Daily editionThursday, October 15th, 2026
Good morning, St. Petersburg.
The 5AM St. Petersburg Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of October.
Community
Nonprofits like United Way Suncoast face potential changes under Amendment 3 — a measure voters will decide next month — that will alter how property tax funds support community services, while local filmmakers behind Jit document Florida’s underbelly and a chef rides 700 miles to bring healthier meals to schoolchildren.
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Education
The Pinellas County School Board voted Tuesday to close six schools and merge or move others because of fewer students.
The plan—aiming to save $25 million a year—has raised community worries about changes for students and staff.
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Environment
Recent rains since late August have increased river flows and raised the C.W. Bill Young Reservoir to about 72% full, easing drought concerns for residents in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.
Tampa Bay Water officials say more rain may ease water restrictions that remain in effect until March 31.
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Sports
The Rays have named relief pitcher-turned-starter Griffin Jax to pitch Game 3 of the ALCS today at 1 p.m. ET at Progressive Field — a switch coming after his recent bullpen work, with manager Kevin Cash offering confidence in his return to starting form.
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The Rays have a 26-man ALCS roster mixing homegrown talent with players acquired through trades and waivers, and are set for game 3 at 6 p.m. ET tonight on TBS — a move that highlights their no stone unturned strategy to build a deep team.
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Major League Baseball moved today’s Game 3 of the Rays-Guardians series to 1 p.m. at Progressive Field due to rain in Cleveland while keeping Game 4 at 6 p.m. on Friday.
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Tropicana Field is hosting viewing parties on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for Rays' ALCS games as the team plays in Cleveland.
Tickets start at $8 and include access to a huge videoboard, on-field activities — and prepaid parking.
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Rays third baseman Junior Caminero said he is motivated to build his own legacy in Tampa Bay after learning from José Ramirez’s celebrated career (which may be honored with a statue at Ontario Street and Carnegie Avenue).
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