Good morning, Tampa Bay. Here's what you need to know today.
Your Weather Planner
Showers and thunderstorms will be scattered into the afternoon as a front moves south. Not everyone will see rain this afternoon but those who do could see locally heavy downpours. Dry air arrives and you’ll notice a gradual drop in the humidity later in the day going into tomorrow.
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Highs: 80s Lows: 60s Front moves south |
Klystron 9 Radar | Neighborhood Radars
Around Tampa Bay
1. Federal judge to decide if Florida's cruise ships will set sail soon
It’s now up to a federal judge to decide if its time for Florida’s cruise ships to set sail sooner rather than later. If the judge grants an injunction, then cruises in the state could resume mid-summer.
2. Florida DEO director: 'It’s time to return to work'
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is warning by the month’s end, there will be more restrictions for people to qualify for unemployment benefits.
3. Florida just raised the legal age to smoke and vape to 21 – so why are public health groups so unhappy?
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a measure last week that raises the age to buy tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21. The bill received strong support from both sides of the political aisle in the Florida Legislature, yet public health groups remain strongly opposed it.
4. VA loan misconceptions cause disadvantage for veterans when it comes to buying a home
The VA loan is a benefit that U.S. military members and their families have earned for their service to our country. For many, it’s been crucial when moving to a new duty station or finding a forever home. However, today’s housing market isn’t doing our service members any favors if the VA loan process isn’t widely understood.
5. Pinellas Sheriff's Office honors one of its own during fallen LEO memorial
A fallen law enforcement memorial was held at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday. The annual ceremony has been held for 31 years. This was the first year the Sheriff’s Office was honoring one of its deputies.
6. State colleges, universities receiving millions in federal coronavirus aid
State colleges and universities are splitting almost $1 billion in federal coronavirus relief funding.
Around the Nation
1. Colonial Pipeline launches restart, normal service 'will take several days'
2. Biden signs order to improve federal cybersecurity in wake of recent breaches
3. Republicans call Biden infrastructure meeting ‘productive,’ but draw ‘red line’ on tax hike
Don't Miss This
Quote of the Day
Katie Swingle, a mom of four boys, spends most afternoons in the pick up line outside St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Winter Haven. It’s a place she never imagined her oldest son, Gregory, who has been diagnosed with autism, could attend.
Swingle says her family has greatly benefited from the Gardiner Scholarship, which they use to pay for therapy programs and school tuition. The scholarship program is part of Florida's school choice plan, which was recently expanded by $200 million.