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 a chilly start to the day, we will warm up to the low to mid 70s in the afternoon.

We will see mostly sunny skies in the morning, turning partly cloudy in the afternoon.

Winds will be out of the east at 10 to 15 mph.

Lows fall to the upper 50s at night with increasing clouds. 
 

High: 74

Low: 57

Rain Coverage: 0% 

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

🏴‍☠️ GASPARILLA 🏴‍☠️

Ahoy, me hearties! Tampa Bay’s annual tradition, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, returns to invade Bayshore Boulevard and the downtown area on Jan. 31.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the sidewalks to pay homage to the mysterious José Gaspar and his merry band of pirates.

If you’re planning on joining in on the festivities, here’s what you need to know before you end up walking the plank. Here’s everything you need to know…

🦜 CHILDREN’S GASPARILLA 🦜

Children’s Gasparilla is set to make its return to Tampa on Jan. 24.

Tampa Bay’s young pirates can participate in the festivities from noon to 7:30 p.m.

The popular children’s event will be packed with pirate-themed activities including the Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo, Gasparilla Air Invasion, Preschooler’s Stroll for children five and under (pre-registration is required), Children’s Parade, Nighttime Gasparilla Air Invasion, and the Piratechnic Fireworks Extravaganza to end the evening. Here’s everything you need to know…

Today’s Big Stories

1. Memo breaks down details of HC-Rays talks; school’s board gives OK
A non-binding memorandum of understanding lays out some of the terms as the Tampa Bay Rays consider the Hillsborough College site as a spot for a new baseball stadium. The Rays and school discussed it today.

2. Pinellas Superintendent gives recommendations on possible school closures, consolidations
Pinellas County Superintendent Kevin Hendrick gave his recommendations on possible school consolidations and closures during a school board workshop today.

3. ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’ arriving at Universal Studios Florida in 2027
A new roller coaster, “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift,” will be coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027, officials said. Attractions Insider has more.

4. ‘No place like home’: Expanding access to homeownership in south St. Petersburg
A St. Petersburg realty group is taking a hands-on approach to revitalizing South St. Pete while helping more residents become homeowners.

5. FWC ends online sales of short-term fishing licenses
Tourists can no longer purchase cheap, short-term fishing licenses online in Florida. These options are available for out-of-state anglers instead.

6. Florida legislative session Week 1 recap: What you might have missed
Lawmakers are back to business today after the holiday weekend, and they’re entering the second week of the legislative session with a lot on their plate.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TAMPA TRAFFIC ALERT |  East Frontage Road (located east of SR 60/Memorial Highway), from south of West Cypress Street to north of West Lemon Street will be closed until January 2027 starting tomorrow. This road closure is necessary for crews to perform drainage installation work as part of the future safety and operational improvements coming to Tampa’s Westshore Interchange (I-275/SR 60) in Hillsborough County. Drivers should use caution while traveling through the work zone and remain alert for construction workers.

ADOPT-A-DRAIN PROGRAM | The city of Clearwater is launching its Adopt-a-Drain Program, an initiative designed to strengthen community involvement in stormwater management, reduce localized flooding and improve the overall quality of the gulf and bay’s waterways. The program encourages residents to voluntarily “adopt” storm drains within their neighborhoods and assist in keeping them free of leaves, litter and other debris. By participating, community members contribute directly to minimizing stormwater pollution and maintaining the functionality of the city’s drainage infrastructure. To learn more or adopt a drain, visit the city of Clearwater’s website.

POLK INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | Polk County is seeking a resident who currently resides in Polk County Commission District 5 to serve as a member of the Industrial Development Authority. Each member serves a three-year term and continues to hold office until a successor is appointed. The IDA meets on an as-needed basis in Commissioners’ Conference Room 407 in the Polk County Administration Building located at 330 W. Church St., Bartow. If you are interested in becoming a member, email a cover letter and resume to ambersmith@polkfl.gov by Friday, Feb. 6.
 

National Notes

Wednesday, Jan. 21

U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on President Trump’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor 10am ET
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
President Trump addresses the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos
TikTok deal on its U.S. operation expected to complete
NASA annual Day of Remembrance, paying tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as ‘other NASA colleagues who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery’
Court conference for man charged with lighting woman on fire on New York subway 9:30am ET
Court appearance for suspect charged in Jets player Kris Boyd shooting 9:30 am ET
Deadline for Warner Bros Discovery shareholders to accept Paramount offer 5pm ET

Co-workers of this week’s A+ teacher said Melanie Carvajal is enthusiastic and energetic with her students. (Spectrum News image)

Melanie Carvajal is in her second year teaching, and she’s already making a big impact on her students.

She is the agriculture teacher at Lake Alfred Polytech Academy.