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

Some patchy fog will be possible early on Wednesday morning with otherwise sunny skies the rest of the day.

Highs will range from the upper 70s close to the coast to the low 80s inland.

Clear skies continue into Christmas Eve night with lows in the upper 50s. 

Highs: 80

Lows: 59

Rain Coverage: 0%

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Powerball top prize jumps to $1.7 billion after no winners Monday
The Powerball jackpot continues to climb the list of biggest prizes of all time. No ticket matched all six winning numbers Monday night, sending the jackpot to $1.7 billion for the next drawing Wednesday night.

2. Track Santa on his Christmas Eve travels with NORAD
For the 70th year in a row, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will be tracking Santa Claus as he flies around the world delivering presents on Christmas Eve, and you can follow his progress.

3. Coast Guard suspends search for missing boaters off Fort Myers
The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for two missing boaters off the coast of Fort Myers. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew, 33-year-old Brandon Billmaier, left for a fishing trip on Friday and never came back.

4. Statewide database of convicted animal abusers coming to Florida
Starting Jan. 1, a new law will create Florida’s first public database of convicted animal abusers.

5. A+ Teacher prioritizes students amid cancer diagnosis
Sue Traynham has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 37 years. She has been teaching math at Sickles High School for 25 years.

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TOHOPEKALIGA WATER AUTHORITY BOARD | Polk County residents who are ratepayers to the Poinciana Water System are invited to apply for a position on the Tohopekaliga Water Authority (TWA) Board of Supervisors. The TWA provides water and wastewater services in Osceola County and the Poinciana Water System. The appointee would fill a three-year term starting immediately. Board members can serve a total of three, three-year consecutive terms. The position is voluntary and is not compensated. Get additional qualification and application information by e-mailing ambersmith@polk-county.net. The deadline to apply is Jan. 9, 2026.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY | The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections invites college students to apply for a scholarship provided by the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE). The FSE is offering three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida residents who are accepted or enrolled as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida. Students must also be at least a junior in college, or have enough credits for enrollment as a junior prior to the application date. Students who apply must be either a Political Science, Public/Business Administration, or Journalism/Mass Communication major. The application deadline is March 6, 2026. To learn about the full list of requirements and how to apply, applicants can visit VoteHillsborough.gov/Scholarship or e-mail communications@votehillsborough.gov.

National Notes

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve * Many countries see today as the focal point of Christmas, rather than tomorrow. Considered by many families and children as the occasion Father Christmas, aka Santa Claus, aka St Nicholas, travels the world with his flying reindeer to deliver presents
Traditional Christmas Eve midnight mass held at the Church of the Nativity on Manger Square in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, the recorded scene of Jesus Christ’s birth * Traditionally attended by Christian pilgrims from across the globe
Pope leads Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
NORAD Tracks Santa – North American Aerospace Defense Command tracks Santa’s flight on Christmas Eve, online or via phone at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center * Tradition began in 1955 when an advertisement in Colorado for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number, instead giving the operations ‘hotline’ for the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center. Director of Operations Col. Harry Shoup had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole, and gave updates on the location to children who called
Washington National Cathedral Christmas Eve Services
U.S. financial markets close early on Christmas Eve

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. (Courtesy: Disney)

The holiday season is in full swing and what better way to spend it with friends and family than at one of the many theme parks and attractions in Tampa and or Orlando. From theme parks to zoos and aquariums, many local attractions have much to offer.

Whether you are looking to walk through your favorite park sipping hot cocoa, or take family photos with Santa, the possibilities are endless when it comes to getting into the spirit.

Check out our guide to holiday events in Orlando and Tampa Bay for 2025.