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Daily editionSaturday, September 19th, 2026

Good morning, St. Petersburg.

The 5AM St. Petersburg Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of September.

Economy

  1. Florida raises its minimum wage to $15 on Sept. 30, and tipped workers will earn at least $11.98 as tips count toward the rate & businesses prepare for future cost increases.

    The change follows a 2020 constitutional amendment and will rise with inflation.

    WUSFRead more

Sports

  1. The Red Sox and Rays began a three‐game series at Tropicana Field on Friday night as both teams work to boost their playoff positions.

    The pitching duel between Tolle and Peralta marks a key matchup— with postseason hopes on the line.

    MLB.comRead more

  2. At Tropicana Field on Friday, Sept. 18— the Rays lost 4-2 to the Red Sox in front of 23,342 fans, ending a six-game win streak.

    The Rays will begin a four-game series at Yankee Stadium next week that could reshape the AL East race.

    MLB.comRead more

  3. Rays and Legends Global announced an extended partnership for the new Forever Home ballpark on Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus in Tampa.

    The ballpark is set to open in 2029 and Legends Global will handle sponsorships, premium seating and suite sales with Todd Fleming’s team.

    MLB.comRead more

  4. Caden Bodine, the Rays catching prospect who played at four minor league levels (earning a Minor League Player of the Year honor), is with the taxi squad this weekend to gain hands-on experience before the team heads out for upcoming games.

    MLB.comRead more