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 sunny as we bring in the first day of November.
Humidity remains low and temperatures remain cooler than normal.
Highs will be in the mid 70s with alight wind out of the northeast.
Lows will fall to the upper 50s at night around Tampa with some near 50 north.
Don’t forget our clocks move back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Tropical Update
Get the latest information on the tropics
View more tropical weather graphics (Satellites, Winds, Water Temps, Saharan Dust)
Today’s Big Stories
1. Big deadline arrives for Pinellas residents with hurricane-damaged homes
Today is the deadline to appeal substantial damage designations in Pinellas County after last year’s hurricanes, but the county is saying it “not a hard deadline.”
2. Trump says Senate should scrap the filibuster to end the government shutdown
Trump on social media called getting rid of the 60-vote threshold in the Senate the “nuclear option.”
3. As we “fall back” this weekend, the time change debate continues
It’s that time of the year again, when we “fall back” one hour, ending daylight saving time and returning to standard time and thus igniting the semi-annual debate.
4. Judges order Trump administration to use contingency funds for SNAP payments during the shutdown
The rulings Friday came a day before the payments were due to be halted. The administration said it couldn’t pay for it with the government shuttered.
5. Bible Baptist Church of Crystal River looks ahead to new mission as Suncoast Parkway extension impacts property
The project is now in Phase 3A of its plans, which include extending the parkway through parts of Crystal River. But as more of the new roadway is paved, construction is running through already developed areas like homes and businesses.
6. On The Town: New arts hub comes to Lakeland
The Lakeland Arts Association is launching a new joint venture aimed at creating an arts hub in Lakeland. On the Town takes a look.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
TRAFFIC NOTES | There is an update to the State Road 39 construction in Plant City. At 12:01 a.m. Sunday, the closure just south of State Road 60 will reopen, but crews will then close part of the road north of 60. This is for a concrete replacement project. The closure is expected to last for three weeks. Meanwhile, the eastbound Gandy Boulevard Ramp to I-275 will close at night again next week. It starts Sunday at 11 p.m. and goes until 5 a.m. each night. It’s for construction for the new I-275 widening project in Pinellas County.
RAYS ‘POP-UP’ STORE | The Tampa Bay Rays have announced that a “pop-up” store will open tomorrow at 1101 1st Ave S. The hours tomorrow will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include a live DJ, complimentary ballpark fare, hourly giveaways, mascot appearances and more. Click here for more information.
FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL | The 13th annual SAVOR St. Pete Food & Wine Festival returns tomorrow and Sunday. The festival will be held in Vinoy Waterfront Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. For more about the event including ticket info, click here.
HALLOWEEN HOMES 🎃 | They’re spooky, scary and ready for a night of frightful fun. Check out our showcase of Halloween homes around Tampa Bay and Central Florida.
National Notes
Saturday, Nov. 1
Barack Obama on campaign trail for Dem Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger and Dem New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill
2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, with today’s races including the Breeders’ Cup Classic
Amazon’s annual Best Books of the Year list expected to be announced this month
Sunday, Nov. 2
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 AM and Standard Time begins. Clocks go back one hour, giving the nation an extra hour in bed
New York City Marathon, a 26.2-mile course beginning in Staten Island and finishing in Central Park
NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs finale
The iconic Don CeSar Place neighborhood will host a 100th anniversary party at the Pink Palace on Sunday in St. Pete Beach. (Spectrum News/Josh Rojas)
The iconic Don CeSar Place neighborhood will host a 100th anniversary party at the Don CeSar Hotel on Sunday in St. Pete Beach to celebrate the founding of the Thomas J. Rowe corporation in 1925.
The 100th anniversary celebration begins at 5 p.m. at the Don CeSar Hotel on Sunday. Tickets for the event have been sold out.