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 dry day for Wednesday, but with a few more clouds.
Highs will be in the low to mid 80s with a wind out of the east at 10 to 15 mph.
Lows will fall to the low to mid 60s at night with 50s north.
Highs: 84
Lows: 65
Rain Coverage: 0%
Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos
Today’s Big Stories
1. Pinellas County approves $85 million for Phillies’ spring training ballpark renovations
Commissioners voted 6 – 1 to move the process forward. The vote does not outright give the Philadelphia Phillies the money to make upgrades to BayCare Ballpark, but it does outline where the money will come from and for what.
2. Detectives searching for two missing grad students from USF
Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating Zamil Limon, 27, and Nahida S. Bristy, 27. Both are USF doctoral students.
3. Owner of Storm Distillery in Inverness dies from injuries in explosion and fire
David Mohr’s family and Storm Distillery made the announcement on social media on Tuesday.
4. Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigns amid ethics investigation
Members of the House Ethics Committee on Tuesday were set to weigh what punishment to recommend after they found she committed 25 violations of House rules and ethical standards, including breaking campaign finance laws.
5. Republicans to push DHS funding reconciliation in the coming days
As the partial government shutdown over Department of Homeland Security funding entered its 65th day Tuesday, House Republicans said they intend to fully fund the department through a targeted and narrow reconciliation process rather than work with Democrats on immigration enforcement reforms.
6. Wildlife groups sue over Endangered Species Act exemptions for oil activity in the Gulf
A group of wildlife and conservation organizations including the Florida Wildlife Federation is suing Trump administration officials over their decision to exempt oil and gas activity in the Gulf from the Endangered Species Act.
7. State seeks death penalty for Citrus County woman accused of killing ex-husbands
The State Attorney’s Office on Tuesday filed to seek the death penalty against 51-year-old Susan Avalon, who is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of both her ex-husbands on the same day.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
RAYS vs. REDS | The Tampa Bay Rays host the Cincinnati Reds tonight at Tropicana Field in the second of their three-game series. The Reds won the opener last night, 6-1. The Rays, who have lost three of four, send Steven Matz to the mound. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m.
HEALTHCARE CAREER FAIR | Pasco-Hernando State College is hosting a healthcare career fair on Wednesday, April 22 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. All individuals in the field — both clinical and non‑clinical — are encouraged to join. Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. Get more information on PHSC’s website.
TRAVEL HEALTH PROGRAM | The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) has launched a Travel Health Program, which aims to protect Floridians’ health when they travel out of the country. After scheduling a consultation, a travel health specialist will advise the traveler about specific diseases and health concerns based on the traveler’s international destinations. The specialist will also provide the traveler with information on how to best protect their health. Travelers must pay for all services, as well as a $100 consultation fee, prior to service. Services are provided by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call (352)-513-6090.
National Notes
Wednesday, April 22
U.S. Supreme Court considers immigration law case concerning green card entries
Potential SCOTUS Opinion Day
HHS Secretary Kennedy testifies at Senate HELP Committee hearing
Treasury Secretary Bessent testifies to Senate Appropriations subcommittee on FY’27 budget
California gubernatorial race debate
Court appearance for suspect charged in Jets player Kris Boyd shooting
Court appearance for man charged with lighting woman on fire on New York subway
Sentencing of assistant who injected Matthew Perry with fatal dose of ketamine
Pope Leo continues Africa tour in Equatorial Guinea
Earth Day
The Lyrids – one of the oldest known meteor showers, peaks tonight
This week’s A+ Teacher has been teaching at Wendell Krinn Technical High School since it opened in 2018. Sarah Kumar is the biomedical sciences teacher. “They learn about all facets of medicine and science, forensics, public health, emergency medicine, diagnostic medicine,” said Kumar.