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
Thursday will start off with partly cloudy skies and a wind out of the south.
A breeze will increase as a cold front approaches from the west.
This front will bring a line of showers and thunderstorms that will cross the area between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Some showers and storms could be heavy.
Showers will end overnight with low falling to the low 60s.
Highs: 83
Lows: 63
Rain Coverage: 70%
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Today’s Big Stories
1. Florida Southern College honoring fallen alumnus Khork with scholarship
Florida Southern College is making plans to honor Capt. Cody Khork. Khork was a member of the school’s ROTC program, joining in 2012.
2. IEA agrees to release record 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves to calm prices
The International Energy Agency agreed today to release the largest volume of emergency oil reserves in its history, in a bid to counter the effects on energy markets of the war in the Middle East.
3. Floridians celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with new license plate
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles launched the new plate to give Floridians a meaningful way to participate in our nation’s founding.
4. Homeland Security restarts Global Entry program after travelers faced long airport lines
The Department of Homeland Security restarted the Global Entry program today, a little over two weeks after it halted the service for travelers because of the partial government shutdown.
5. 2 killed and homes damaged after tornadoes tear through Illinois and Indiana, more storms moving in
Major storms whipped up tornadoes in parts of Illinois and Indiana that leveled homes, killing at least two people and injuring others, and another round of rain, hail and strong winds made its way through the region today, authorities said.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
TRAFFIC ALERT | The northbound lane of South West Shore Boulevard will be closed between West Fair Oaks Avenue and West Alline Avenue while the Tampa Water Department returns to complete a more permanent restoration following earlier work to repair a water main break. Northbound traffic will remain shifted to the center turn lane to maintain traffic flow in both directions. Road restoration activities are expected to be completed by Thursday, March 12 at 4 p.m, at which time the road will be reopened for normal traffic flow. Restoration schedules are contingent upon weather conditions.
NEW PUBLIX OPENING | The Publix supermarket located at 6605 38th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg will welcome customers on Thursday at 7 a.m. The 55,454 square-foot store will offer departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce as well as a full-service bakery, deli, pharmacy and an adjacent Publix Liquors. It also features an indoor seating area where customers can sit and enjoy their Publix favorites.
PINELLAS ADOPTION CAMPAIGN | Pinellas County Animal Services is launching a new “Spring Free from the Shelter” adoption campaign to get its longest-waiting pets a fresh start. From now through May 31, it will waive adoption fees for dogs and cats who have been in the shelter’s care for more than 60 days. All adoptable animals are spayed/neutered and come with a microchip with free lifetime registration, age-appropriate vaccinations, a one-year Pinellas County pet license, a bag of pet food and a toy or treat. All adoptions will require its usual screenings for adopters. To see our full list of adoptable dogs, visit pinellas.gov/dogs. For cats, visit pinellas.gov/cats.
National Notes
Thursday, March 12
Man convicted as accomplice in 1991 murder slated for execution by nitrogen hypoxia
PGA Tour golf continues with the 52nd The PLAYERS Championship, known as the ‘fifth major’, day one * Rory McIlroy won last year’s tournament
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims
Billy Joel honored at Michael Dorf’s annual Music Of tribute concert
Court hearing for Lil Nas X charged with assaulting police during arrest 11:30am ET
Clinton’s Inaugural Ball saxophone, Mao Zedong-signed album, and Steve Jobs’ suit offered at auction 1pm ET
2026 Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games continue, with three gold medals decided in a single sport.
Everyone loves a cheesecake.
Just ask the Golden Girls. Or the Cheesecake Chicks.
Cheesecake Chicks owner Rachel Zuza’s bake shop promises cheesecakes that are always fresh and crafted to bring happiness.