Good morning, Tampa Bay. Here’s what you need to know today.

Your Weather Planner

After a chilly start to the day, temperatures will rebound nicely this afternoon with highs in the low 70s.

Get the full forecast here. 

Highs: 73

Lows: 54

Rain Coverage: 0% 

Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos

Around Tampa Bay

1. Vaccine mandate rollback in Florida? What to know
Florida’s Department of Health is meeting in Panama City Beach on Friday to discuss potential changes to the state’s vaccine requirements, a proposal that could significantly alter which immunizations children must receive before enrolling in public schools.

2. Florida House advances proposal to mandate E-Verify
Florida lawmakers are moving forward with a proposal that would require all employers in the state, regardless of size, to verify that new hires are authorized to work in the United States.

3. New housing assistance for Pinellas County residents affected by Helene, Milton
Pinellas County homeowners affected Hurricanes Helene and Milton have a new place to turn for help. The Homeless Empowerment Program is offering storm recovery housing assistance.

3. Orange County Sheriff’s Office completes investigation of Epic Universe ride death
Officials with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday they had completed the investigation into the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, earlier this year.

4. Tampa officers save man dangling from roof after he slipped
New video shows Tampa police officers saving a man dangling off the roof of his house.

Around the Nation

1. Holiday shipping deadlines are fast approaching

2. Alleged Charlie Kirk killer makes 1st in-person court appearance as judge weighs media access

3. Dems on House committee grill Noem on ICE tactics as Republicans praise enforcement actions

4. Powerball jackpot climbs to $1 billion, with next draw Saturday

Quote of the Day

The U.S. is in the process of gathering more details on the tanker it took hold of off the coast of Venezuela and plans to seize the oil aboard it, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. 

”Right now, the United States currently has a full investigative team on the ground on the vessel, and individuals on board the vessel are being interviewed and any relevant evidence is being seized,” Leavitt told reporters.