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

It will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid to upper 80s for Wednesday.

A weak cold front moves through and will bring in some slightly drier air.

Skies stay mostly clear at night with lows falling to the mid to upper 60s around Tampa with upper 50s north. 

Highs: 87

Lows: 67

Rain Coverage: 0%

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Tropical Update

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Today’s Big Stories

1. USF votes to select Moez Limayem as its new president
The University of South Florida Board of Trustees today unanimously voted to select Moez Limayem as the university’s ninth president.

2. Johnson: Time running out to pass Senate bill to reopen the government
On the 21st day of a government shutdown, with neither side budging from their positions, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said the clock is running out for lawmakers to pass the appropriations bills that fund federal programs.

3. Tropical Storm Melissa forms in the Caribbean Sea
Tropical Storm Melissa has formed in the Caribbean Sea. It’s the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

4. Police say man stole Tampa fire engine, crashed it into SUV
Tampa police say a 59-year-old man stole a fire engine this morning and crashed it into another vehicle before being caught and taken into custody.

5. SpaceX hits milestone with more than 10,000 Starlink satellites launched
One of the 28 Starlink satellites that were launched over the weekend has the distinction of being the 10,000th satellite sent up by SpaceX.

6. Bloomingdale High golfer Caddie Schelle redefines resilience
A brain bleed may have knocked her down. But this Bloomingdale High golfer defied the odds and got back up. As she goes through the paces of her rehabilitation, Caddie Schelle continues to impress.

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TAMPA TRAFFIC ALERT | The outside southbound lane of South MacDill Avenue is closed between West San Jose Street and West Palmira Street while the Tampa Water Department repairs a water main break. The completion of the work with a return to normal traffic patterns is expected by Friday, Oct. 24 at 4:30 p.m. The Tampa Water Department may need to return at a later date to complete additional work.

WATER SERVICE SURVEY | The city of Tampa is asking residents to share their thoughts on Tampa’s water quality, customer service and more. Take the survey here.

DIWALI CELEBRATION | The BAPS Diwali Celebration will be taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The day-long celebration showcases traditions, cultural performances, and community unity, culminating in the Grand Annakut, an offering of thousands of freshly prepared dishes symbolizing gratitude and abundance. The Grand Annakut begins at 1 p.m. The event is going to be held at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, 9556 E. Fowler Ave, Thonotosassa, 33592.

FIND THE PERFECT PUMPKIN PATCH | If you’re looking for a patch to pick pumpkins, check out our interactive map. From farm animals to hayrides, there are plenty of locations to visit that offer a wide range of themed activities.

National Notes

Wednesday, Oct. 22

New York mayoral election leading contender debate, hosted by Spectrum News NY1
Telephone conference to consider extension of block on National Guard deployment to Chicago
‘Household Food Security in the United States’ report released
Orionid meteor shower due to peak
Christie’s hosts auction featuring vintage sports memorabilia

Jessica LoGrande teaches second grade. She enjoys building lasting connections with her students. (Spectrum News)

Jessica LoGrande, who has been a teacher in Pinellas County for 11 years, says she was in school herself when she decided she wanted to be a teacher.