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 another nice day for Friday with a wind out of the northeast.

Skies will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid to upper 80s.

We will see a few afternoon clouds, then skies clear at night.

Lows will fall to the mid 60s around Tampa with some mid to upper 50s north. 

Highs: 87

Lows: 66

Rain Coverage: 0%

Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos

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. Hillsborough school district files injunction to close Walton Academy
The county district said Thursday that it has filed an emergency motion to close a school that remained open this week despite the school board terminating its charter.

2. Riverwalk extension to Tampa’s west side prepares to break ground
Tampa’s iconic Riverwalk is expanding to the west side of the Hillsborough River, and today residents will have the chance to learn and weigh in about the project.

3. Publix recalling ‘Rich and Creamy’ ice cream product, citing egg allergen
The company said some of the ice cream may have made it into stores in the Bay area and Central Florida.

4. Depression closes parts of U.S. 19, Curlew Road in Pinellas County
Florida Department of Transportation contractors are working to repair a depression that opened up at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Curlew Road.

5. Low development odds in the Caribbean Sea
A tropical wave moving across the Atlantic could develop in the Caribbean Sea next week. Check the latest tropics update.

6. High-risk cardiac study shows promise at HCA Largo Florida Hospital
A clinical trial currently underway at HCA Florida Largo Hospital is helping people suffering from tricuspid regurgitation, a heart valve disease.

7. Falcon 9 rocket creates ‘jellyfish effect’ over Central Florida. Here’s what causes it
This was seen this morning in many parts of the Space Coast and as far as the Tampa Bay area during a Starlink launch.

 

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Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

BOLTS CONTINUE ROAD TRIP | The Tampa Bay Lightning, off to a 1-2-1 start for the season, continue their four-game road trip tomorrow night with a matchup at the Detroit Red Wings. The puck drops at 7 p.m. The Bolts finish the road trip Saturday with a 7 p.m. game at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

FALL FESTIVAL | Today marks the start of the Our Lady Lourdes Fall Festival in Dunedin. It’s the 53rd year for the event, which includes food, rides, games and raffles. It’s talking place all weekend, and it’s free. For more information, click here.

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

Friday, Oct. 17

Daytime Emmy Awards
New Residential Construction – Housing Starts and Building Permits
Senate returns from Columbus Day State Work Period

Florida on a Tankful visits Devil’s Den in Williston, Florida. (Spectrum News/Tim Kania)

Welcome to Devil’s Den in Williston. 

It’s less of a den and more of what’s called a karst- an exposed spring filled with 72 degree water.