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 very chilly to start the day on Tuesday with morning wind chills ranging from the teens well north of Tampa to the low 30s around Tampa Bay.

Expect plenty of sunshine with highs only reaching the mid to upper 50s.

A solid breeze out of the north will make it feel cooler.

Temperatures take a tumble on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning lows are expected to fall to near 20 degrees for Citrus and Hernando counties with mid 30s around Tampa Bay. 

High: 57

Low: 35

Rain Coverage: 0%  

Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos

🏴‍☠️ 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…

Today’s Big Stories

1. Colder than normal temperatures expected for several days
A strong cold front has brought in much cooler air, with another reinforcing shot of cold air this weekend.

2. Latest Tampa Bay area airport delays and cancellations due to winter weather
The winter storm that swept across the nation is causing delays and cancellations at Tampa Bay area airports. Check to see the status of all the flights at Tampa International Airport as well as St. Pete / Clearwater airport.

3. Drivers want change near a busy New Port Richey intersection
Making a turn onto a busy road without a traffic light can be a bit stressful. One area in particular is concerning drivers in New Port Richey.

4. Federal judge hears arguments on Minnesota’s immigration crackdown after fatal shootings
A federal judge heard arguments today over Minnesota’s challenge to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement crackdown, posing skeptical questions to both sides about the effort that has led to two fatal shootings by federal officers.

5. Blood clot hospitalizes Florida Senate President Ben Albritton
Florida Senate President Ben Albritton was taken to the hospital early Sunday after experiencing chest pain, his office said today.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

BOLTS vs. MAMMOTH | The Tampa Bay Lightning, who went 1-1 on their most recent road trip, return to Benchmark International Arena tonight for a matchup against the Utah Mammoth. the puck drops at 7 p.m.
GAS PRICES LATEST | Florida gas prices are moving lower again after a sharp increase at the pump last week. The state average jumped 14 cents to $2.89 per gallon on Thursday, the highest daily average since Dec. 20.  Since then, prices have begun to ease, slipping 3 cents over the past three days. 
POLK INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | Polk County is seeking a resident who currently resides in Polk County Commission District 5 to serve as a member of the Industrial Development Authority. Each member serves a three-year term and continues to hold office until a successor is appointed. The IDA meets on an as-needed basis in Commissioners’ Conference Room 407 in the Polk County Administration Building located at 330 W. Church St., Bartow. If you are interested in becoming a member, email a cover letter and resume to ambersmith@polkfl.gov by Friday, Feb. 6.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY | The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections invites college students to apply for a scholarship provided by the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE). The FSE is offering three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida residents who are accepted or enrolled as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida. Students must also be at least a junior in college, or have enough credits for enrollment as a junior prior to the application date. Students who apply must be either a Political Science, Public/Business Administration, or Journalism/Mass Communication major. The application deadline is March 6, 2026. To learn about the full list of requirements and how to apply, applicants can visit VoteHillsborough.gov/Scholarship or e-mail communications@votehillsborough.gov.
 

National Notes

Tuesday, Jan. 27

Holocaust Memorial Day
‘Doomsday Clock’ decision on likelihood of man-made global catastrophe news conference
U.S. formally withdraws from the Paris Climate Agreement
President Trump delivers speech on economy and energy in Iowa
Writers Guild of America Awards nominations announced
Memoir by Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro published
Monthly House Price Index/ State Employment and Unemployment/ Consumer Confidence Index
Jury trial begins in social media addiction lawsuit 12pm ET CA
Southwest Airlines begins operating flights with assigned seats

Elisha Belden

A Citrus County woman is making sure kids and teens in her community get a chance to experience the arts.

Elisha Belden said she saw a need for young people and started a nonprofit that runs out of the same building as her tattoo business.