Good morning, Tampa Bay. Here’s what you need to know today.
Your Weather Planner
It will be mostly sunny and dry for today with highs in the upper 80s.
Humidity will be moderate with a breeze out of the northeast.
Lows will fall to the upper 60s at night near the coast with upper 50s well north of Tampa.
Highs: 88
Lows: 67
Rain Coverage: 0%
Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos
Around Tampa Bay
1. District officials cite ‘defiance,’ but Walton Academy remains open
The Hillsborough County school district used the word ‘defiance’ Wednesday when talking about Walton Academy for the Performing Arts being open, despite the school board’s decision the previous night to terminate its charter.
2. ‘Light It Up’ event to bring awareness to domestic violence in Tampa Bay
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in Tampa Bay, one organization is working to shine a spotlight on the issue with a “Light It Up” event on Thursday.
3. Hillsborough County leaders OK $18 million for Steinbrenner Field renovations
The Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved almost $18 million for renovations to Steinbrenner Field.
4. Charlie Crist ‘seriously considering’ bid for St. Pete mayor in 2026
Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist told Spectrum News on Wednesday that he is considering a run for St. Petersburg mayor in 2026.
5. Terrace Community Middle School raising funds for gymnasium
Terrace Community Middle School (TCMS) is on a mission to build a new gymnasium. But as a charter school, it faces the challenge of raising the funds independently.
Around the Nation
1. Congress continues to feud over military pay, health care as shutdown enters third week
2. Judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from firing workers during the government shutdown
3. Smucker sues Trader Joe’s, saying its new PB&J sandwiches are too similar to Uncrustables
4. ‘Gen Z’ protesters lead global wave of generational discontent
Quote of the Day
A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from firing workers during the government shutdown, saying the cuts appeared to be politically motivated and were being carried out without much thought.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco repeatedly pressed the assistant U.S. attorney to explain the administration’s rationale for the more than 4,100 layoff notices that started going out Friday even though furloughed workers can not access their work emails and there are no human resources specialists to assist with next steps.