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 upper 70s Saturday afternoon.
Plenty of sunshine both weekday days.
North to northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday night will be cool again with low temperatures in the mid 40s in the Nature Coast and the mid to upper 50s in Tampa Bay.
We will gradually get warmer Saturday and Sunday with lighter winds and nice beach weather this weekend.
Highs: 78
Lows: 58
Rain Coverage: 0%
Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos
Today’s Big Stories
1. Downtown Tampa ‘excited’ to host slew of March Madness games
A whole slew of games tipped off on Thursday, but on Friday, games are tipping off at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa.
2. NASA rolls Artemis II moon rocket back to its launch pad for second time; high winds delayed rollout time
NASA was able to roll the Artemis II moon rocket back to its temporary home on the launch pad this morning, after a more than 11-hour journey going about less than 1 mph.
3. Chuck Norris, martial arts master and actor whose toughness became internet lore, dies at 86
Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy — sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents — has died at 86.
4. Ukraine is using drone expertise to help 5 countries against Iran attacks, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian officials are helping five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region counter attacks on their territory by Iranian drones, while the United States and European countries are among others who have requested support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said today.
5. Florida’s Duke Energy president’s journey from draftsman to Florida state president
March is Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
ATTRACTIONS | Disney World’s 2026 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom. The vibrant festival runs through June 1. Attendees can enjoy character-themed topiaries, live entertainment and garden-inspired food and beverages at the popular event.
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.
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
Saturday, March 21
20th anniversary of Twitter being created when the social networking site’s co-founder Jack Dorsey (@jack) sent his first tweet, ‘just setting up my twttr’; and co-founders @ev and @biz also created their accounts. The site went public 15 Jul 2006 and was originally called Twttr, until September 2006 when the vowels were added * Dorsey sold his first-ever tweet in March 2021 for $2.9 million * Elon Musk bought Twitter in 2022 and renamed the company X in July 2023
NCAA Men’s Basketball Second Round begins
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivers brief awards acceptance remarks at the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Annual Conference Paul A. Volcker Public Integrity Award Ceremony
Sunday, March 22
NCAA Women’s Basketball Second Round- Day 1
Democratic Sen. Cory Booker kicks off book tour ahead of the publication of his memoir ‘STAND’ (24 Mar). Today’s tour event is held partnership with Bookends
The Mount Dora Center for the Arts offers weekly hands-on classes for beginners and experienced artists. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)
At the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, creativity isn’t just displayed on the walls — it’s something the community can experience firsthand.
Each week, the center opens its doors for hands-on art classes designed for beginners and experienced artists alike.