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

It will be a cool start to the day of Thursday, but we will warm up in the afternoon.

Highs will be in the mid to upper 70s. 

Expect plenty of sunshine and a stiff breeze out of the northeast.

Winds could gust over 20 mph at times.

Lows fall to the 50s at night.  

High: 77 Low: 59 Rain Coverage: 0%

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Today's Big Stories

1. Coolest air since last spring comes in Wednesday night
If we manage to drop to 56 degrees in Tampa, it will be the coolest we have been since March 21 and the earliest 56 degree reading since 2009.

2. Free fresh food, house supplies available in Bradenton Wednesday following Milton
Those who lost power from Hurricane Milton and have to replace all of their spoiled food now have a no-cost way to do so south of Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Disaster relief supplies will be available daily at the church while supplies last. They will receive a second shipment on Saturday.

3. School districts resume class around Tampa Bay, Hillsborough to resume school Thursday
School districts through the Bay area are evaluating their situations for resuming operations in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

4. Jimmy Carter casts ballot in Georgia at age 100
Just two weeks after turning 100, former President Jimmy Carter cast his ballot in the key swing state of Georgia, the Carter Center said today.

5. Menendez brothers' family to push for their release as prosecutors review 1989 case
The extended family of Erik and Lyle Menendez will advocate for the brothers’ release from prison during a news conference set for today in downtown Los Angeles as prosecutors review new evidence to determine whether they should be serving life sentences for killing their parents.

6. Amazon signs three nuclear power deals to address energy needs
The Seattle-based e-commerce giant joins tech behemoths Google and Microsoft in embracing nuclear technology to power its electricity-intensive data centers.

7. Disney to debut new Lightning Lane Premier Pass this month, but some guests may have sticker shock
The Walt Disney Co. is set to pilot a new pass for guests to get on rides faster at its domestic theme parks, but the cost might be a bit out of reach for many.

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

• PINELLAS COUNTY PARKS REOPENING: Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources announced today that it will reopen several parks on Saturday, Oct. 19, following closures related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Among the list are A. L. Anderson Park, Brooker Creek Preserve and Education Center, and Eagle Lake Park> View the full list on the county's website.

• SAND DROP-OFF: Pinellas County will open a sand drop-off site starting today at Sand Key Park, 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, for all county residents and businesses looking to dispose of storm-related sand from their property. It will be open seven days per week from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.


• MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT: While the Tampa Bay area recovers from both Hurricane Helene and Milton, the distress and uncertainty from natural disasters still loom. If you're in need of disaster relief or mental health support, theFlorida Division of Emergency Management encourages you to call, text or chat 211. This information & referral hotline is available 24/7.

        
           NATIONAL NOTES        

           Thursday, Oct 17

• Donald Trump speaks at Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner
• New York Comic Con, annual pop culture convention dedicated to cult comic books, films, TV shows, anime and gaming.
• NATO defense ministers meeting opens.
• Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report - Initial Claims
• 'Super Full Moon' visible, taking place when the moon is near its closest approach, or perigee, to Earth.
• National Civil Rights Museum 33rd Freedom Award Ceremony, honoring individuals 'who have made significant contributions in civil rights and who have laid the foundation for present and future leaders in the battle for human rights.'