We find it interesting even when we are back home.

• Judge sides with Hillsborough school district, says Walton Academy must temporarily close its doors  
  In the court filing, school district attorneys had pointed to serious safety concerns at the school. The school will be closed Monday.
  
  
• Charges dropped against man accused of tying up dog, judge rules Walton Academy must close and pumpkin patches around the Tampa Bay area  
  Here's what you need to know to start your evening.
  
  
• Clearwater man helps woman reunite with wedding ring he found while metal detecting  
  A Clearwater man's hobby helped reunite a woman with a ring that to her is priceless.
  
  
• Hernando County resident advocating for the homeless speaks about growing need for more resources  
  Homelessness is a growing problem that the Tampa Bay area is no stranger to. One local resident is hoping to change that.
  
  
• Nation enters third weekend with government still shut down and no clear path out in sight  
  The shutdown is now likely to last until at least Monday, which would mark Day 20, just one day shy of the second all-time longest.
  
  
• Clocking Florida’s ‘Super Speeder’ law after 3 months of enforcement  
  Florida Highway Troopers say it’s already changing how drivers behave behind the wheel.
  
  
• Red Cross received remains of another hostage to be returned to Israel from Gaza  
  Hamas has said it was committed to the terms of the ceasefire deal, including the handover of bodies.
  
  
• Tampa Honors Racial Reconciliation Committee with Commendation, Members to Work Independently  
  Members were recognized for more than two years of work focused on addressing racial inequities.
  
  
• Trump says he has commuted sentence of former U.S. Rep. George Santos in federal fraud case  
  The New York Republican was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people.
  
  
• Charges dropped against man accused of leaving dog tied up ahead of Hurricane Milton  
  The state attorney's office explained the decision in a statement released to the media.
  
  
• Kids create, kids sell (parents stay out of it) at local market  
  Kids Markets is a group where children, ages 5 to 17, can participate in a farmer’s market-style event, run entirely by kids.
  
  
• Universal to feature new overlay for Wicked: The Experience ahead of upcoming film  
  Fans can venture into the new experience located at Universal Studios Florida starting Oct. 31.
  
  
• SpaceX to launch nearly 30 Starlink satellites  
  The Falcon 9 rocket will send up Starlink 10-17 mission.
  
  
• New app helps connect people experiencing homelessness to shelter beds faster in Pinellas County  
  A new mobile app is helping outreach workers in Pinellas County connect people experiencing homelessness to shelter beds more quickly.
  
  
• Honor Flight returns to Sarasota-Bradenton airport  
  87 local veterans took an honor flight to Washington, D.C. for the first time, flying out of Sarasota-Bradenton.
  
  
• Parc prepares to open new children's center and help more kids with disabilities  
  Parc has had to exclude children who could benefit from their preschool program just because of the age and accessibility of their 1970s era facility.
  
  
• Ukrainian Sarasota resident dancing for world championship  
  Dmytro Roshchupkin evacuated Ukraine because of the war and settled in Sarasota. Now, he's vying for a World DanceSport Federation Championship.
  
  
• Publix recalling 'Rich and Creamy' ice cream product, citing egg allergen  
  The company said some of the ice cream may have made it into stores in the Bay area and Central Florida.
  
  
• Riverwalk extension to Tampa's west side prepares to break ground  
  Before the formal groundbreaking in late October, residents are invited to a public information meeting on Thursday evening.
  
  
• John Bolton pleads not guilty to charges accusing him of sharing classified information  
  It's the third case to be filed against a Donald Trump adversary in the past month.
  
  
• Glide above the water on an e-foil with Good Breeze in Brevard County  
  "Like riding a magic carpet over water."
  
  
• Dunedin coin dealer nearly out of gold amid record demand  
  Experts said that the U.S. dollar is losing value and economic uncertainty is increasing.
  
  
• Falcon 9 rocket creates 'jellyfish effect' over Central Florida. Here's what causes it  
  Spectrum News 13’s morning meteorologist Maureen McCann described how the conditions were perfect for Thursday’s jellyfish effect.
  
  
• Plant City resident speaks on importance of mural ordinance change  
  One resident says this change will help allow for more creativity in downtown Plant City.
  
