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

Friday will be another day for the beach. Dry weather will result in lots of sunshine with some afternoon clouds. Temperatures will start off in the 60s north to low 70s around Tampa Bay before climbing toward 90.

Highs: Near 90 Lows: Low 60s and 70s Rain Coverage: Less than 10%

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Today's Big Stories

1. Congress passes bill to fund government, averting shutdown
Congress took swift action Thursday to approve legislation that would fund the federal government into early December, staving off a government shutdown.

2. Florida's minimum wage increases to $10 per hour Thursday
The current minimum wage in Florida is $8.65 – that’s $17,804 a year working 40 hours a week. That was set to go to $10 today.  

3. Gabby Petito case: FBI responds to Laundrie home Thursday
Two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents stopped by the Laundrie family home Thursday. An attorney for the Laundrie family said: "The FBI is at the Laundrie home today to collect some personal items belonging to Brian that will assist the canines in their search for Brian.  There is nothing more to this."

4. Citrus school officials ID football player who died after collapsing at practice
According to school officials, a member of the school’s football team collapsed during practice Tuesday afternoon. He was rushed to Citrus Memorial Hospital, which is next door to the school, but later died.

5. Free wedding dresses go to healthcare workers in Riverview
Bay area healthcare workers recently had the opportunity to be nominated to win a wedding gown. It was The Regent's way of saying, thank you.

6. Tampa Bay Times: Built-for-rent houses coming to Tampa Bay suburbs as industry booms
Florida has long been home to the sprawl of suburbia — the landscapes of near-identical houses with emerald lawns are as quintessential to the state as its reptile-filled swamps. But a new type of suburb is sprouting around Tampa Bay: those with new homes only for rent. 

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

• RAYS vs ASTROS: The Tampa Bay Rays, who have clinched home field advantage through the American League playoffs, take on Houston in Game 3 of their series. Colin McHugh gets the ball for Tampa, with a start time of 7:10 p.m., as the Rays bid to take two out of three in a possible playoff preview. Meanwhile, Rays tickets for the postseason are now on sale.
  
  
• TPA AIRPORT EUROPE FLIGHTS: Tampa Bay’s connection to mainland Europe is coming back in December with the launch of a new nonstop service to Frankfurt, Germany aboard Eurowings Discover, the Lufthansa Group’s new leisure airline. The four-times-per-week service, set to begin Dec. 16, is Eurowings’ first flight to the United States. Here is a link to the airport's website.


• AQUARIUM EXHIBIT: Clearwater Marine Aquarium has announced the opening for its newest exhibit, Legends from the Deep, on October 1. The exhibit is set to run through January 31, 2022. Legends from the Deep will occupy the fourth floor of CMA’s newly expanded visitor center. Guests will be immersed into the amazing and mysterious wonders that lurk beneath the surface of our oceans through this multi-media exhibition that highlights living, prehistoric, and mythological creatures.


• FIRST FRIDAY COOKIE CARNIVAL: First Friday's "Om Nom Nom" Cookie Carnival returns October 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown Lakeland. Cookie Creators will be peddling their delicious wares in Munn Park. Stop by, and pick up 1 or 2 or more cookies, as well as other delicious baked goods.


• NATIONAL NOTES:
  • Supreme Court ceremonial swearing in of Amy Coney Barrett
  • U.S. fiscal year begins
  • Disney World launches 18-month 50th anniversary celebration 
  • 'FIFA 22' released for multiple platforms
  • National Breast Cancer Awareness Month