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
We will see partly sunny skies on Friday with highs in the mid 80s.
Most of the area will stay dry, but a stray inland pop-up shower is possible later in the day.
Winds will be out of the southeast with an afternoon sea breeze at the coast.
Lows fall to the 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
RAYS STADIUM
Hillsborough County officials say they will likely not meet the Tampa Bay Rays’ deadline of approving a stadium deal.
The Rays had given both the county and the city of Tampa an ultimatum to approve funding by June 1.
The comments come from a preliminary feedback memo released by the county attorney’s office.
The county’s memo states discussions would likely take at least another 60 to 90 days to work out the specifics after reaching a preliminary deal. Read More →
1. Lawmakers announce special session on Florida budget
Florida lawmakers announced that they have reached an agreement on a special session on the budget, which is set to begin on May 12, and end on May 29, according to a series of releases Thursday.
2. Plant City sharing information on grant to help support families impacted by 2024 hurricanes
The assistance is being made available through Hillsborough County’s community development block grant disaster recovery program.
3. Trump orders U.S. military to ‘shoot and kill’ Iranian small boats choking Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to “shoot and kill” small Iranian boats that deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, he said Thursday, a day after Iran again displayed its ability to thwart traffic through the channel.
4. Florida University presidents come more from state government
More university presidents in Florida have a background in state government than other states. Some say it’s an advantage. Others say it’s a problem.
5. Historic Blackburn Point Swing Bridge in Sarasota could be replaced
Sarasota County is trying to determine what to do with the 100-year-old bridge.
6. Florida housing affordability takes center stage at policy summit
Experts say housing affordability is now a defining issue for many Floridians.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
BOLTS PLAYOFFS LATEST | The Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens, tied at 1 game each in their best-of-seven NHL playoff series, are off tonight before resuming action tomorrow night in Montreal for Game 3. The puck drops at 7 p.m.
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.
BTS IN TAMPA | Fans are enjoying the BTS merch over at Raymond James Stadium early. Tampa Bay Boulevard will be closed in front of Raymond James Stadium. The site will be open daily for fans to shop ahead of the band’s world tour performances. Here’s what you need to know.
National Notes
Friday, April 24
NFL Draft Continues
Court hearing for man convicted of murder in fatal stabbing of Cash App founder
San Francisco International Film Festival
U.S. Supreme Court meets in private conference to discuss cases and vote on petitions for review
FLORIDA ON A TANKFUL
The museum focuses on what brought the Greek community to Tarpon Springs — the bounty of the area’s waters, and where sponge divers flourished at the turn of the 20th century.