vision for the board.

7. Lido Beach renourishment project to begin Sunday
Crews were scheduled to start a renourishment project at Lido Beach on Monday, but rough weather forced a delay.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TRAFFIC ALERT | The northbound lane of North Manhattan Avenue is closed between West Spruce Street and West Boy Scout Boulevard while the Tampa Water Department repairs a water main break. There will be barricades and signs in the area to help reroute traffic. The work is expected to be completed with a return to normal traffic patterns by 4:30 p.m., Friday, weather permitting. The Tampa Water Department may need to return at a later date to complete additional work.

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.

ATTRACTIONS | Universal Orlando officials announced a new roller coaster coming to its Universal Studios Florida park. “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will join the lineup of Universal Studios Florida coasters in 2027. The ride replaces the “Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit” roller coaster, which closed in August 2025.

National Notes

Thursday, Jan. 22

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testifies before House Judiciary Committee
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
NASA annual Day of Remembrance, paying tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as ‘other NASA colleagues who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery’
Oscar nominations announced 8:30am ET

Chef’s Kitchen

Nestled right off I-4 in Longwood is Pickles NY Deli. The owner, Rick Bouffard, makes a bold claim, and he’s sticking to it: “We’re saving the sandwich!” he said. “You can’t get a good sandwich anywhere other than here.”