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 Tuesday with highs ranging from near 80 at the coast to the mid 80s inland.
Expect partly to mostly sunny skies with an east wind, except for a sea breeze at the coast in the afternoon.
A stray shower will be possible in the afternoon, but most stay dry.
Lows will fall to the 60s at night with partly cloudy skies.
Highs: 84
Lows: 66
Rain Coverage: 10%
Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos
Today’s Big Stories
1. War widens as Israel and U.S. pound Iran; Tehran and its allies hit back
The war in the Middle East spiraled further today as Israel and the U.S. pounded Iran. Tehran and its allies hit back against Israel, neighboring Gulf states, and targets critical to the world’s production of oil and natural gas.
2. Tampa International Airport expecting fewer travelers this spring break than in 2025
Projected passenger estimates released by Tampa International Airport show that its busiest springtime stretch for the airport will last for 40 days from March 5 to April 13. Of that nearly six-week span, they expect approximately 3.1 million passengers to pass through the main terminal, averaging between 75,000 and 80,000 travelers per day.
3. Are Pinellas Trail crossings safe? One resident wants more done
The Pinellas Trail is a multi-use trail from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. There are several places where it crosses busy roads, like 5th Avenue North.
4. Virtual learning on the rise: More students turn to online classes for flexibility, personalized pace
Virtual school enrollment in Sarasota County is up 15 to 20%, according to the school district.
5. Tampa Pastor Keith Babb creates a playground and learning center for neighborhood kids
A Tampa pastor wanted something more for the kids in his neighborhood, so he created a playground and learning center for them.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
TAMPA TRAFFIC | The left northbound I-275 Exit 39 ramp bridge to SR 60 West/SR 589 North (Clearwater and Tampa International Airport) will close nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday, March 2, through Friday, March 6, and Sunday, March 8, through Friday, March 13, weather permitting. Advanced warning signs and message boards will be placed to assist motorists during these closures. Plan your route ahead with our Real-Time Traffic Map.
FUNDING GRANT APPLICATIONS | Pinellas County Human Services is accepting Social Action Funding Grant Program applications through Thursday, March 26 at 1 p.m. The program provides funding to social service organizations for priority services that directly serve Pinellas County citizens. The goals of the program are to address the health, economic and social wellbeing of county residents in need of assistance. Organizations may apply for up to $150,000 in funding, with the minimum grant being $10,000, and must align with defined social action priorities. Those interested in applying can do so here.
PINELLAS ADOPTION CAMPAIGN | Pinellas County Animal Services is launching a new “Spring Free from the Shelter” adoption campaign to get its longest-waiting pets a fresh start. From now through May 31, it will waive adoption fees for dogs and cats who have been in the shelter’s care for more than 60 days. All adoptable animals are spayed/neutered and come with a microchip with free lifetime registration, age-appropriate vaccinations, a one-year Pinellas County pet license, a bag of pet food and a toy or treat. All adoptions will require its usual screenings for adopters. To see our full list of adoptable dogs, visit pinellas.gov/dogs. For cats, visit pinellas.gov/cats.
SENIOR HALL OF FAME | The city of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department Office on Aging is now accepting nominations for the 42nd Annual Senior Hall of Fame. This annual program recognizes senior volunteers who generously dedicate their time, talents, and leadership to strengthening the St. Pete community. Nominees are required to be 62 years of age or older, be residents of Pinellas County and have demonstrated exemplary volunteer service to the St. Pete community to qualify for induction. Nominations are open until Friday, March 6. To submit a nomination, visit this link.
National Notes
Tuesday, March 3
Congressional primary elections held by three states: Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas * Ahead of 3 Nov general election
President Donald Trump hosts German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House for meeting, followed by joint lunch * Meeting comes amid uncertainty over the U.S.-EU trade deal agreed last July. The European Parliament froze ratification of the deal last week after President Trump announced a new 15% global tariff replacing those struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Total lunar eclipse visible over Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands, and the Americas. Occurring when the Earth passes directly between the sun and moon, the ‘Blood Moon’ appears dark red or orange during the eclipse
U.S. Supreme Court hears case on the right to appeal
Arraignment of man accused of fatally shooting Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC 10am ET.
Kelli Casto stands at her booth for her business Produce Pac
The Lealman Farmers Market began two years ago and is typically held on the first Sunday of every month.
However, the reason this market began was different from most.