  
• Tampa fire crews contain blaze at former Pups Pub location  
  Officials report no injuries.
  
  
• 24-year-old restaurant manager runs for mayor of Lakeland  
  Kaitlin Gracie Kramer said she decided to join the 2025 mayoral race after noticing a need for a fresh perspective in local government.
  
  
• High-risk cardiac study shows promise at HCA Largo Florida Hospital  
  Jim Byers was out of options. He was not a candidate for another heart surgery and called this new procedure life changing.
  
  
• Hillsborough County leaders OK $18 million for Steinbrenner Field renovations  
  The stadium is the spring training home of the New York Yankees and this year served as a temporary home for the Tampa Bay Rays.
  
  
• Injunction filed against Hillsborough school, Riverwalk extension prepares to break ground and Publix recalls select vanilla ice cream  
  Here's what you need to know to start your evening.
  
  
• District officials say 'defiance,' but Walton Academy remains open, citing appeal process  
  Walton officials told Spectrum News they plan to speak through their attorney about why they opened school Wednesday and what they plan to do next.
  
  
• Charlie Crist 'seriously considering' bid for St. Pete mayor in 2026  
  Christ said he is floating the idea to see what sort of reaction he will get from the public.
  
  
• Terrace Community Middle School raising funds for gymnasium  
  Terrace Community Middle School is on a mission to build a new gym. But as a charter school, it faces the challenge of raising funds independently.
  
  
• Snorkel and Scuba in Devil's Den  
  Florida on a Tankful visits Devil’s Den, the prehistoric spring open for scuba and snorkeling in Williston.
  
  
• Trump says he'll meet with Putin in Hungary. He first meets Friday with Zelenskyy at the White House  
  A date for the Putin summit hasn't been confirmed. Trump sits down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday at the White House.
  
  
• Parrish residents pushing for more sidewalks in growing area  
  Residents on Old Tampa Road say more sidewalks are needed for kids walking to school.
  
  
• SpaceX launches nearly 30 Starlink satellites  
  SpaceX sent off Starlink 10-52 mission.
  
  
• Neighbors hoping to restore Sulphur Springs bridge  
  This bridge may be in disrepair now, but it holds a lot of memories for the community.
  
  
• 'Light It Up' event to bring awareness to domestic violence in Tampa Bay  
  Nancy Hernandez is the founder of a Christian nonprofit and has been hosting the Light It Up event in Tampa for three years.
  
  
• Full Episode: Worrell calls on Uthmeier to end 'campaign of misinformation,' and Florida lawmakers prepare for higher health care prices  
  Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.
  
  
• Adult day care industry growing with increasing senior population  
  Generations Club is a new non-profit adult day care in Tampa, open to give adults and seniors a place to socialize and receive care.
  
  
• Tampa furniture store expects impacts from new wood tariffs  
  The White House said the United States' over reliance on lumber imports could jeopardize the country's national security.
  
  
• Belle Haven Historic Cottage now open, more than a year after Helene  
  The Anna Maria Island Historical Society's volunteers worked to restore the artifacts and buildings.
  
  
• Boxer Jigg Johnson rolls with the punches  
  Through three professional fights, Jigg Johnson is undefeated.
  
  
• Judge temporarily blocks the Trump administration from firing workers during the government shutdown  
  Illston’s order came as the shutdown, which started Oct. 1, entered its third week.
  
  
• Smucker sues Trader Joe's, saying its new PB&J sandwiches are too similar to Uncrustables  
  Smucker said Trader Joe’s round, crustless sandwiches have the same pie-like crimp markings on their edges that Uncrustables do.
  
  
• Revamped Cross Bay Ferry's return moves a step closer  
  The PSTA has recommended the Hubbard’s Marina group to take over Cross Bay Ferry operations. The selection was unanimous among transit leaders.
  
  
• Final HART public meeting on proposed route changes  
  Hillsborough Regional Transit Authority is proposing route eliminations after a study showed they had low ridership.
  
  
• Democratic governors form a public health alliance in rebuke of Trump administration  
  The new alliance has the help of a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  
  
• Opponents of Florida's black bear hunt secure dozens of permits aiming to spare some bears  
  FWC officials said they received more than 163,000 applications, with over 49,000 of them from the central region.
  
