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
It will be another warm day for Friday under mostly sunny skies.
Highs will range from the upper 70s at the coast to the low 80s inland.
Lows will fall to near 60 at night with partly cloudy skies.
High: 80
Low: 61
Rain Coverage: 0%
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🏴☠️ GASPARILLA 🏴☠️
Ahoy, me hearties! Tampa Bay’s annual tradition, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, returns to invade Bayshore Boulevard and the downtown area on Jan. 31.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to the sidewalks to pay homage to the mysterious José Gaspar and his merry band of pirates.
If you’re planning on joining in on the festivities, here’s what you need to know before you end up walking the plank. Here’s everything you need to know…
🦜 CHILDREN’S GASPARILLA 🦜
Children’s Gasparilla is set to make its return to Tampa on Jan. 24.
Tampa Bay’s young pirates can participate in the festivities from noon to 7:30 p.m.
The popular children’s event will be packed with pirate-themed activities including the Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo, Gasparilla Air Invasion, Preschooler’s Stroll for children five and under (pre-registration is required), Children’s Parade, Nighttime Gasparilla Air Invasion, and the Piratechnic Fireworks Extravaganza to end the evening. Here’s everything you need to know…
Today’s Big Stories
1. Parents plan to push back against Cross Bayou Elementary closure
A number of parents plan to speak out at Thursday’s community meeting regarding the proposed closure of Cross Bayou Elementary in Pinellas Park.
2. Bucs tap Falcons’ Zac Robinson for OC position, per reports
The Buccaneers are hiring former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to head up their offense.
3. Major winter storm will bring heavy snow and dangerous ice across the country this weekend
A major winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall, dangerous ice and frigid cold from Texas to the East Coast this weekend.
4. Some Florida bills could impact seniors
The legislative session is underway, and many Bay area seniors hoping for lawmakers to address affordability are watching closely.
5. Blue Origin launches New Shepard NS-38 manned mission
After a couple of delays, Blue Origin sent up six people on its New Shepard rocket during a suborbital trip on Thursday morning.
6. ‘Sinners’ makes history, setting Oscars nomination record
Ryan Coogler’s blues-steeped vampire epic “Sinners” led all films with 16 nominations for the 98th Academy Awards on Thursday, setting a record for the most in Oscar history.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
BOLTS HIT ROAD | The Tampa Bay Lightning are off tonight before starting a short, two-game road trip. The Bolts, winners of 13 of their last 14 games, take on the Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow night at 7 p.m. That is followed by a visit to the Columbus Blue Jackets, also at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Raymond James Stadium is being prepared for an outdoor game against the Boston Bruins on Feb. 1. Read more about the outdoor game.
FREE GROCERIES | Hillsborough County’s Healthy Living Program is hosting an event on Saturday where residents can receive free groceries, as well as a variety of health services. County residents will be given free groceries from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Lee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa. The food, provided in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, generally includes fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, canned goods, and staples like beans and rice. There are no income restrictions to receive the food. For more information, call (813) 272-5040.
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
Friday, Jan. 23
World Economic Forum Annual Meeting concludes in Davos
40th anniversary of first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art opened in 2018 in St. Pete.
There are nine galleries that show about 500 artifacts in their 4,000-piece collection.