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

After a cool morning, temperatures will reach the 70s by afternoon.

It will feel more comfortable, but a bit breezy.

Expect another cool night with low temperatures in the mid 40s in the Nature Coast and the low to mid 50s in Tampa Bay.

We will gradually get warmer Saturday and Sunday.

Highs will be in the upper 70s and low 80s this weekend.

Highs: 76

Lows: 56

Rain Coverage: 0%

 

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Feeding Tampa Bay helps TSA agents impacted by partial government shutdown
TSA agents are about to enter another week of not getting paid since the partial government shutdown started.

2. Senate committee advances Mullin as DHS secretary
One day after his nomination hearing, the Senate Homeland Security Committee voted to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary.

3. What you need to know: NCAA Tournament in Tampa
The NCAA Tournament is in full swing and some of it will happen right here in Tampa.

4. Kinship care helps local families raise a relative’s child
Children’s Home Network’s Kinship Navigator Program works to keep families together when parents are unable to care for their children by placing the children with relatives and providing ongoing support and community for these families.

5. SpaceX launches nearly 30 Starlink satellites
Despite the iffy weather, SpaceX was able to launch nearly 30 Starlink satellites this morning. 

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TAMPA ROAD CLOSURE | North Florida Avenue is now closed between Scott Street and East Estelle Street while the Tampa Water Department repairs a water main break. Barricades and signs are located in the area to assist with traffic flow. The completion of the work with a return to normal traffic patterns is expected by Monday, March 26 at 4 p.m. The Tampa Water Department may need to return at a later date to complete additional work. 

LIGHTNING VS. CANUCKS | The Tampa Bay Lightning visit the Vancover Canucks after their 6-2 victory against Seattle. Tonight’s game is the second time these teams match up this season. The Canucks won the previous meeting 6-2. The puck drops tonight at 10 p.m.

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. 

National Notes

Friday, March 20

Spring Equinox – first day of spring
U.S. Supreme Court convenes for a public non-argument session
National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC
BTS release fifth studio album ‘Arirang’

Snowbird turned Hillsborough County resident Bob Fields at the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin, talks pottery, community. Photo by Eugene Buenaventura/Staff

Snowbird-turned-Hillsborough County resident Bob Fields came to the Firehouse Cultural Center eight years ago looking for a sense of community.

And he’s found it — inside the center’s potters studio.