We find it interesting even when we are back home.

• SNAP benefits may stop for millions of Floridians, if the government shutdown continues in November  
  Money will not be deposited to EBT cards in November due to federal funds running out at the end of this month, according to DCF.
  
  
• Tampa WOW! second public meeting on Thursday  
  The 250-foot observation wheel, dubbed Tampa WOW!, would be built on the parking lot between Port Tampa Bay and The Florida Aquarium.
  
  
• New wrong way prevention technology coming to the Selmon Expressway  
  Drivers on the Selmon Expressway in Tampa will soon see new signs and markings designed to stop wrong way drivers.
  
  
• Roser Food Pantry, still struggling after hurricanes, in need of donations  
  Over the past year, volunteers say they’ve seen a decrease in donations — but an increase in people needing their services.
  
  
• David Fischer, 3-term St. Pete mayor, dies at 92  
  David Fischer was the city's mayor from 1991 to 2001.
  
  
• Early voting begins Thursday in Tampa's District 5 city council race  
  Early voting kicked off Thursday for the Tampa City Council District 5 runoff election.
  
  
• DeSantis says Progressive policyholders could see rebate  
  Progressive has approximately 2.7 million auto policyholders in Florida.
  
  
• Party leaders on both sides show no signs of backing down as shutdown enters 4th week  
  Republican and Democratic leaders in the House continued to blame each another on Wednesday.
  
  
• Wesley Chapel community celebrates life of middle school teacher  
  Damon Zassenbraker died in late September at the age of 52.
  
  
• School bus turned 'Innovation Lab' visits Pinellas County middle schoolers  
  It’s a decommissioned school bus turned mobile science lab, and it will be traveling to middle schools all over Pinellas County.
  
  
• Government shutdown impacts Hillsborough nonprofit  
  Sweetwater Organic Community Farm leaders say they haven't been able to process SNAP benefits since before the shutdown.
  
  
• Cedar Key Historical Society Museum reopens a year after Helene  
  Florida on a Tankful visits the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum, where it took exactly one year to reopen after Helene devastated the island.
  
  
• Proposed bill could change how Hillsborough's superintendent is selected  
  Hillsborough County’s top education official could soon be chosen by voters rather than appointed by the school board.
  
  
• SpaceX pushes back launch of Spanish communications satellite to Thursday night  
  The Falcon 9’s first-stage booster B1076 for this mission will be retired.
  
  
• Disconnect between two Florida databases could affect vote by mail  
  The gap may prevent some voters from receiving mail-in ballots unless resolved.
  
  
• City of Tampa taking applications for parking community garden  
  The community garden in downtown Tampa will feature more than 40 raised planters. Applications are now being accepted.
  
  
• Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez's trial date set in case over fight with truck driver  
  An Indianapolis judge has confirmed a Dec. 11 trial date for Mark Sanchez, who is charged with attacking a truck driver outside an Indianapolis hotel.
  
  
• Vance denies U.S. dictates to Israel as he meets with Netanyahu over Gaza ceasefire  
  U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on Friday
  
  
• Breast cancer survivor shares story; Wellness Expo to spread awareness  
  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the local Manatee County community is spreading awareness with its annual Wellness Expo.
  
  
• Three weeks in, the second-longest government shutdown takes toll on Tampa federal workers  
  Tierra Carter has taken leave from the Social Security Administration because she can't work without pay.
  
  
• Palladium Theater awarded $2.5M from Pinellas bed tax fund  
  The capital project request was unanimously approved by Pinellas commissioners on Oct. 7.
  
  
• Pinellas County Schools considers piloting weapon detections system  
  Weapon detection systems are being used in many venues, and now, Pinellas County Schools could be next.
  
  
• Roaming monsters, piercing screams at Dade City’s Scream-A-Geddon  
  The quiet piece of Pasco County is filled with the fall sounds of human screaming and revving chainsaws, thanks to Dade City’s Scream-A-Geddon.
  
  
• Madeira Beach buys waterfront property for $18M  
  Madeira Beach has agreed to purchase 4.6 acres of vacant waterfront property located at the city’s entrance off the Tom Stuart Causeway.
  
  
• U.S. ranchers oppose Trump's plan to import more Argentine beef and experts doubt it will lower prices  
  Several factors have sent beef prices soaring, starting with continued strong demand combined with the smallest U.S. herd size since 1961.
  
  
• NFL moves its Pro Bowl festivities to Super Bowl week  
  The NFL is hoping to take advantage of increased interest in flag football ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
  
  
• Northern Lebanese flavors dominate at Cedar’s Cafe in Melbourne  
  Try the Braised Lamb Shank with roasted vegetables by chef Toni Elkhouri.
  
  
• Southeastern University professor enters Lakeland mayoral race  
  Cedrick Valrie decided to enter the 2025 mayoral race to be a voice for everyday working people.
  
  
• USF votes to select Moez Limayem as its new president  
  His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida BOG. He would replace Rhea Law, who announced her retirement earlier this year.
  
  
• Plant City farm's marigold festival continues one year after hurricane damage  
  After last year's storms impacted flower crops, one farm says its annual event is blooming even bigger and bringing the community together.
  
  
• Tropical Storm Melissa moving slowly in the Caribbean  
  It's not expected to impact the U.S.
  
  
• Police say man stole Tampa fire engine, crashed it into SUV  
  It happened shortly before 9:30 a.m. while firefighters were inside St. Joseph's Hospital on Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.
  
  
• Trooper the dog's new owner upset over dropped charges  
  The charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence to prove that Trooper was intentionally tied to a fence.
  
