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
Some patchy fog will be possible early on Wednesday, but it will quickly lift with sunshine the rest of the day.
Expect mostly sunny skies with winds out of the east in the morning, then a light sea breeze in the afternoon.
Highs will range from the upper 70s at the coast to the mid 80s inland.
Lows will fall to the low to mid 60s at night near Tampa with 50s north.
Highs: 84
Lows: 63
Rain Coverage: 0%
Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos
Today’s Big Stories
1. House overwhelmingly approves bill to force release of Epstein files
The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly this afternoon in favor of a bill that would require the Justice Department to publish “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The measure passed 427-1.
2. Better Together looking for host families in Bay area
Better Together is a statewide nonprofit that works to keep families together and out of the foster care system.
3. Commission OKs curfew for Manatee County teens, with 5-2 vote
A public hearing was held today at the Manatee County Government Administrative Center. Following the hearing, county commissioners voted 5-2 in favor of the ordinance.
4. Kroger closing automated fulfillment centers as it tries to make delivery faster and cheaper
Kroger said today it’s closing three automated fulfillment centers as part of an effort to make its delivery operations faster and more profitable.
5. Largo football coach and his wife focus on wellness
Largo High head coach Marcus Paschal once starred on the same field where he is coaching up the Packers players. Paschal and his wife Dominique opened the Purposely Evolving Medical Clinic three years ago.
6. A+ Teacher and her family dedicated to education in Pasco
Kelly Rutherford has been a teacher for 35 years. She helps her students grow academically and socially while instilling a love for learning.
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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow
BOLTS VS. DEVILS | The Tampa Bay Lightning host the New Jersey Devils after coming off a 6-2 loss to Vancouver. Tampa Bay is 4-5-0 in home games and 9-7-2 overall. Tonight’s game is the second time these teams match up this season. The Devils won 5-3 in the last matchup. The puck drops at 7 p.m.
PAYCHECKS FOR PATRIOTS | CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) is hosting its final Paychecks for Patriots Veterans Job Fair taking place Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at EpiCenter at St. Petersburg College. Employers includes the city of Pinellas Park, the city of Clearwater, PSTA, Kane’s Furniture, St. Pete Police Department and Walgreens. Get more information on CSTB’s website.
HOLIDAY RECIPES | As the holiday season approaches, the festive aromas of classic favorites will soon fill the air. View our Holiday Recipe Guide for food ideas to add to your Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts this year, which includes traditional staples, Chef’s Kitchen recipes and how to prep and properly thaw a turkey.
National Notes
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Hearing on pretrial motions for James Comey, former FBI director, charged with lying to Congress and obstruction of a criminal proceeding. Charges stem from Comey’s 2020 testimony to the Senate, during which he denied authorizing media leaks about FBI investigations related to President Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton; however, former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe had, in 2018, told DOJ investigators that Comey had authorized him to speak to a reporter regarding investigations involving Clinton
59th Annual Country Music Association Awards (CMA Awards), aka ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’, broadcast live on ABC.
76th National Book Awards Ceremony, including the presentation of the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters to George Saunders and the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community to Roxane Gay.
Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes published * The FOMC decided at its last meeting in October to lower the target range for federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75-4%
Gene Hackman’s possessions sold at auction in New York
Forbes Magazine publishes annual list of America’s Most Trusted Companies * 2024 list headed by NVIDIA, followed by ServiceNow and KKR
The combination of continued storm recovery, rising grocery prices, the government shutdown and the short-term disruptions in funds for SNAP has many Tampa Bay area families looking for some extra help to put a Thanksgiving dinner on the table this year.
The following turkey giveaways are planned in the Tampa Bay area leading up to the holiday, with as many details as could be found about eligibility to receive them.
In many cases, advanced registration may be required, or you may need to plan to arrive early to get in line because of high demand.