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

A breezy east wind continues for Tuesday with highs near 90.

Expect a chance of scattered showers and downpours in the afternoon.

These will cover around half of the area and move from east to west. 

Lows will fall to the mid 70s at night as showers diminish. 

Highs: 90

Lows: 76

Rain Coverage: 50%

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Tropical Update

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Today’s Big Stories

1. Rays new ownership group to speak Tuesday; what to expect
Tampa Bay Rays Managing Partner and Co-Chair Patrick Zalupski, Co-Chair Bill Cosgrove and Chief Executive Officer Ken Babby will talk to reporters at Steinbrenner Field.

2. Development around State Road 54 in Pasco County leads to more traffic headaches
Development often builds outward, as it has often been seen in the Bay area. Pasco and Polk counties are growing, and growing fast.

3. Florida DOJ awards $750K to expand Tampa’s Prodigy arts program
The University Area Community Development Corporation has received a $750,000 grant from the Florida Department of Justice to expand its long-running Prodigy Cultural Arts Program.

4. Government shutdown drags on as Senate tees up another vote
The Senate is set to hold another vote on a bill to reopen the federal government despite Republican and Democratic lawmakers providing few public signs over the weekend and into the sixth day of the shutdown today that any meaningful negotiations are taking place.

5. Datz closes St. Pete location, following closures in Tampa, Riverview
The eatery, known for its craft beer and eclectic offerings, posted a note at 180 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg saying its doors were closed.

6. Bay area nonprofit’s phone programs help promote health among seniors
Seniors in Service connects seniors with volunteers for routine phone calls that often lead to friendship.

7. Family and attorney condemn weekend reopening of Stardust Racers just weeks after rider’s death
This afternoon, the lawyer and family members of the man who died after riding a roller coaster at Epic Universe spoke out after the ride reopened over the weekend.

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

GAS PRICES LATEST: Florida gas prices continue a pattern of rising and falling through the course of the week. The state average increased 18 cents per gallon early last week. Through the second half of the week, Florida’s average gas price reversed course, declining by 9 cents per gallon by Sunday ($3.04 per gallon). Sunday’s price is 8 cents more than last week and 7 cents less than last year. To find the cheapest gas prices in the Bay area, click here.

TAMPA TRAFFIC: The outside northbound lane of North Nebraska Avenue is closed between East 123rd Avenue and East 124th Avenue while the Tampa Water Department repairs a water main break. Barricades are in place. The completion of the work with a return to normal traffic patterns is expected by 5 p.m. Thursday.

MANATEE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: The Manatee County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the county’s administrative building (1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton). The meeting will be broadcast on Spectrum Channel 644. To view the agenda, click here.

NATIONAL NOTES:

Tuesday, Oct 7

U.S. Supreme Court hears challenge to Colorado conversion therapy ban
2nd anniversary of Hamas attack on Israel
Tennessee 7th Congressional District special primary election
NHL season begins
Consumer Credit Report Released
Nobel Prize in Physics announced 

Thirteen-year-old Chloe Walker volunteers at an organization making sure schoolchildren don’t go hungry. She is also helping children of all abilities get a chance to learn how to dance. (Spectrum News)

A Polk County middle school student is serving her community in more than one way. Thirteen-year-old Chloe Walker volunteers at an organization making sure school children don’t go hungry. She is also helping children of all abilities get a chance to learn how to dance.