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

Wednesday will start cold with some frost in our northern counties.

After lows in the 30s and 40s, temperatures will struggle to get out of the 60s in the afternoon.

It will feel more comfortable with less wind.

Another chilly night on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Back to the 70s on Thursday and Friday.

Highs: 70

Lows: 50

Rain Coverage: 0%

 

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Airlines call on reserve pilots, shift crews to get travel back on track
Flight cancellations and delays rolled over into Tuesday morning at Tampa International Airport, after severe weather affected flights around the country.

2. $30M City Park project at LECOM to start in May
A major investment could soon transform part of downtown Bradenton. City leaders are moving forward with a $30 million City Park project near LECOM Park, aimed at expanding baseball facilities and more to help the underserved community.

3. What you need to know: NCAA Tournament in Tampa
Four teams in the state of Florida will fight to win the next National Championship. Games here in the Tampa Bay area will take place at Benchmark International Arena on March 20 & 22.

4. SpaceX launches nearly 30 Starlink satellites on St. Patrick’s Day
SpaceX stated it sent up its Falcon 9 rocket on Tuesday for the Starlink 10-46 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40.

5. Cuba’s latest blackout underscores deepening economic crisis as Rubio calls for new leadership
Large parts of Cuba were without power on Tuesday after its third blackout in four months underscored the island’s deepening energy and economic crises and rising political tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.

6. Zelenskyy and Starmer urge continuing support for Ukraine against Russia as Iran war steals focus
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought support Tuesday from U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, at a time when the Iran war has revived Russia’s ailing economy through increased oil revenue, robbed U.S.-brokered talks to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine of momentum — and could soon limit Kyiv’s access to vital Western air defense systems that are needed in the Middle East.

7. Eckerd College alumna grows community farm, blossoming bright future for women in agriculture
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, in 2025 the USDA reported that more than one in three food producers in the U.S. are women, contributing to both local economies and the nation’s food supply. To continue to grow those numbers, one Eckerd College alumna has returned to campus hoping to help current students grow those numbers even more.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TRAFFIC ALERT | The outside southbound lane of South 20th Street is closed between Linsey Street and Stuart Street while the Tampa Water Department repairs a water main break. There will be barricades and signs in the area to help reroute traffic. The work is expected to be completed with a return to normal traffic patterns by 4:30 p.m., Friday, weather permitting.

ATTRACTIONS | Disney World’s 2026 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom. The vibrant festival runs through June 1. Attendees can enjoy character-themed topiaries, live entertainment and garden-inspired food and beverages at the popular event.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FEST | The St. Patrick’s Day Irish Festival at O’Keefe’s Tavern in Clearwater continues all day on Tuesday, filled with entertainment, food, beverages and more. The event runs through 10 p.m.

National Notes

Wednesday, March 18

Interest rate decision
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee expected to hold hearing on nomination of GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin as DHS secretary
NASA astronauts on board ISS conduct spacewalk
SXSW Film & TV Jury Awards announced
Josh D’Amaro becomes Walt Disney Company New CEO

Robert Roberson is the barber instructor at Bene’s Career Academy in New Port Richey. He started barbering 12 years ago and then decided he wanted to teach it.