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

The hot afternoons continue across Tampa Bay with most of the area in the mid 90s.

We will approach record high temperatures Thursday afternoon

If you're going to the beach, an east to northeast wind becomes north around 10 mph.

A few late day showers or storms are possible but the rain chance is lower than we would expect for this time of year.

High: 96 Low: 78 Rain Coverage: 20%

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Today's Big Stories

1. Live Updates: GOP candidates, sans Trump, set to square off in first debate
After a chaotic and opaque journey to qualify, eight Republican presidential candidates will take to the debate stage for the first time in the 2024 cycle tonight in Milwaukee.

2. St. Petersburg Fire Chief James Large to be reinstated
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief James Large, who was placed on leave earlier this month amid allegations of racism and homophobia, will be reinstated.

3. Transit officials vote to impose fares for popular SunRunner route
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has decided to add a fare to riding the bus service in wake of complaints from residents and local leaders about an increase in crime tied to the homeless population in the area.

4. Giuliani turns himself in on Georgia 2020 election charges after bond is set at $150,000
Rudy Giuliani surrendered to authorities in Georgia today on charges alleging he acted as former President Donald Trump’s chief co-conspirator in a plot to subvert the 2020 election.

5. 24/7 mental health support now available to University of Tampa students
The University of Tampa has teamed up with Christie Campus Health in order to staff a 24/7 clinical support line.

6. Officials: Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on passenger list of jet that crashed in Russia
A private jet crashed over Russia today, killing all 10 people on board, emergency officials said. Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list, but it wasn't immediately clear if he was on board.

7. Orlando Sentinel: DeSantis’ Disney chief Glen Gilzean resigns from ethics commission
Glen Gilzean resigned as chairman of Florida’s ethics commission so he can keep his $400,000-a-year job leading Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Disney World oversight district.

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

• RAYS UP: The Tampa Bay Rays will play the Colorado Rockies tonight. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field.

• TRAFFIC ALERT: The outside southbound lane on North Armenia Avenue is closed between West South Avenue and West Louisiana Avenue as the Tampa Water Department fixes a water main break. There will be barricades and signs in the area to help reroute traffic. The work is expected to be completed with a return to normal traffic patterns by tomorrow at 5 p.m., weather permitting.

• GAS PRICES: The trend of shrinking gas prices continues in the Sunshine State today, stated AAA. The Sunshine State's average gas price today is at $3.77 per gallon, a two-cent decrease from the day before, according to AAA. View the cheapest gas prices in the Tampa Bay area. 

        
           NATIONAL NOTES        

           Thursday, August 24

• Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report - Initial Claims
• U.S. Gymnastics Championships  
• FedExCup ends with PGA Tour Championship 
• Andy Kaufman honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame