Good morning from the Tampa Bay 28 News team.
Today is Thursday, and we’ve officially made it to the new year. Whether you’re planning on easing back into your routine or jumping headfirst into 2026, Meteorologist Ally Blake says you'll definitely still want to have a jacket on hand.
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News to Know
- From Walmart to Walgreens: Store hours for New Year’s Day 2026: Most banks, government offices and post offices close for New Year’s Day 2026, while major retailers and grocery chains stay open with limited hours.
Trump issues first vetoes of second term, targeting bills backed by GOP allies: Trump vetoes bipartisan Colorado water and Florida tribal land bills, prompting GOP ally Boebert to suggest political payback.
WFTS- 'Noon Year's Eve' brings family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration: A special New Year's Eve celebration designed for families brought daytime festivities to Tampa's Armature Works. Reporter Jada Williams went to the event to speak with some of the attendees.
- Mike Evans says he'll think about his future 'when the time is right': Mike Evans is the greatest offensive player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ history. Tampa Bay 28's Kyle Burger breaks down what he's said so far about his next season.
WATCH Good Morning Tampa Bay, streaming NOW through 10 a.m.
Today's Weather Outlook
Cold and dry start to the day. Meteorologist Ally Blake says some of us are waking up to Frost and Freeze Alerts to kick off the new year.
Watch the One Minute Weather Forecast with Meteorologist Ally Blake:
Here are the current traffic conditions across Tampa Bay
Susan Solves It
Tampa Bay 28 Reporter Susan El Khoury found that more families are being priced out of buying a home. A new report found 75% of homes on the market nationwide are unaffordable based on the typical family's income.
Lightning's win streak increases to five games
The Bolts secured another win last night when they hit the road to face off against the Anaheim Ducks.
JJ Moser, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov each found the net during regulation, and defenseman Darren Raddysh scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
As the win streak heats up to five, the Bolts will look to ring in 2026 with a win tonight against the Los Angeles Kings when the puck drops at 7 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena.
Coverage for tonight starts at 6:30 p.m. on The Spot-Tampa Bay 66. Here's how to watch.
Daly Discoveries
The Book Rescuers in Largo features 3 miles of reading and a mission to help the community. Open seven days a week, reporter Sean Daly checked out the epic used bookstore that keeps most prices between $1-$3.
Things to do this Thursday, Jan. 1
- Raise a toast to the new year by running, walking or sipping a cold beer at the Cheers to New Year’s 5K in Tampa.
- When: 10 a.m.
- Where: 6901 S Macdill Ave, Tampa
- Cost: $45
- Savor a festive start to the year with mimosas and delicious bites at the New Year’s Brunch at 1983.
- When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: 2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa
- Cost: Food and drink prices vary
- Set off on a playful pirate-themed scavenger hunt through downtown Tampa, solving clues and exploring landmarks like the Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Theatre and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
- When: 8 a.m. to 5 pm.
- Where: 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
- Cost: $12.99 per player
Looking for more Things to Do? Check out our Things To Do section.
