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

Another cold front will come through on Thursday morning with showers moving from west to east across the area.

We will be dry by midday with gradual clearing, but winds will pick up out of the northwest.

Winds could occasionally gust over 30 mph. 

Temperatures will be in the upper 50s in the morning, then will fall to near 50 late in the afternoon.

It will feel colder as winds stay elevated.

Temperatures will fall to the low 40s around Tampa by Friday morning, but expect temperatures near or below freezing farther north. 

Highs: 56

Lows: 43

Rain Coverage: 50% AM

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Commissioners agree to move Rays’ Hillsborough College stadium talks forward
Hillsborough County Commissioners held their first public discussions today about possible funding scenarios for a new Rays ballpark in Tampa.

2. Ryan Routh sentenced to life in prison for attempted assassination of President Trump
Ryan Routh, the man convicted of an assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in 2024, was sentenced to life in prison, plus 84 months.

3. Florida State Fair Guide 2026: Dates, entertainment, food and more
The iconic fair will make its return to Tampa tomorrow, with longtime favorites and new offerings this year. Here is everything you need to know.

4. 50,000-square-foot expansion announced for Tampa’s International Mall
International Plaza in Tampa will get a 50,000-square-foot open air expansion under a plan announced today by its owner, Simon.

5. SeaWorld Orlando rescues 16 cold-stunned sea turtles in Titusville
SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue team took in 16 sea turtles from Titusville in Brevard County with visible signs of stress on their shells, and is now working around the clock with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for their care. 

6. Milano Cortina Winter Olympics: What to know and the U.S. athletes to watch
Fans from across the globe, high-ranking government officials and, of course, some of the world’s most elite athletes are descending on Italy this week for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TAMPA TRAFFIC ALERT | Both northbound lanes of North Himes Avenue, including the sidewalk, will be closed between West North B Street and West Gray Street while the Tampa Water Department repairs a water main break. Barricades and signs will be located in the area to assist with traffic flow. The completion of the work with a return to normal traffic patterns is expected by Friday, Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m. The Tampa Water Department may need to return at a later date to complete additional work.

SPRING FLEXIBLE START CLASSES | Hillsborough College is offering over 1,100 flexible start classes this spring. HC’s flexible start schedule offers a variety of start dates, times and modalities, including on-campus, online and live online to ensure that students have the flexibility they need for their busy lives. Students can earn credits applicable to any of HC’s associate in arts and associate in science degrees, college credit certificates and postsecondary adult vocational programs. Visit hcfl.edu/flexstart for more information. 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH FLAG RAISING EVENT | St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, city officials, and community members will gather to raise the Dr. Carter G. Woodson flag outside St. Petersburg City Hall on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend the annual tradition. Dr. Carter G. Woodson was an American historian, author, and journalist, often referred to as the “Father of Black History.” Woodson is the namesake of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
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.

National Notes

Thursday, Feb. 5

U.S. National Prayer Breakfast, traditionally attended by the president and Members of Congress. Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Republican Sen. Roger Marshall serve as this year’s honorary co-chairs.
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
Drawing by Michelangelo for one of the frescoes on the Sistine Chapel offered at auction
New Jersey 11th Congressional District special primary election

The Pasco County School District is taking a tougher stance on student absences, and some families may find themselves answering to a judge.

The district is filing truancy petitions against families when kids miss too many days.