Latest issueThe Rays' World Series run brought an estimated $40 million to PinellasRead now

5AM St. PetersburgSubscribe — it’s free

← Past issues

Daily editionThursday, October 1st, 2026

Good morning, St. Petersburg.

The 5AM St. Petersburg Team

ShareEmailFacebookX

Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of October.

Community

  1. A range of community events are set for this week in our area, including a Janis Joplin tribute concert at American Stage (through Oct. 11), a 5K run/walk on Saturday benefiting Operation Santa in Gulfport, and a pet blessing at St. Bartholomew’s Church on Oct. 1.

    The Gabber NewspaperRead more

  2. WUSF’s three-part series investigates why electric bills are rising, noting Florida utilities posted over $6 billion in profits, while UTampa will soon add a generative AI course and the Sarasota Orchestra music director outlines a season of diverse performances today.

    WUSFRead more

Culture

  1. Taste of the Beaches will run Oct. 3-11 at 50 local restaurants where diners trade $10 tickets for featured dishes or drinks to support Habitat for Humanity + boost local business; a kickoff party will take place Friday, Oct. 2 at Horan Park with live music by Big Brother.

    The Gabber NewspaperRead more

  2. Local Legends is a live improv comedy show from Burnt Sugar that begins with a conversation with a local business owner + improvised scenes built from their stories to bring unique local flair to the stage.

    St. Petersburg Arts AllianceRead more

  3. Morean Glass Studio at 714 1st Avenue North will host a pumpkin patch featuring 100+ handmade pumpkins plus unique glass and clay designs on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 12-4 p.m. The free fall event invites community members to enjoy creative seasonal art.

    St. Petersburg Arts AllianceRead more

Health

  1. Pinellas County is waiving tire disposal fees through Oct. 30 to reduce mosquito breeding sites that spread dengue fever.

    Residents can bring up to four tires from private homes to the Solid Waste Disposal Complex in St. Petersburg (3095 114th Ave. N.) during regular hours.

    WUSFRead more

  2. A Pinellas County resident aged 50 to 54 died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus during the week of Sept. 13 — 19; it was the only case in the county so far as Florida recorded 22 infections and five deaths from the bacteria in 2026.

    WUSFRead more

Sports

  1. The Rays will face the Yankees in the AL Division Series in St. Petersburg, with Game 1 at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Tropicana Field and Game 2 at 8 p.m. Monday—after the Yankees swept Boston in the Wild Card Series.

    WUSFRead more

  2. After Game 1 starter Drew Rasmussen, the Rays have not finalized their ALDS pitching rotation and will adjust roles for their five starters as they prepare for Saturday's game at Tropicana Field, with manager Kevin Cash noting the decision will depend on the upcoming opponent (Yankees or Red Sox).

    MLB.comRead more

  3. The Rays' return to Tropicana Field drove attendance in Tampa Bay up to 1,414,975+ the largest jump among MLB teams following repairs after Hurricane Milton.

    The team will begin the AL Division Series at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Trop.

    WUSFRead more

  4. Yankees and Rays face off in Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field, with the game broadcast on TBS, truTV, HBO Max and Spanish coverage on UniMas—this marks their first home postseason clash since 2020.

    MLB.comRead more