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

Drier air will filter back in for Thursday leading to fewer showers and thunderstorms.

With some sunshine, most areas will get to around 90 in the afternoon.

Highs: 90

Lows: 74

Rain Coverage 30% 

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Tropical Update

Get the latest information on the tropics

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Tampa Bay Rays presidents stepping down ahead of team sale
The Tampa Bay Rays have announced that presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld are stepping down from their roles in connection with the franchise’s sale, which is expected to close within the next two weeks pending final approvals.

2. 5 men found guilty in connection with 2021 Suni Bell death
Jurors have reached a decision in the trial of five men charged in connection with the shooting death of 4-year-old Suni Bell. Each man was found guilty with the charges faced.

3. Federal Reserve cuts key rate by quarter-point, signals two more cuts this year
The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point today and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation’s labor market.

4. City seeks input on $51 million south St. Pete redevelopment project
Before moving forward with an estimated $51 million redevelopment project just south of downtown St. Pete, the city wants input from residents.

5. Hernando County, City of Brooksville announce fire rescue consolidation
The city of Brooksville Fire Department and Hernando County Fire Rescue will formally consolidate fire protection services. The move will take effect Oct. 1.

6. Manufacturing leaders praise new SPC soldering program, more workers needed
There is a huge push to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and local Tampa Bay companies are growing their workforces to meet that goal.

7. Tampa Bay Lightning hold media day, with first practice Thursday
The Tampa Bay Lightning are ready to get back on the ice. The team is holding its annual media day today, with training camp set to open tomorrow at TGH Ice Plex.

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TAMPA CITY COUNCIL: The council will meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow at City Hall, 315 E. Kennedy Blvd. The meeting can be watched on Spectrum Channel 640. To view the agenda, click here.

TIRE AMNESTY EVENT: Vehicle tires are a common breeding ground for mosquitoes. Clean them up for free at the Citrus County Central Landfill, located at 230 W. Gulf to Lake Highway in Lecanto. Tires will be accepted tomorrow and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, September 20, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Solid Waste Management Division will be accepting up to 25 tires per resident, including passenger car and light truck tires. Tires from commercial shops or businesses, tires with rims, oversized tires, and agricultural/industrial tires will not be accepted. To learn more, call 352-527-7670.

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS: Universal Orlando Resort’s 34th Halloween Horror Nights is in full swing, with a new sinister lineup lurking throughout the park. Universal’s top chefs are also unleashing a brand-new menu of food and drinks that pays homage to some houses and most feared characters. The haunting good time runs through Nov. 2. 

National Notes

Thursday, Sept. 18

Donald Trump concludes visit to the UK
Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Survey released
Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report – Initial Claims

A new, and furry, face in the Circuit Six courthouse is helping make children feel a little more comfortable in the courtroom. Polar, pictured with his handler Tammie McQueeney, is the first official courthouse facility dog for both the Circuit Six court and Hero To A Child. Offering comfort and support in what can be an otherwise intimidating setting.

A new, and furry, face in the Circuit Six courthouse is helping make children feel a little more comfortable in the courtroom.

Polar is the first official courthouse facility dog for both the Circuit Six court and Hero To A Child, offering comfort and support in what can be an otherwise intimidating setting.