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Daily editionFriday, September 18th, 2026

Good morning, St. Petersburg.

The 5AM St. Petersburg Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of September.

Culture

  1. The Buccaneers Chef Series returns to Raymond James Stadium as award-winning local chefs serve unique stadium dishes for home games starting Sept. 20 vs. Browns (with creative offerings scheduled for Sept. 27, Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 30, Dec. 6, Dec. 20 and Jan. 3).

    WUSFRead more

  2. Several St. Petersburg museums such as the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art offer free admission Saturday for residents with valid ID.

    The free museum day event joins other regional cultural activities this weekend.

    WUSFRead more

Education

  1. On Wednesday, Florida’s Board of Education approved statewide AI rules for schools.

    Districts must update internet policies with parental notifications and non-AI alternatives by July 1 while colleges will set guidelines to protect student data and academic integrity.

    WUSFRead more

Health

  1. Hillsborough health officials reported 39 new dengue cases from Sept. 6-12, bringing the county total to 134 since July and scheduling a helicopter spraying of Dibrom on Friday night over South Tampa.

    Neighboring counties are assisting with mosquito control while Duval reported a second West Nile case.

    WUSFRead more

Sports

  1. Rays star Junior Caminero hit his 40th home run with a dramatic walk-off last Friday and then added another game-winning homer on Tuesday.

    During Thursday’s game, he took a quick water break after chasing a foul ball near the A’s bullpen + showed his enjoyment of the team’s success.

    MLB.comRead more

  2. Baker Mayfield of the Buccaneers is set to face the Browns—his former team—at 1 p.m. Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

    His drive remains strong as he seeks to lead the team in its home opener.

    WUSFRead more

  3. Taylor Walls returned to the Rays lineup earlier today at Tropicana Field after recovering from a right hip flexor strain.

    Pitchers praised his return—crediting his active defense with boosting the team’s playoff hopes.

    MLB.comRead more

  4. Tampa Bay's Rays won 10-1 over the A's on Thursday in a game that featured a six-run fourth inning — dropping their AL East magic number to six — as key hits from Chandler Simpson and Richie Palacios and strong pitching from Drew Rasmussen secured their sixth straight win.

    MLB.comRead more