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

Winds will shift to out of the south on Tuesday, this will bring in more moisture.

While the morning will be mostly dry, showers and storms will increase later in the day. 

Some could come down heavy.

Highs: 91

Lows: 78

Rain Coverage 50% 

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Tropical Update

We are keeping tabs on Hurricane Gabrielle and two other waves for future development.

None of these three appear to be a threat to Florida or the U.S. southeast coast at this time.

Get the latest information on the tropics

View more tropical weather graphics (Satellites, Winds, Water Temps, Saharan Dust)

Today’s Big Stories

1. MLB owners give OK to Stu Sternberg selling Rays
The Stu Sternberg era as Tampa Bay Rays owner has moved closer to an end.

2. Tampa Pride suspending operations, says no festival next year
The organization’s board cited reductions in funding the discontinuation of DEI programs in Florida as some of the reasons for the decision.

3. State confirms Universal Orlando assertion that Stardust Racers ‘functioned as intended’ ahead of rider’s death
The attraction has remained closed since 32-year-old Kevin Zavala died after riding it on Sept. 17.

4. Ryan Routh rests his defense without taking the stand in Donald Trump attempted assassination trial
The case is one step closer to being put in the hands of the jury.

5. Florida opens ‘Combat Violent Extremism’ portal to report threats of political violence
The public can submit screenshots, videos and other evidence of threats of violent extremism to the online portal, and submissions may be anonymous.

6. Trump contradicts doctors, medical science with unproven claims on Tylenol, vaccines and autism
The president repeatedly said women should not take acetaminophen “during the entire pregnancy” and to not give Tylenol to babies “at all” after they were born.

7. ABC ends Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, and his show will return Tuesday
The late-night show was suspended following comments Kimmel made last week.

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Beginning Thursday, Florida residents will be able to openly carry firearms after the First District Court of Appeal struck down the state’s open-carry ban last week. Since the ruling, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and local gun shop owner Al Delatorre have been preparing residents for the change. 

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

TRAFFIC NOTES | If Dade City is part of your travels, there is a major closure that could affect your commute. The MLK Boulevard connection to the east side of U.S. 301 is now closed. For the next week, drivers won’t be able to get on or off MLK on the east side of the U.S. bypass. FDOT says construction will happen around the clock so they can hopefully get it back open by Monday. Meanwhile, if you plan to drive near the Tampa airport any night this week, you won’t be able to get from TPA’s George Bean Parkway to the Veterans Expressway. The ramp closure also affects the westbound lanes of Memorial Highway. Work will take place from 11 p.m. to about 5 a.m. in the morning.
FINAL ROAD TRIP FOR RAYS |The Tampa Bay Rays, who have completed the home portion of their regular season schedule, hit the road for the final six games of the season. After taking tonight off, the Rays start a three-game series tomorrow against the Baltimore Orioles. That will be followed by three games at the Toronto Blue Jays. The Rays have been eliminated from playoff contention.

GAS PRICES | Florida drivers experienced a noticeable uptick in gas prices last week, as the state average surged from $2.95 per gallon on Sunday, Sept. 15, to $3.20/g on Thursday. By yesterday, prices eased slightly, settling at $3.12. Since early September 2024, Florida’s average gas price has consistently bounced between $2.92 and $3.23. To find the cheapest gas prices in the Bay area, click here.

Whether it’s fires in the West, flooding in the Southeast or hurricanes in Florida, extreme weather events affect individuals’ health not only while they are happening but long after the emergency response has ended, researchers say.