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 warm and partly sunny for Friday with highs in the mid to upper 80s.

Winds will be out of the east to northeast at 10 to 20 mph. 

A stray sprinkle is possible in the afternoon, but the vast majority of the area will be dry.

Lows fall to near 70 at night. 

High: 87 Low: 70 Rain Coverage: 0%

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Today's Big Stories

1. Suspect charged after explosive devices found at Seminole Hard Rock Casino
On Thursday, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Bryan Robert Eckley faces two counts of placing a destructive device with the intent to cause harm.

2. Flooded Town 'n' Country neighborhood preps for safe, special Halloween
A group of families in Town ‘n’ Country’s Bay Crest Park neighborhood are going above and beyond to make sure Halloween festivities still happen this year, despite all the hurricane damage.

3. Tropical development possible in the Caribbean
As we head towards the end of October, the tropics are still showing possible signs of life. A broad area of low pressure is expected to develop later this week in the Caribbean Sea.

4. Free rides for voters across Tampa Bay and Central Florida on Election Day
If you're in need of transportation to get to the polls or around town on Nov. 5, here's how you can get a free ride in your county.

5. Inflation gauge closely watched by the Fed falls to lowest level in 3 1/2 years
As a presidential race profoundly shaped by Americans' frustration with high prices nears its end, the government said Thursday that an inflation gauge closely watched by the Federal Reserve has dropped to near pre-pandemic levels.

6. U.S. expects Russia to deploy North Korean troops to Ukraine front line within days
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday he expects 8,000 North Korea forces to be deployed to Russia’s front line in its battle with Ukraine in the coming days. 

7. GOP senators unveil plan for Congress to fund SBA's exhausted disaster loan program
A group of Republican senators unveiled a plan to ask their colleagues to designate a fresh $550 million to replenish the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Program, which ran out of funds earlier this month following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the Southeast. 

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

• HALLOWEEN EVENTS, ATTRACTIONS: There are plenty of Halloween-themed events across Tampa Bay and Orlando for people of all ages to enjoy. From theme parks to haunted houses, many local attractions have much to offer.

• SPOOKY SEASON: Afraid of the weather? Weather phobias may not be common, but they’re real. People who experience these phobias can have debilitating anxiety and stress depending on what Mother Nature is throwing their way. Find out the most common weather phobias and how to get over the fear.

• TRAFFIC ALERT: The outside westbound and eastbound lanes on West Sligh Avenue is closed between North Gomez and North Habana Avenues 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. The Tampa Water Department may need to return at a later date to complete additional work.

• LIGHTNING VS. WILD: The Tampa Bay Lightning is scheduled to play the Minnesota Wild in Minnesota tomorrow night, after a 5-2 win against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. The puck drops at 8 p.m.

        
           NATIONAL NOTES        

           Friday, Nov. 1

• Monthly Employment Report
• Breeders' Cup World Championships begins.
• U.S. Supreme Court meets in private conference to discuss cases and vote on petitions for review.
• New York Mayor Adams in court following indictment on bribery and fraud charges.
• President Joe Biden hosts a leader-level virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group this month, to coordinate with international partners on additional assistance for Ukraine.