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

After another chilly start on Tuesday, temperatures will warm into the 70s by afternoon.

Winds will be from the northeast at about 10 mph.

Overnight lows will continue to be milder going through the week.

Highs: 72

Lows: 58

Rain Coverage: 0% 

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Drivers frustrated over ongoing Morris Bridge Road closure in Pasco County
The ongoing road closure at Morris Bridge Road and Chancey Road in Pasco County continues to frustrate drivers.

2. Rob Reiner’s son Nick arrested after director and his wife found dead at their Los Angeles home
Rob Reiner’s younger son, Nick Reiner, was in police custody today for what investigators believe was the fatal stabbing of the director-actor and his wife at their Los Angeles home a day earlier, police said.

3. Gators’ quarterback Lagway says he’s entering transfer portal
University of Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is leaving the program and entering the transfer portal, he announced today on his Instagram account.

4. Authorities say they will release person of interest detained in Brown University shooting
A person of interest detained after a Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine will be released after law enforcement authorities determined there was no basis to keep the individual in custody, officials said Sunday night.

5. Australia to tighten gun laws after Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre
Australian federal and state government leaders today agreed to immediately overhaul already-tough national gun control laws after a mass shooting targeted a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, leaving at least 15 people dead.

6. U.S agrees to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks
The U.S. has agreed to provide unspecified security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a peace deal to end Russia’s nearly four-year war, and more talks are likely this weekend, U.S. officials said today following the latest discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin.

7. Plant City businesses form ‘Downtown Merchant Committee’ in collaboration with city
Downtown businesses in Plant City are banding together to pave a path forward. They created a “Downtown Merchant Committee” to find ways to draw more people to the area.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TRAFFIC NOTE | For about six hours this week, the Howard Frankland Bridge will be closed to northbound traffic heading into Tampa. This will happen from 11 p.m. tomorrow to 5 a.m. Wednesday. It is so crews can install new overhead signs. Drivers will be detoured to the Gandy Bridge. Southbound traffic into St. Pete will be open.

BOLTS START FOUR-GAME HOMESTAND | The Tampa Bay Lightning are back at Benchmark International Arena tonight to take on the Florida Panthers. The puck drops at 7 p.m. The Bolts will host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night, the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night, and the St. Louis Blues next Monday night. Those games also start at 7 p.m.

GAS PRICES | Florida gas prices are moving lower as AAA says millions of Americans finalize their year-end holiday travel plans. The state’s average gas price has declined 31 cents in the past 23 days. Sunday’s average price of $2.81 per gallon is 11 cents less than a week ago, 14 cents less than a month ago and 26 cents less than this time last year. It’s the lowest daily average price since May 2021.

National Notes

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Monthly Employment Report
Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on ‘Biden’s Afghan Parolee Program’
Doctor who pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine in relation to Matthew Perry’s death sentenced
The Oscars preliminary shortlists announced

Patrick Stout closes the door to the Freebee shuttle he drives.

A Dunedin pilot program that gives residents and tourists free rides in downtown is coming to an end.

The Freebee loop service pilot program launched in 2023.

Originally funded by American Rescue Plan Act money, the city said, “With no additional grant money or advertising revenue generated, it’s time for the program to end.”