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
A few showers will be around Saturday as a weak front stays in the area.
Temperatures will remain mild with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 60s.
Winds will be shifting into the northeast but should remain light, waters smooth to a light chop.
Nice March weather will continue into next week.
Highs: 77
Lows: 62
Rain Coverage: 50% PM
Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos
Today’s Big Stories
1. NASA: Artemis III will not land on the moon
While giving an update on the Artemis II rocket and its repairs, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman revealed that the Artemis III mission will not be landing on the moon.
2. Tampa Theatre undergoing $30-million rehab project
The theater, which is turning 100 later this year, will be close its auditorium for six months for a $30-million restoration and preservation project.
3. Bill Clinton tells House committee conducting Epstein probe that he ‘saw nothing,’ ‘did nothing wrong’
Former President Bill Clinton is telling members of the House Oversight Committee that he had “no idea of the crimes” that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was committing, according to an opening statement of his testimony that he shared on social media Friday.
4. USF announces complete 2026 football schedule, set to be last off campus
The University of South Florida has announced its complete football schedule for 2026. USF will open the season, its last in Raymond James Stadium before opening its on-campus stadium in 2027, on Sept. 5 at home against Florida International.
5. Clearwater Beach looking for summer lifeguards
Clearwater Fire Rescue is looking for beach lifeguards for the spring and summer. Candidates must be at least 17 years old and possess CPR and first aid certification.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
TRAFFIC NOTES | If you will be on I-4 this weekend, expect some extra traffic in Plant City due to the Strawberry Festival. At the ramps to and from Thonotosassa Road and Branch Forbes Road, FDOT just turned on new traffic lights as part of a road improvement project. You’ll still see some construction equipment out there, but all lanes are open for the festival. Also in Tampa, the MLK Boulevard entrance to I-4 westbound will be closed this weekend, starting at 11 p.m. tonight. Drivers will be detoured to 50th Street and Columbus Drive to get on I-4. The ramp is set to reopen by 6 a.m. Monday.
WEEKEND SPORTS | The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Buffalo Sabres tomorrow night at Benchmark International Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m. The Tampa Bay Rays continue spring training with games tomorrow against the Detroit Tigers in Port Charlotte, and Sunday against the Atlanta Braves in North Port. Both games start at 1:05 p.m.
SAFETY JAM | A free traffic expo will take place tomorrow at the State College of Florida’s Bradenton Campus. The event features 40 emergency and construction vehicles, first responders, helicopters, bike safety activities, and family-friendly fun. It’s sponsored by FDOT’s Safety Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and State College of Florida. Learn more.
CLEARWATER SEA BLUES FESTIVAL | The 20th Annual Clearwater Sea Blues Festival returns to Coachman Park in Clearwater this weekend. There will be nonstop performances starting at 2 p.m, going until 9 p.m. each day. See more details.
Tampa Purple Heart Veteran Alex Dillman celebrates ‘Alive Day’ skydiving. (Courtesy Alex Dillman)
Retired Army veteran Alex Dillmann, a Tampa-born native, is commemorating his 15th Alive Day on Friday by skydiving at Skydive City in Zephyrhills.
The wounded combat veteran is also paying tribute to a good friend from his unit who lost his life on Feb. 27, 2011, Christopher James Gould.
Dillman was born in Tampa, graduated from Leto High School and currently works for SOCOM at MacDill Air Force Base.