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

Warm March weather continues into April.

The wind will be light enough that a sea breeze will form during the afternoon.

A stray shower is possible.

Shower chances go up a little higher on Thursday with better moisture available.

High temperatures will be in the low to mid 80s.

Highs: 87

Lows: 67

Rain Coverage: 10%

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Tropicana Field gets finishing touches as Rays prepare for big return
After nearly 18 months, the Tampa Bay Rays are only days away from returning home to Tropicana Field. And activity is buzzing around the facility to everything ready.

2. Gas prices eclipse $4 a gallon in the U.S., the highest since 2022
U.S. gas prices have jumped past an average of $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022 as fuel prices continue to soar worldwide amid the Iran war.

3. Where to watch the historic Artemis II launch on the Space Coast
On Wednesday evening, the four members of NASA’s Artemis II mission will prepare for a flyby of the moon. It will be the first time in more than 50 years that humans have visited Earth’s sister. The two-hour launch window opens at 6:24 p.m. ET.

4. Judge blocks Trump order to end funding for NPR, PBS
A federal judge on Tuesday agreed to permanently block the Trump administration from implementing a presidential directive to end federal funding for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service.

5. Supreme Court rules against Colorado ban on ‘conversion therapy’ for LGBTQ+ kids
An 8-1 high court majority sided with a Christian counselor who argues the law banning talk therapy violates the First Amendment. The justices agreed that the law raises free speech concerns and sent it back to a lower court to decide if it meets a legal standard that few laws pass.

6. USF introduces former Bama leader as new women’s basketball coach  
Kristy Curry is the University of South Florida’s new head women’s basketball coach. Introduced to the media on Monday, Curry talked about her vision for the program, including grit, love and gratitude.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TRAFFIC ALERT | The southbound and northbound lanes of North Habana Avenue between West Saint Louis Street and West Saint John Street is closed as the Tampa Water Department works to repair a water main break. There will be barricades and signs in the area to help reroute traffic. The work is expected to be completed with a return to normal traffic patterns by 4:30 p.m., Friday, weather permitting. The Tampa Water Department may need to return at a later date to complete additional work.

SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL | The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival kicked off on March 27 in Clearwater Beach and runs through April 12. In honor of the United States’ 250th birthday, the festival is projecting stories about the U.S. Constitution onto sand sculptures for this year’s theme, “United in Sand: Celebrating Sports & Spirit.”

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.

National Notes

Wednesday, April 1

Passover begins
NASA Artemis II crewed mission around the moon launches no earlier than today
U.S. Supreme Court considers President Trump’s birthright citizenship order
25th anniversary of world’s first legal same-sex weddings.
Tesla expected to unveil second-generation Roadster vehicle this month

Frances McEachern has spent 20 years teaching children. For two years, she’s been the Access ESE Teacher at Watergrass Elementary School. She teaches children with autism in first through fifth grade. McEachern says she gets to know each student to help them learn.