  
• You'll now be charged for refusing a breathalyzer in Florida. Here's why.  
  "Trenton's Law" requires all DUI suspects to submit to a breathalyzer, and creates stronger penalties for repeat drunk drivers and boaters.
  
  
• Construction industry now using Artificial intelligence to boost productivity  
  Artificial intelligence is now being used in the construction industry, and companies say it could help bring the cost down for you, the consumer.
  
  
• Celesteels, an all-girls robotics team, encourages interest in STEM  
  While gaining hands-on experience in STEM, the students have their sights set on qualifying for the FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship.
  
  
• From darkness to daylight: The difficult journey ahead for hostages freed by Hamas  
  All of the hostages who emerged Monday were exceptionally thin and pale, the likely result of enduring long periods without enough food.
  
  
• The government shutdown is putting a renewed spotlight on the cracks in the U.S. aviation system  
  Experts and union leaders say the disruptions are a stark reminder that the aviation system is already stretched too thin.
  
  
• Social Security cost-of-living increase announcement delayed by government shutdown  
  The announcement will now be Oct. 24.
  
  
• Former Tampa council candidate charged after pulling gun at forum  
  Police said a warrant has been obtained that charges Elvis Piggott with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and improper exhibition of a firearm.
  
  
• New lawsuit accuses state agency of illegally withholding public records concerning 'Alligator Alcatraz'  
  Friends of the Everglades, Inc., has accused the Florida government of misleading a judge by not disclosing certain records about the detention site.
  
  
• Puerto Rico shines as subject of sugar cookies  
  In the Chef's Kitchen for Bad Bunny Sugar cookies.
  
  
• First Hispanic Polk commissioner shares journey to position  
  Martha Santiago is the first Hispanic Polk County commissioner.
  
  
• Tarpon Springs approves boutique hotel to boost downtown growth  
  The hotel could boast 24 rooms and two to three stories.
  
  
• Lightning fall to Capitals in overtime 3-2  
  The Lightning have lost three of four to start the season
  
  
• Speaker accuses Schumer of shuttering government to rehab his image; Dems knock Republicans over layoffs  
  An eighth round of voting is expected Tuesday.
  
  
• Live orchid show and preserved flower installation await at Selby Gardens  
  The annual flower show at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is now a mixed bouquet with flower installation added to its botany museum.
  
  
• Wesley Chapel prep cook going above and beyond at work despite disabilities  
  Jeremy Ross knew at a young age he wanted to work in the food industry.
  
  
• Clearwater group wants voter approval for public road sales  
  Save the Garden started collecting signatures for a ballot initiative after the Church of Scientology asked to purchase part of S. Garden Ave.
  
  
• Pinellas unveils hurricane recovery programs for vulnerable residents  
  Pinellas County residents can begin applying for the programs on Oct. 20.
  
  
• Media outlets of different stripes widely rebuff new Pentagon press policies  
  The Pentagon document asks for acknowledgment of new standards for where reporters can go in the building and the information they can seek.
  
  
• Bay area fertility doctors say new PCOS studies show promise  
  Brown Fertility says new studies on PCOS show promise, but are still in the early stages.
  
  
• Jews, Arabs work as a 'family' to save lives with Israel's national ambulance service  
  Magen David Adom serves everyone, and it's made up of people of all backgrounds.
  
  
• Small businesses could soon feel strains of government shutdown  
  Some small businesses that rely on federal funding through various programs could feel the impacts if the shutdown is extended.
  
  
• Coast Guard to receive paychecks despite shutdown, Secretary Noem says  
  The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Coast Guard, did not provide specifics on where the funds would come from.
  
  
• Sheriff: Neighbor shoots neighbor in Spring Hill shootout  
  The sheriff’s office is investigating a shooting in a Spring Hill neighborhood where as many as 15 to 20 rounds were fired.
  
  
• Tampa Bay Jewish, Palestinian communities react to ceasefire  
  Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners were released on Monday as part of the first phase of the ceasefire.
  
  
• Man convicted in 1996 Tampa killings executed at Florida State Prison  
  Samuel Lee Smithers, 72, was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m.
  
  
• Longtime voice of the USF Bulls retiring: Jim Louk set to step aside  
  Jim Louk, who has called USF football since its 1997 debut, is retiring at the end of this season.
  
