Evening Update: Tampa Bay News and Weather

Your Weather Planner

After another chilly start on Tuesday, temperatures will warm into the 70s by afternoon. Winds will be from the northeast at about 10 mph. Overnight lows will continue to be milder going through the week.

Highs: 72
Lows: 58
Rain Coverage: 0%

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

Today’s Big Stories

1. Drivers frustrated over ongoing Morris Bridge Road closure in Pasco County
2. Rob Reiner’s son Nick arrested after director and his wife found dead at their Los Angeles home
3. Gators’ quarterback Lagway says he’s entering transfer portal
4. Authorities say they will release person of interest detained in Brown University shooting
5. Australia to tighten gun laws after Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre
6. U.S agrees to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks
7. Plant City businesses form ‘Downtown Merchant Committee’ in collaboration with city

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TRAFFIC NOTE: For about six hours this week, the Howard Frankland Bridge will be closed to northbound traffic heading into Tampa from 11 p.m. tomorrow to 5 a.m. Wednesday for overhead sign installation. Southbound traffic into St. Pete will remain open.

BOLTS START FOUR-GAME HOMESTAND: The Tampa Bay Lightning are back at Benchmark International Arena tonight to take on the Florida Panthers at 7 p.m.

GAS PRICES: Florida gas prices are declining, with the state’s average at $2.81 per gallon, the lowest since May 2021.

National Notes

Tuesday, Dec. 16

• Monthly Employment Report
• Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on ‘Biden’s Afghan Parolee Program’
• Doctor sentenced for distributing ketamine related to Matthew Perry’s death
• Oscars preliminary shortlists announced

Local Spotlight

Patrick Stout closes the door to the Freebee shuttle he drives. A Dunedin pilot program providing free rides in downtown is coming to an end due to lack of funding.

Good Evening, Tampa Bay: Your Daily Wrap-Up

As the sun sets over Tampa Bay, we bring you the most important stories of the day along with your weather outlook.

Your Weather Planner

After another chilly start on Tuesday, temperatures are set to warm into the 70s by the afternoon. Expect northeast winds at about 10 mph, with overnight lows remaining milder as we progress through the week.

• Highs: 72°F
• Lows: 58°F
• Rain Coverage: 0%

For a detailed hour-by-hour forecast, click here and don’t forget to share your weather photos here.

Today’s Big Stories

1. Drivers Frustrated Over Ongoing Morris Bridge Road Closure in Pasco County
   The ongoing closure at Morris Bridge Road and Chancey Road continues to frustrate local drivers, causing significant delays.

2. Rob Reiner’s Son Arrested Following Tragic Deaths of Director and His Wife
   Nick Reiner, son of famed director Rob Reiner, is in police custody as investigators probe the fatal stabbing of his parents at their Los Angeles home.

3. Gators’ Quarterback DJ Lagway Enters Transfer Portal
   In a surprising move, University of Florida quarterback DJ Lagway announced his decision to enter the transfer portal via Instagram today.

4. Authorities to Release Person of Interest in Brown University Shooting
   A person of interest detained after a tragic shooting at Brown University will be released, as authorities found no basis for continued custody.

5. Australia to Tighten Gun Laws After Bondi Beach Massacre
   Following a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australian leaders have agreed to overhaul national gun control laws.

6. U.S. Agrees to Provide Security Guarantees to Ukraine
   In a significant development, U.S. officials have agreed to provide security guarantees to Ukraine as part of ongoing peace talks with Russia.

7. Plant City Businesses Form ‘Downtown Merchant Committee’
   Local businesses in Plant City are collaborating to attract more visitors by establishing a “Downtown Merchant Committee.”

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Stay tuned for highlights from our community as we share your stories and experiences.

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

• Traffic Alert: The Howard Frankland Bridge will be closed to northbound traffic from 11 p.m. tomorrow until 5 a.m. Wednesday for overhead sign installation. Drivers will be detoured to the Gandy Bridge, while southbound traffic into St. Pete remains open.

• Bolts Start Four-Game Homestand: The Tampa Bay Lightning are back at Benchmark International Arena tonight, facing off against the Florida Panthers at 7 p.m. They will also host the Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, and St. Louis Blues over the next week.

• Gas Prices: Florida gas prices are on the decline, with the average price dropping 31 cents over the past 23 days. As of Sunday, the average price is $2.81 per gallon, marking the lowest daily average since May 2021.

National Notes

• Tuesday, Dec. 16:
  • Monthly Employment Report
  • Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on ‘Biden’s Afghan Parolee Program’
  • Doctor sentenced for distributing ketamine related to Matthew Perry’s death
  • Oscars preliminary shortlists announced

Closing Thoughts

As we wrap up today’s news, we also bid farewell to the Freebee shuttle service in Dunedin, which provided free rides to residents and tourists since its launch in 2023. The city has decided to end the program due to a lack of additional funding.

Stay safe, Tampa Bay, and enjoy the rest of your evening!