Orlando airport wait times spike amid spring break travel Travelers at Orlando International Airport faced significant delays as spring break crowds overwhelmed the facility, with wait times reaching around 40 minutes during peak hours on Monday. The surge in passengers, combined with ongoing staffing challenges at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), contributed to prolonged security lines that stretched through terminal hallways. The delays at Orlando followed reports of widespread staffing shortages at major U.S. airports, including Houston, where nearly half of the TSA workforce was absent on Saturday. These call-outs have disrupted operations across the country, leading to extended wait times for passengers. While Orlando officials confirmed the airport is not currently listed among facilities experiencing high staff call-out rates, the impact of national staffing issues is still evident at the local level. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are set to deploy at 14 airports starting Monday, though Orlando has not yet received notification of its inclusion in the list. Despite this, travelers are being urged to allow extra time for airport navigation, particularly during the morning and late afternoon when security lines are typically the busiest. The situation highlights the strain on airport infrastructure during peak travel periods, with federal staffing shortages exacerbating delays. As spring break continues to drive increased passenger traffic, the challenges faced at Orlando International Airport reflect broader issues affecting air travel across the nation.#transportation_security_administration #spring_break #tampa #orlando_international_airport #u_s_immigration_and_customs_enforcement
Bol Bowen shines in NCAA first-round win Alabama forward Taylor Bol Bowen delivered a standout performance in the Crimson Tide’s 90-70 victory over 13-seed Hofstra in the NCAA tournament first round on Friday. The game, played at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, marked Bowen’s second-highest scoring output of the season. He finished with 15 points, shooting 6 of 9 from the field and 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, while adding three blocked shots. Bowen’s performance was his best since the team’s 103-96 win over St. John’s in November, when he scored 17 points on 6 of 7 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds. It also marked his first double-digit scoring game since the Crimson Tide’s 100-75 win over Mississippi State on February 25. Despite dealing with injuries during conference play—including a right leg injury and a hand injury—Bowen has shown resilience in recent weeks. Head coach Nate Oats praised Bowen’s effort, calling him “super proud” of the player’s perseverance. Oats noted that Bowen faced challenges throughout the season, including moments of frustration due to his injuries. However, the coach emphasized that Bowen has been focused and determined in the past month. “He’s locked in for the last month,” Oats said. Bowen was a key contributor to Alabama’s non-conference success, averaging 9.3 points per game and recording six double-digit scoring performances. His recent resurgence has positioned him as a vital part of the team’s rotation as the season progresses. Oats also highlighted Bowen’s mindset, stating, “I think he’s worried about playing hard, the right stuff.” The Crimson Tide will continue their NCAA tournament run on Sunday when they face 5-seed Texas Tech Red Raiders. The game is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. CT and will be televised on TBS.#ncaa_tournament #benchmark_international_arena #nate_oats #tampa #bol_bowen
Free Disaster Kits Distributed to Tampa Residents Ahead of 2026 Hurricane Season Tampa residents received free disaster kits ahead of the 2026 hurricane season as part of a community preparedness initiative. The kits, organized by the nonprofit Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, were distributed to 500 households in the city. Volunteers packed the kits with essential items such as flashlights, fireproof bags, solar-powered battery packs, and dry bags, aiming to ease the burden of emergency planning for families. The event, held at the AdventHealth Training Center, was a collaboration between the nonprofit, Verizon, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Residents praised the initiative for providing critical supplies without requiring personal financial investment. Ken Escobio, a Lake Magdalene resident, noted that the kits offered peace of mind by eliminating the need to search for emergency items during a crisis. Organizers emphasized that preparedness is crucial, especially for those without family support or financial resources to build their own kits. Kim Mirabella, president of Verizon Frontline, highlighted the importance of having a ready supply, citing her parents’ experience with flooding during a previous storm. While the kits are valued at around $65, organizers stressed that they are not a complete solution, encouraging residents to supplement them with additional supplies. Residents like Lucy White expressed gratitude for the kits, noting they would save money and reduce anxiety during emergencies. Officials recommended gradually assembling disaster kits to avoid last-minute costs. CERT volunteers, who received training to assist during emergencies, also participated in the distribution.#tampa_bay_buccaneers #tampa #rebuilding_together_greater_florida #adventhealth_training_center #verizon
WESH 2 Predicts 2026 Hurricane Season with Identified Hot Spots The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is approaching, and the WESH 2 First Warning Weather team has released a long-range forecast to highlight potential areas of activity. The team has developed its own seasonal outlook by analyzing various climate factors, including sea surface temperatures, atmospheric patterns, and historical data. This analysis aims to provide a clearer picture of what to expect during the upcoming season. A key element in predicting hurricane activity is the influence of El Niño and La Niña events in the Pacific Ocean. These phenomena affect global weather patterns, including temperatures and wind conditions in the Atlantic Basin. As of late February 2026, NOAA reported that a La Niña event is weakening in the Pacific, with water temperatures gradually rising. Most climate models suggest a 50-70% chance of a neutral state at the start of the hurricane season on June 1. NOAA also noted a 50%+ likelihood of an El Niño developing by the peak of the season. El Niño typically suppresses tropical development, while La Niña often creates more favorable conditions for hurricane formation. However, historical data shows that not all seasons follow these trends. By examining past hurricane seasons with similar Pacific temperature patterns, the team identified five instances where consecutive weaker La Niñas transitioned to neutral or El Niño conditions. These years saw increased storm activity in the southwest Atlantic and the northern Caribbean, with a concentration of storms in the eastern Gulf region. The WESH 2 forecast method emphasizes the importance of recognizing recurring weather patterns that influence tropical development.#noaa #wesh_2 #florida_panhandle #tampa #southeast_coast
