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 Thursday with highs in the mid 80s.

Expect a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

Some could come down heavy at times while others see no rain at all.

Storms will cover about half of the area.

Overnight lows fall to the mid to upper 60s. 

Highs: 84

Lows: 68

Rain Coverage: 50%

 

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Today’s Big Stories

1. U.S. sinks Iranian warship as Tehran vows to destroy military, economic infrastructure in Mideast
A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, as Washington and Israel intensified their bombardment Wednesday of Iran’s security forces and other symbols of power. Iran launched more missiles and drones as it warned of the destruction of military and economic infrastructure across the Middle East.

2. PHOTOS: ‘Jellyfish’ effect spotted around Florida after rocket launch
A “jellyfish” effect was seen around Tampa Bay after Wednesday morning’s rocket launch. See a photo gallery of viewer-submitted photos from around the area.

3. Workshop series hopes to keep residents from falling victim to scams
Pinellas County’s consumer protection team is warning residents to be on the lookout for a number of sophisticated scams circulating around the Tampa Bay area.

4. Rays’ cautiously optimistic after Shane McClanahan makes successful spring return to mound
Tuesday’s win against Philadelphia was much more than just another spring training game. It was the long-awaited return of pitcher Shane McClanahan to the mound. The lefty star and USF product has missed the past two seasons with a elbow and nerve issues in his arm.

5. Takeaways from the first elections of 2026 midterm campaigns
The 2026 campaign kicked off Tuesday with high-profile primary elections in Texas, where Republican Sen. John Cornyn is heading toward a runoff vote against state attorney general Ken Paxton. Democrats chose state Rep. James Talarico over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett to be their candidate.

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

RAYS SPRING TRAINING | The Tampa Bay Rays were off today and will resume play Thursday with a home game against the Baltimore Orioles in Port Charlotte. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. On Friday, the Rays play a night game at Steinbrenner Field against the New York Yankees. That game begins at 6:35 p.m.

TAMPA TRAFFIC | All lanes of South Hoover Boulevard are closed between West Azeele Street and West Cleveland Street while the Tampa Water Department repairs a water main break. Additionally, the westbound lane of West Azeele Street will be closed between South Obrien Street and South Hoover Boulevard. The completion of the work with a return to normal traffic patterns is expected by 5 p.m. Monday.

ST. PETE CITY COUNCIL | The city council will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the Municipal Building, located at 175-5th Street North. It will air on Spectrum Channel 641. View the meeting agenda.

National Notes

Thursday, March 5

Epstein associate scheduled to sit for deposition following Congressional subpoena
National People’s Congress opens in China
Arnold Palmer Invitational
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee events begin

The team on Tuesday night hosted the first in a series of community meetings to gather feedback on a potential new ballpark. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

The Tampa Bay Rays are bringing their proposed stadium plans directly to the public.

The team on Tuesday night hosted the first in a series of community meetings to gather feedback on a potential new ballpark.