  
• As hostages and prisoners are freed, complex issues remain for Israel-Hamas ceasefire  
  Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza, and Israel says it has freed more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
  
  
• D'Angelo, Grammy-winning R&B singer who became an icon with 'Untitled (How Does It Feel),' dies  
  The singer, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, died Tuesday, according to a statement from the family.
  
  
• Trump urges leaders at Egypt summit to put 'the old feuds' to rest and seize momentum for peace  
  Trump says there's a once-in-a-lifetime chance "to declare that our future will not be ruled by the fights of generations past.”
  
  
• Sarasota woman reflects on loss of her brother amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire  
  Keren Shani-Lifrak remains hopeful for peace as she looks back on her late brother.
  
  
• Hillsborough Schools supervisor honored for Hispanic heritage advocacy amid ESOL teacher shortage  
  Jessica De La Prida, is being recognized for her decades of helping multilingual students succeed in the classroom.
  
  
• Metropolitan Ministries expanding outreach; opening holiday tent in Pinellas County  
  The organization will be able to serve more than 5,000 at a St. Petersburg location.
  
  
• Tampa woman helps families achieve dream of homeownership  
  Tampa native Sylvia Alvarez is being recognized for her lasting impact on housing equity and financial education.
  
  
• Different pumpkin colors and the meanings behind them  
  View a list of some of the most commonly seen different pumpkin colors and what they stand for.
  
  
• Medical foster mom in Tampa reopens her home after adopting four foster kids  
  Kadesha Stewart is one of 15 medical foster families in Hillsborough County licensed through Children's Home Network.
  
  
• Mayfield tosses 2 touchdowns in Bucs 30-19 win over 49ers  
  After winning four games with scores in the last minute, the Buccaneers didn’t need a late comeback.
  
  
• Mario Cruz teaches young people kayaking and fishing  
  He developed his love of fishing from his father.
  
  
• St. Pete chocolate factory sees price increase from tariffs  
  Cacao prices have risen due to weather and tariffs.
  
  
• Professional ballet company increases access to classical dance in Bay area  
  The founders of Coastal Ballet of Florida said their goal is to make ballet more accessible.
  
  
• China shows no sign of backing down while issuing call for U.S. to withdraw tariff threat  
  Trump posted that Chinese leader Xi Jinping “just had a bad moment. He doesn’t want Depression for his country, and neither do I.”
  
  
• Florida nonprofit leader vital in Israel evacuations is overseas to witness hostage release  
  Grey Bull Recuse has brought thousands of Americans in danger home.
  
  
• Vance warns 'painful' cuts ahead for federal workers amid shutdown  
  Labor unions have already filed a lawsuit to stop an aggressive move by President Donald Trump’s budget office: firing well over 4,000 workers.
  
  
• One year since hurricanes, Largo residents have safety concerns about storm-damaged gas station  
  Some Largo residents are concerned a hurricane-damaged property is a safety hazard.
  
  
• New monument for Gold Star Families unveiled in Tampa  
  The monument is at Veterans Memorial Park.
  
  
• 4 people killed and 20 injured in a shooting at South Carolina bar, sheriff says  
  The mass shooting occurred early Sunday at Willie's Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, officials said.
  
  
• Community steps in after alleged Riverview restaurant burglary  
  The owner’s alma mater, Florida A&M University, held an event to drum up business.
  
  
• Letter from code enforcement leaves Plant City businesses concerned  
  Several businesses feel the letter will deter foot traffic in the area.
  
  
• 'Tron: Ares' tops box office but falls short of expectations with $33.5 million debut  
  The big-budget project, starring Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges, arrived 15 years after "Tron: Legacy"
  
  
• Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star of ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Godfather,’ dies at 79  
  Keaton won the Academy Award for Best Actress in “Annie Hall” in 1978.
  
  
• Layoffs of federal workers begin as White House seeks to pressure Democrats in government shutdown  
  In a court filing, the budget office said the positions of well over 4,000 employees would be cut.
  
  
• Palestinians return to ruins and U.S. expects hostages freed on Monday as Gaza ceasefire holds  
  Israel said Witkoff, Kushner and Cooper met with senior U.S. and Israeli military officials in Gaza on Saturday.