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 comfortable to start Thursday, then it will warm to the mid 80s in the afternoon with partly sunny skies.
We will see an east wind most of the day with a light sea breeze at the coast in the afternoon.
Inland areas will see a small chance of a shower, but most stay dry.
Lows will fall to the mid to upper 60s at night.
Highs: 85
Lows: 67
Rain Coverage: 10%
Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos
Today’s Big Stories
BTS IN TAMPA
Raymond James Stadium is preparing to light up like dynamite with the arrival of K-pop boy band sensation BTS in Tampa, as they kick off the North American round of their “Arirang” tour. Tampa will host three performances: Saturday, April 24; Sunday, April 25; and Tuesday, April 28.
If you’re headed to the concert, here’s what you need to know before you get permission to dance. Read More →
1. Hillsborough County approves $95 million plan to tackle flooding and drainage issues
The plan includes 10 projects with a total cost of $95 million, funded through a federal community block grant for disaster recovery following hurricanes Helene and Milton.
2. FWC investigating mothballs on St. Pete Beach
Officials said the mothballs were found in the sand near the Lido Residences condos.
3. Nearly half of U.S. children exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution, report says
Released Wednesday, it found 33.5 million kids, or about 46% of people under the age of 18, live in an area that received a failing grade for at least one of the study’s three air pollution measures.
4. Iran fires on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz as U.S. maintains blockade and diplomacy stalls
Iran fired on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and seized two of them on Wednesday, intensifying its assault on shipping in the key waterway a day after U.S. President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire while maintaining an American blockade of Iranian ports.
5. NASA report says spacesuits may not be ready for moon-landing Artemis IV mission
NASA’s Office of Inspector General issued a 38-page report that addresses some of the concerns about Axiom Space, the company that was contracted in 2022 to develop new spacesuits for the lunar missions and for spacewalks on the International Space Station.
6. Manatee County driver wants road improvements on SR-70 as congestion grows
A Manatee County resident is concerned with the growing traffic on State Road 70 as development continues to expand.
Featured Social Post
Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
RAYS LATEST | The Tampa Bay Rays, who were 6-1 winners today over the Cincinnati Reds (that’s the current score so will need to check), are off tomorrow before hosting the Minnesota Twins for a three-game series that starts Friday night. That series will conclude a six-game homestand at Tropicana Field.
ROAD REOPENING | Symmes Road, east of U.S. 301 in Hillsborough County, is now open to traffic. Crews reopened the intersection in the Riverview area to new concrete travel lanes. Message boards and signage remain in place to assist drivers traveling through the area. Access to businesses, residents, and emergency vehicles are being maintained.
HIRING EVENT | Best Florida Jobs is hosting a hiring event featuring over 50 local and national employers from 16 different industries. Hiring managers on site, as well as training programs. The event will be held Thursday, April 23 at Hillsborough College’s Trinkle Center in Plant City from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Register here.
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
Thursday, April 23
NFL Draft Top prospects include Fernando Mendoza, Drew Allar, Ty Simpson, and Garrett Nussmeier.
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
Pope Leo concludes four-country Africa tour
Peabody Awards winners announced
A shaving of truffle atop burrata cheese foam? Yes and yes.
Food at The Landon in South Tampa is elevated American cuisine with a European influence and a chef of reality show fame.