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 cold, but sunny day for Wednesday.
After a chilly start, highs will warm to the upper 50s to low 60s in the afternoon.
We will have a breeze out of the north at around 10 to 15 mph.
It will be another chilly night Wednesday night and into Thursday morning with lows below freezing north of Tampa.
Expect upper 30s around Tampa Bay.
High: 59
Low: 39
Rain Coverage: 0%
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Today’s Big Stories
1. Colder than normal temperatures expected for several days
A freeze warning is in effect for Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, inland Hillsborough and Polk counites for Wednesday morning.
2. FDOT: Howard Frankland Bridge lanes to close Wednesday night for construction
According to Florida Department of Transportation officials, the bridge lanes are closing for sign construction work on the bridge.
3. Clearwater deems World’s Largest Duck’s stay a ’bigger success than ever expected’
After nearly three weeks, the World’s Largest Duck has left the city of Clearwater and is moving on to her next destination.
4. TikTok settles as social media giants face landmark trial over youth addiction claims
The social video platform was one of three companies — along with Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube — facing claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
5. Trump visits Iowa trying to focus on affordability during fallout over nurse’s Minneapolis shooting
President Donald Trump is headed to Iowa on Tuesday as part of the White House’s midterm year pivot toward affordability, even as his administration remains mired in the fallout in Minneapolis over a second fatal shooting by federal immigration officers this month.
6. ‘Doomsday Clock’ ticks closer to midnight in 2026
A metaphor for humanity’s proximity to global self-annihilation, the clock’s resetting to 85 seconds marks a significant jump from last year’s reading of 89 seconds to midnight.
7. Haines City Police Chief Jay Hopwood to retire after 40 years in law enforcement
Hopwood began working with the department in 2002 as a patrol officer. Over the years, he served in numerous roles and became the police chief in March of last year.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
TRAFFIC ALERT | The westbound lane of East 7th Avenue is closed between North 36th Street and North 35th Street while the Tampa Water Department repairs a water main break. Westbound traffic will be shifted to the middle double turn lane until the work is completed. 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 p.m., Thursday, weather permitting. The Tampa Water Department may need to return at a later date to complete additional work.
INDIVIDUAL ARTIST GRANTS | The city of St. Petersburg has launched Individual Artist Grants to provide operational support to practicing, professional artists across all mediums and disciplines. Up to 15 local artists will each receive a $5,000 grant to advance their creative practice, city officials stated. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.
NEW ASTRONAUT EXHIBIT | A new exhibit that’s now open at the Orlando Science Center (OSC) will let guests experience what it takes to live, work, and explore beyond Earth. “Mission: Astronaut” features hands-on challenges and real NASA footage. Guests can train like an astronaut, experiment like a scientist, and imagine the future of space exploration, officials said.
National Notes
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on alleged fraud in Minnesota’s Somali community 2:30pm ET
Advance Economic Indicators Report 8:30am ET
Washington, DC, National Guard shooting suspect in court 9am ET
Arraignment of Rahmanullah Lakanwal on charges of premeditated first degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, transportation of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with the intent to commit a felony, and four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, for the shooting of two National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, in Washington, DC, last November. Beckstrom died the following day and Wolfe was critically injured * Before Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui * Case no. 1:26cr00004
40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster
Tesla Q4 earnings, for the electric vehicles manufacturer led by CEO Elon Musk
Interest rate decision 2pm ET
Man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend and her new partner slated for execution Texas
Evidentiary hearing for Kilmar Ábrego Garcia, charged with transporting illegal aliens 10am ET Tennessee
Ann Hunsader is the fourth-grade reading teacher at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School. She’s been a teacher for 30 years. She’s spent half of that time teaching in Bradenton where she grew up. Hunsader said she builds relationships with every student and that helps them learn.