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

Light wind with some high humidity will stick around through early Tuesday.

Highs will reach the low 90s but the coverage of showers and thunderstorms will be a little lower than normal.

Highs: 92 Lows: 80 Rain Coverage: 30%

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Tropical Update

Ernesto has developed east of the Leeward Islands and is expected to make landfall tomorrow evening in Puerto Rico.

Today's Big Stories

1. Preliminary data shows many major U.S. cities saw decreases in violent crime in the first half of 2024
Tampa saw decreases in rape and robbery reports, though homicides are up slightly.

2. Americans' refusal to keep paying higher prices may be dealing final blow to U.S. inflation spike
Some of America's largest companies, from Amazon to Disney to Yum Brands, say their customers are increasingly seeking cheaper alternative products and services.

3. Latest ruling could put Hillsborough tax referendum back on ballot
The county commission is slated to meet Tuesday at 9 a.m., potentially to discuss additional legal recourse.

4. Hillsborough County Schools focused on attendance to start school year
Statistics show if a student misses just two days of school in the first 20 days, they're already on the path for chronic absenteeism.

5. Manatee County installs trash bag dispensers at beaches and parks
Up until this weekend, it was unclear if students would even be allowed to walk the halls of Howard Middle on the first day.

6. PHOTOS: Tampa Bay goes back to school in 2024
Here’s a look at some photos that viewers have submitted, showing off those smiling faces!

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

• TAMPA TRAFFIC NOTES: Expect delays on North Boulevard in Tampa this week. Starting Wednesday, the right northbound lane will close from Cass Street to Cyrpress Street. The closures will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday. For more information, click here. Meanwhile, a water main break has Highland Avenue in Tampa closed at Giddens Avenue. The road work there is expected to wrap up this evening. Until then, the intersection is closed. Signs and barricades are in place.

• RAYS OPEN SERIES AGAINST ASTROS: The Tampa Bay Rays begin a three-game series tonight against the Houston Astros, who are tied for first place in the AL West, at Tropicana Field. For the Rays, the series is games 4, 5 and 6 of a nine-game homestand. Taj Bradley gets the start for Tampa Bay, with first pitch at 6:50 p.m.

• GAS PRICES DOWN: Florida gas prices are now the lowest since February. The state average has steadily declined the past 17 consecutive days, dropping a total of 25 cents during that time. Sunday's state average was $3.30 per gallon. That's the lowest daily average price since February 28. To find the cheapest gas prices in the Bay area, click here.  

• SLOW DOWN FOR STUDENTS: As students prepare to cross streets and navigate sidewalks on the first days of school, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and the St. Petersburg Police Department are leading a crucial awareness campaign aimed at safeguarding children. During the first three days of the school year, firefighters and police officers will be stationed at elementary and middle schools throughout the city. The initiative started Monday. For more Back to School coverage, click here. 

Beyond Tampa Bay

Tuesday, August 13

• Pretrial conference for former Republican Rep. George Santos
• Made by Google event to launch Google's latest devices
• 8th Black Reel Television Awards (BoltsTV) ceremony, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the Black and African Diaspora experience in TV
• International Left-Handers' Day
• McDonald's 'Collector's Meal' becomes available