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

We can expect a few showers on Saturday for the final hours of the year.

2022 was a wetter than normal (based on the 30 year average) year with Tampa's rainfall about 12" above normal.

The chance of rain is about 50% on Saturday.

Lows tonight fall to the mid 60s with partly cloudy skies. 

High: 77 Low: 65 Rain Coverage: 50%

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

Epiphany In Tarpon Springs

Epiphany 2023: Tarpon Springs set for its unique celebration

For 116 years, crowds have turned out at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and at Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs during the first week of January for the traditional throwing of the cross during Epiphany celebrations.

As many as 20,000 people typically descend on Tarpon Springs for celebrations now.

And the 117th edition of the unique Greek event will be just as special.

Today's Big Stories

1. Investigation into Tampa Bay helicopter crash continues; Bucs QB Gabbert hailed in rescue
As the investigation into what caused a sight-seeing helicopter to crash into Tampa Bay continued Friday, Tampa police highlighted the aftermath of the Thursday afternoon incident, including that Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert played a significant part in rescuing the crash victims.

2. Tampa's Reliaquest Bowl will host thousands this weekend
Visit Tampa Bay isn’t speculating on the economic impact of this years Reliaquest Bowl between Illinois and Mississippi State, however thousands are expected in town for the teams in a boost to Tampa’s already booming tourism industry.

3. Trump's tax returns released after long fight with Congress
Democrats in Congress released six years' worth of former President Donald Trump's tax returns on Friday, the culmination of a yearslong effort to learn about the finances of a onetime business mogul who broke decades of political norms when he refused to voluntarily release the information as he sought the White House.

4. Southwest CEO apologizes, says he’s ‘confident’ in return to normal operations
In an interview with ABC News on Friday, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan apologized to passengers and employees for a wave of cancellations that left travelers stranded in the wake of a brutal winter storm, and promised to “make good” to those impacted.

5. Authorities asking for public's help in death of mother of four
The Florida Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help in an investigation into the death of a 29-year-old woman.

6. Tampa Airport Flamingo naming contest down to 3 finalists
Tampa International Airport now has three finalists for the Name the Flamingo contest. The appointed judges worked through the more than 65,000 entries submitted from all over the world.

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

• CITRUS CONNECTION SQUEEZE: Citrus Connection’s Squeeze, the downtown Lakeland shuttle service, is helping ensure safety this New Year’s Eve. The initiative, “Leave the Keys, Ride the Squeeze,” encourages revelers to be responsible this New Year’s Eve and take advantage of extended hours. Traditionally, the Squeeze operates from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday nights, but will continue service to 2 a.m., Jan. 1. You can view more about the plan here.
• TAMPA TRAFFIC: North Habana Avenue is closed between West Saint Louis Street and West Saint John Street while the Tampa Water Department repairs a water main break. Barricades and signs will be located in the area to assist with traffic flow. The completion of the work with a return to normal traffic patterns is expected by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
• TAMPA TREE DISPOSAL: The City of Tampa's Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management will offer curbside pickup of natural Christmas trees following the Christmas and New Year's Holidays. At no additional charge, residents will receive Christmas tree collection on their scheduled yard waste day, starting Tuesday, Jan. 3, and ending on Friday, Jan 13. For more guidelines, along with tree pickup schedules in other areas, click here.

           NATIONAL NOTES

On Saturday, December 31

• New Year's Eve celebrations in New York's Times Square.
• 3rd anniversary of the first coronavirus case reported to China's WHO office.
• Peach Bowl and Sugar Bowl.

On Sunday, January 1

• New Year's Day.
• Japan takes over the G7 presidency from Germany.
• Minimum wage for federal contract workers increases.