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
It will be another warm day for Saturday with highs near 80.
Expect a chance of scattered showers, particularly later in the day, but they could be possible at any time.
While it certainly will not rain all day, you may want to keep an umbrella handy.
Otherwise, it will be humid for this time of year with lows falling to the mid to upper 60s at night.
A chance of showers will continue overnight.
Highs: 80
Lows: 67
Rain Coverage: 40%
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Today’s Big Stories
1. Florida’s first black bear hunt in 10 years starts Saturday
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it needs the hunters to help them control the bear population. Conservation groups sued to stop the hunt, arguing that the bear population is fine where it is.
2. BOWL SEASON: USF to face Old Dominion in Cure Bowl in Orlando
USF is set to take on Old Dominion in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl on Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. in Orlando.
3. ‘World’s Largest Rubber Duck’ coming to Clearwater
The “World’s Largest Rubber Duck” is set to visit Coachman Park from Jan. 9 through Jan. 26, the city of Clearwater shared on Friday.
4. Judge orders grand jury transcripts from abandoned Epstein investigation in Florida to be released
A federal judge today gave the Justice Department permission to release transcripts of a grand jury investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse of underage girls in Florida — a case that ultimately ended without any federal charges being filed against the millionaire sex offender.
5. U.S. vaccine advisers say not all babies need hepatitis B shot at birth
A federal vaccine advisory committee voted today to end the longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they’re born.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
TRAFFIC ALERT | There will be road closures and extra traffic in downtown Tampa on Saturday due to Santa Fest at Curtis Hixon Park. That includes a parade down Madison Street and Ashley Drive at 1 p.m. and a tree lighting at 6 p.m. The city says to watch out for added delays throughout the day. Looking ahead to Sunday night, there will be a closure at the downtown Tampa interchange. I-275 southbound will be closed through the interchange from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m Monday. Drivers will be detoured to Floribraska Avenue. The closure is for overhead work as part of the improvement project there.
WEEKEND EVENTS | The Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Islanders tomorrow night at Benchmark International Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the division rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS | Main Street Zephyrhills presents its annual Festival of Lights & Christmas Parade tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in historic downtown Zephyrhills (38500 5th Ave.) The evening will be filled with food trucks, live music, craft vendors and family-friendly holiday activities. For more event information, click here.
FARMERS MARKET | The Lealman Farmers Market will host its December Holiday Market at a temporary location — Lealman Neighborhood Park — on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The special holiday edition of the monthly market will feature festive “Make & Take” Christmas Crafts, along with local vendors, farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products. The location is 3890 55th Ave N, St. Petersburg.
Picking out a Christmas tree isn’t always easy — especially when you’re walking across 17 acres of fresh, Florida-grown trees at Santa’s Farm & Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis.
We take you there in today’s Florida on a Tankful.