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
Cooler and drier air continues to move in behind a cold front.
This will allow low temperatures Thursday morning to drop into the 40s and low 50s.
With sunshine and dry air, expect highs to reach the upper 70s to some low 80s.
Highs: 79
Lows: 60
Rain Coverage: 0%
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Tropical Update
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Today’s Big Stories
1. PSTA approves latest step in bringing back rebranded ‘Tampa Bay Ferry’ service
A ferry that crosses Tampa Bay is expected to replace the former “Cross Bay Ferry” service, which ended operations in April. It’s not clear what the new, rebranded name will be. PSTA is currently using “Tampa Bay Ferry” as a placeholder.
2. Florida weighs property tax overhaul as lawmakers debate major changes
Several bills introduced in the Florida House call for reducing — or in some cases eliminating — property taxes for homeowners.
3. USF hires Ohio State OC Brian Hartline as head coach
Hartline, 39, is the Ohio State offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach.
4. Shredded cheese sold in dozens of states recalled over possible metal fragments
The FDA said that the various shredded cheeses were recalled by Great Lakes Cheese Co. The cheese products are sold under private store-brand labels at several retailers, including Target, Walmart and Aldi.
5. Trump administration halts immigration applications from 19 travel-ban nations
The Trump administration is pausing all immigration applications such as requests for green cards for people from 19 countries banned from travel earlier this year, as part of sweeping immigration changes in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard troops.
6. Strawberry season starting on a high note with record-breaking acreage planted, UF/IFAS Extension says
The University of Florida’s IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Office reports more than 15,000 acres of strawberries planted. It’s due to demand and high usage of strawberry acreage.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
TRAFFIC ALERT | All lanes of East Scott Street are now closed between North Florida Avenue and North Morgan Street while the Tampa Water Department conducts maintenance on the water distribution system. Additionally, the northbound lane of North Marion Street remains closed between East Scott Street and East Laurel Street. 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 5 p.m. Friday, weather permitting.
LIGHTNING VS. PENGUINS | The Tampa Bay Lightning is scheduled to play the Pittsburgh Penguins in Tampa tomorrow night, following a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders last night, ending their seven-game winning streak. The puck drops at 7 p.m.
HOLIDAY EVENTS, ATTRACTIONS | The holiday season is in full swing, which means there are plenty of festive events across Tampa Bay and Orlando for people of all ages to enjoy. From theme parks to zoos and aquariums, many local attractions have much to offer.
COLD MOON | December’s ‘Cold Moon’ will be the final full moon and third supermoon of the year. Find out when to see it.
National Notes
Thursday, Dec. 4
Official Lighting of the National Christmas Tree Ceremony
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
TV nominees announced for Critics Choice awards
American Museum of Natural History 2025 Gala
Geminids meteor shower / ‘Supermoon’ visible
This week’s recipe in the Chef’s Kitchen comes courtesy of Chef Eugenio Rizzo’s father.
“When my father came over from Palermo, Sicily, he created this dish when he opened up our restaurants,” said Rizzo.