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

Warmer weather is on the way. Wednesday morning will start with temps in the 50s in most areas.

A mix of sunshine and a few clouds will be expected during the day as highs reach the upper 70s.

Highs: 78

Lows: 62

Rain Coverage: 0% 

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

Today’s Big Stories

1. CAIR files lawsuit against DeSantis over terrorist declaration
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), along with a law firm and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) announced the filing of a federal lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

2. Largo police says 87-year-old Petro Kuqo is still missing
The search continued today for a missing 87-year-old man in Largo. Police there said Petro Kuqo was last seen leaving his home on Oak Trail West on Friday. According to authorities, he has dementia and does not speak English.

3. Northbound span of Howard Frankland closed tonight for crew work
The northbound direction from St. Petersburg to Tampa will close at 11 p.m. tonight so crews can do work on installing overhead signs. The northbound direction should reopen by 5 a.m. tomorrow. The southbound direction will not be impacted.

4. Tampa crews battle 2-alarm house fire; no serious injuries
Tampa Fire Rescue crews spent about an hour this morning fighting a two-alarm fire at a home. There were no serious injuries, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

5. Historic Tampa Theatre closer to much needed structure repairs
The Tampa Theatre, one of the city’s most historic and iconic landmarks, is getting closer to preserving its legacy thanks to a major boost from a local donor.

6. Disney Water Park seasonal pass returns
The passes are now available for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

USPS SHIPPING DEADLINE | The main Christmas 2025 delivery deadlines for USPS are Dec. 17 for Ground Advantage & First-Class, Dec. 18 for Priority Mail and Dec. 20 for Priority Mail Express. Learn more about the deadlines for other major shippers.
INVERNESS COMMUNITY WORKSHOP | The city of Inverness is hosting a public workshop to review information about Whispering Pines Park, including current facility conditions, long-term needs, and potential strategies to support future improvements. Those interested can attend and share their input on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Inverness Government Center — Council Chambers, 212 W. Main St., Inverness, 34450.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE | Residents are encouraged to bring school supplies to help support teachers during the annual Jingle Mingle event, a school supply drive for Riverview High School’s Access Department. The Jingle Mingle will also feature an opportunity for the public to connect directly with candidates across local, state, and federal races, such as Nina Alvarez, Earle Ford and Kimberly Overman. The event will take places on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at Brick’s Smoked Meats in Brandon.
 

National Notes

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Former special counsel Jack Smith sits for closed-door House Judiciary deposition on Trump investigations
Global premiere tour for ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ concludes in Toronto
Ursids meteor shower

Jeana Sistrunk has been teaching at Pinecrest Elementary for 23 years. She’s been the media specialist for 17 years and loves helping students learn in the library. (Spectrum News)

Jeana Sistrunk has been teaching at Pinecrest Elementary for 23 years. She’s been a media specialist for 17 years and loves helping students learn in the library.