Good morning, Tampa Bay. Here’s what you need to know today.
Your Weather Planner
It’s another warm day under mostly sunny skies.
Highs will range from the mid 70s at the coast to the low 80s inland.
It’s a beautiful beach day with northeast winds becoming northwest 5-10 mph this afternoon.
Lows will fall to near 60 degrees tonight with partly cloudy skies and patchy fog.
Warm weather continues Saturday at the Children’s Gasparilla Parade.
High: 79
Low: 62
Rain Coverage: 0%
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Around Tampa Bay
1. Gasparilla Season kicks off in Tampa with children’s parade this weekend
The Gasparilla Kids Parade is the first of three major parades celebrating Tampa’s pirate history.
2. Advocates push for city to take over troubled apartment complex
The St. Petersburg Tenants Union is calling on the city to take over The Morgan Apartments.
3. Hillsborough County schools report a nearly 3% increase in Hispanic graduates
School leaders are working to ensure they continue to offer courses to help Hispanic students succeed.
4. Clearwater eyes new life for long-abandoned North Ward School
For many residents, the long-empty building has become a symbol of missed opportunity. Now, city leaders say they’re ready to take a closer look at the historic property — and explore ways to bring it back to life.
5. Black Legislative Caucus members defend affirmative action laws
Members of Florida’s Legislative Black Caucus rallied Thursday in rebuke of an opinion by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier arguing that more than 80 state laws promoting race-based laws are unconstitutional.
Around the Nation
1. Why freezing rain has millions at risk of losing power — and heat
2. House approves final spending bills as Democrats denounce ICE funding
3. Vance urges Minnesota law enforcement to work with federal immigration agents
4. Trump says deal framework would give U.S. ‘everything we wanted’ in Greenland
Don’t Miss This
Bucs tap Falcons’ Zac Robinson for OC position
NASA Day of Remembrance solemn time to reflect on lost astronauts
Olympia High School alum named Bassmaster All-American
Guide to Tampa’s Children’s Gasparilla 2026 parade, events
Quote of the Day
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday morning that he stood behind his decision to bring criminal charges against President Donald Trump.