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 Saturday with highs ranging from the mid 70s at the coast to the low 80s inland.
We should have great weather for the Gasparilla children’s parade.
Expect partly sunny skies with an east wind, expect for an afternoon sea breeze at the coast.
Lows will fall to the low to mid 60s at night with partly cloudy skies.
High: 80
Low: 64
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. Bay area utility crews head north ahead of winter storms, anticipated outages
Millions of people are bracing for severe winter weather this weekend as a winter storm is approaching states stretching from Texas to New England.
2. Dredging project to begin next month at John’s Pass
A long-delayed project to dredge all the sand that has been choking John’s Pass for years will start next month.
3. Winter Haven Montessori school evacuated due to gas leak
Winter Haven Fire Rescue, along with Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the Cypress Junction Montessori School in the 330 Avenue B block. The school was immediately evacuated, and all were safely outside when fire crews arrived.
4. Indian Rocks Beach Library readies for grand re-opening after hurricane damage
After being destroyed by hurricanes in 2024, work has been going on for more than a year to reopen the shuttered Indian Rocks Beach Library.
5. TikTok finalizes deal to form a new American entity
TikTok has finalized a deal to create a new American entity, avoiding the looming threat of a ban in the United States that has been in discussion for years on the platform now used by more than 200 million Americans.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
TRAFFIC NOTES | There is a new ongoing road closure in Tampa. The east Frontage Road along State Road 60 from Cypress Street to Lemon Street is now closed for work on the Westshore Interchange Project. FDOT says it will stay shut down until January of next year. Drivers can follow detour signs to get around. In Polk County, part of Rock Ridge Road will be closed this weekend to all traffic. That is on the east side of U.S. 98. The closure is from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday. FDOT says the detour around is very long and adds travel time, so plan ahead. It is for the U.S. 98 widening project.
BEHIND THE BADGE | The Temple Terrace Police Department will host “Behind the Badge,” an open house–style community event, tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Temple Terrace Police Department at 11250 N. 56th St. The event invites members of the Tampa Bay area and anyone interested in learning more about police operations to go behind the scenes and explore department operations, history, and community-focused policing.
PINELLAS TACO FEST | The Pinellas Taco Fest is happening in Pinellas Park at England Brothers Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Live music will be part of the event. Admission and parking are free, and money raises from sales will go to local animal rescue organizations.
Sitting in the shadow of the iconic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the Marine Science Center, where birds native to Florida find a home to share their stories with visitors.
The expanded aviary allows guests to see seabirds up close, including pelicans, gulls, and other coastal birds recovering from injury or illness, or those that can no longer go into the wild.