Daily editionFriday, October 9th, 2026
Good morning, St. Petersburg.
The 5AM St. Petersburg Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of October.
Community
A range of fall events is set from Oct. 8-15 in Gulfport & St. Pete, offering pumpkin patches, food festivals, community yard sales and free classes.
Residents can join outdoor activities, art exhibitions and live music shows across the region.
The Gabber NewspaperRead more
Culture
A time capsule discovery has led to a centennial exhibit that displays artifacts from 100 years of the Boys & Girls Clubs history.
The free exhibit runs through Nov. 30 at the Tampa History Center’s third-floor gallery space.
WUSFRead more
Today in St. Petersburg, the Imagine Museum is hosting Monsters & Makers Market from 5—9 p.m. with free entry for costumed guests.
The weekend wraps up with a free centennial open house at Tampa Theatre on Sunday from 1—5 p.m., offering a look at the restored landmark.
WUSFRead more
Concerts this weekend showcase diverse sounds in Tampa Bay: Weatherday performs at The Orpheum in Tampa, The Don Soledad Trio delights at Fogartyville in Sarasota, Dr. Bacon & Open House Conspiracy headline at Grand Central Brewhouse & Suite E Studios in St. Pete, plus jazz unfolds at HCC Ybor on Sunday.
WUSFRead more
Economy
Florida’s energy bills have jumped up due to consecutive rate hikes and surcharges by major utilities, which allowed them to post high profits last year.
Saint Petersburg is studying the possibility of switching to a municipally-run utility (a change that could lower costs) as local consumers voice their concerns.
WUSFRead more
Education
After community feedback at a Tuesday workshop, the Pinellas County School Board postponed the Oct. 13 vote on closing Sexton Elementary to gather more input from local families.
The board will review plans before deciding the school's future (ensuring local voices are heard).
WUSFRead more
Ten Tampa Bay area school board races now head to runoffs as voters in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, Manatee, Polk & Hernando counties will choose the top two candidates to face off in the general election on Nov. 3.
WUSFRead more
Government
Florida’s new driver’s licenses now show an orange, a manatee & the phrase 'Let Us Alone' from the 1845 flag, which one legislator says has a troubling history linked to slavery.
Officials said the update is part of a broader effort to modernize state identification.
WUSFRead more
Health
Hillsborough County recorded 259 confirmed dengue cases since July and saw 36 new infections this week while Pinellas County added 7 recent cases for a total of 20.
County officials (in states of emergency) are coordinating mosquito control efforts and urging residents to remove standing water.
WUSFRead more
Sports
Last night, the Buccaneers beat the Cowboys 24-16 to break a four-game losing streak (Bucky Irving ran for a career-high 165 yards while undrafted quarterback Jalon Daniels started his second game).
The team will host the Steelers on Oct. 18 at Raymond James Stadium.
WUSFRead more
Bryan Baker of the Rays has recorded 33 consecutive saves since May 17, showcasing poise and confidence in postseason games.
He earned saves in three ALDS wins over the Yankees, including a standout performance at Tropicana Field, and now prepares to continue his dominant run in the ALCS.
MLB.comRead more