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

Your Weather Planner

Clouds will increase on Friday ahead of the next system to bring us some rain Saturday night.

Expect highs in the 70s, cooler coast.

Overnight lows come up into the 50s. Winds will be light southerly.

High: 73

Low: 59

Rain Coverage: 0%

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Around Tampa Bay

1. HART Route 1 fare-free pilot ending, but Tampa approves funding to boost bus frequency
The countdown is on for riders of Hillsborough Area Regional Transit’s Route 1, as the fare-free pilot program that has covered the cost of bus trips for the past year is set to end on January 4, 2026.

2. City and county advocate raises concerns about State’s vow to cut property taxes
The start of the new year also means new laws will soon take effect.

3. Theo’s Harvest in New Port Richey is part of the growing trend in Urban Agriculture in the state
Most people who grow fruits and vegetables do so on large properties. But imagine growing them right outside your front door…it’s a method known as urban farming. It’s a form of farming growing in popularity among communities in our state.

4. Finances and the economy: What’s in store for 2026?
As 2026 gets underway, financial experts say the year ahead will bring a mixed outlook for Americans—largely depending on income level.

5. Tampa Bay’s first recovery high school marks five years in 2026
Victory High School held its grand opening five years ago this month. It’s an option for students struggling with drugs and alcohol to receive an education without going back to familiar places. 

Around the Nation

1. About 40 people dead and 115 injured in fire at Swiss Alpine bar during New Year’s celebration

2. Rain soaks Rose Parade in California and snow squalls hit Midwest and Northeast on first day of 2026

3. Zohran Mamdani promises to govern ‘expansively and audaciously’ in inaugural speech as NYC mayor

4. Trump delays increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year

Don’t Miss This

Cathedral names 2026 dove bearer ahead of Epiphany Week
Overcoming weight loss disparities for New year, New me resolution
Arts organization looks to new partnerships after budget cuts, loss of gallery and office space
Impaired drivers can get free tow from AAA until 6 a.m. Friday
As Affordable Care Act subsidies expire, 2026 brings challenges for many Floridians
Repairs underway: The Anna Maria City Pier expected to be open to public by fall of 2026

Quote of the Day

While fans trickled into the Orange Bowl stadium for a quarterfinal where tickets were going for as little as $39, the commissioner of the Big 12 said “everything is on the table” when it comes to rebooting the College Football Playoff, including potentially moving more games onto campus.