  
• Pinellas County teacher fosters kindness in her classroom  
  Jessica LoGrande has been a Pinellas County teacher for 11 years, and says she enjoys building lasting connections with her students.
  
  
• Bloomingdale High golfer Caddie Schelle redefines resilience  
  Caddie Schelle is recovering from a brain bleed. She has been through extensive rehabilitation, relearning how to walk, talk and golf.
  
  
• Shutdown sparks new chatter on the 'nuclear option.' What is it and how could it end funding lapse?  
  Most legislation in the Senate needs 60 votes, which is why Democratic support is needed to reopen the government.
  
  
• Ahead of flu season, pediatric doctors notice leap in vaccine hesitancy  
  A pediatric infectious diseases physician says more and more families are questioning or refusing the vaccines than ever before.
  
  
• White House starts demolishing part of the East Wing to build Trump's ballroom  
  Trump announced the start of construction in a social media post.
  
  
• Lions beat Bucs 24-9, Evans leaves with broken collarbone and concussion  
  The six-time Pro Bowler was hurt late in the second quarter Monday night.
  
  
• Biden completes a round of radiation therapy as part of his prostate cancer treatment  
  Biden was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer in May.
  
  
• Government shutdown threatens wave of missed payments; but there are options  
  Federal workers are now one paycheck short, and soon to be two short if the shutdown continues.
  
  
• Lakeland Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley enters race for mayor  
  McCarley decided to run for mayor after Mayor Bill Mutz’s decision not to seek another term.
  
  
• Uthmeier issues criminal subpoenas to Roblox investigating sexual predators  
  The subpoenas are aimed at investigating whether Roblox’s actions are aiding predators in harming children.
  
  
• Pasco County mother, school employee accused of killing her son  
  The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office arrested 40-year-old Justine Mroz Sunday night in the death of her 6-year-old son.
  
  
• Canadians are coming to Florida less than they used to  
  The National Association of Realtors data shows fewer Canadians are buying homes in the state.
  
  
• Oakland police say former Buc Doug Martin died after being detained  
  Authorities in California released more details about the death of Doug Martin, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back who died this weekend.
  
  
• NASA’s Sean Duffy wants to open Artemis III to other companies; says SpaceX is behind  
  Blue Origin may have a chance to send people to the moon during the Artemis III mission.
  
  
• Clearwater parent concerned for son’s safety as drivers don’t stop for school bus  
  According to state law, drivers on both sides of Gulf to Bay Boulevard should stop because there is no physical barrier between the two directions.
  
  
• Stricklin launches national search for next Gators coach, names Gonzales for rest of season  
  Florida's athletic director said he is looking for a coach who can win national championships to replace Billy Napier.
  
  
• Pinellas People First Hurricane Recovery Program opens Monday  
  Recovery program targets low to mid income households across Pinellas County.
  
  
• New Soarin’ Across America coming to Disney  
  Disney announced on Monday that Soarin’ Across America will debut at Disney World and Disneyland in summer 2026
  
  
• Is it cruel or just part of the punishment? Experts, lawmakers debate the lack of A/C in most Florida prisons  
  Leaders weigh ethical, legal, fiscal concerns when considering whether to install A/C in Florida prisons.
  
  
• Massive Amazon cloud outage has been resolved after disrupting internet use worldwide  
  The all-day disruption served as the latest reminder that society is increasingly dependent on just a handful of companies.
  
  
• Louvre remains closed one day after jewel heist  
  Thieves rode a basket lift up the Louvre's facade, forced a window, smashed display cases and fled with priceless Napoleonic jewels, officials said.
  
  
• Julie Taylor loves to serve others in her hometown of Mulberry  
  She started an after-school program called Save Our Youth.
  
  
• Advice to feed babies peanuts early and often helped thousands of kids avoid allergies  
  Peanut allergies began to decline in the U.S. after the guidance was first issued in 2015.
  
  
• Trump suggests U.S. will buy Argentinian beef to bring down prices for American consumers  
  Trump promised earlier this week to address the issue as part of his efforts to keep inflation in check.
  
  
• Pirate Fashions in Tampa faces challenges due to tariffs  
  Tariffs on materials from India have raised costs significantly.
  
  
• AI helping startups thrive at Tampa Bay Innovation Center  
  Tampa Bay Innovation center has created a space where like-minded entrepreneurs are using technology to turn their ideas into reality.
  
  
• Zelenskyy says his meeting with Trump was 'positive' though he didn't get the Tomahawk missiles  
  Zelenskyy says Trump backed away from sending long-range missiles to Ukraine after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
  
  
• Brooksville's Chinsegut Hill serves as host of 2025 statewide K9 tracking event  
  The event was hosted by the Florida Department of Corrections to showcase K9 tracking teams from across the state.
  
  
• Horror sequel ‘Black Phone 2’ dials up a No. 1 opening  
  The film starring Ethan Hawke opened in 3,411 theaters and received positive reviews four years after the original became a sleeper success.
  
  
• Florida fires coach Billy Napier after four-year run  
  Napier went 22-23 in four seasons at Florida, including 12-16 in SEC play.
  
  
• Ukrainian drones strike major Russian gas plant as Trump says Kyiv may have to trade land for peace  
  Kyiv has increased attacks on Russian energy facilities in recent months. Trump's comments on territory were the latest apparent reversal on the war.
  
  
• Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people  
  The Friday night shooting left six people dead and more than a dozen injured.
  
  
• Renewed fighting tests Gaza ceasefire and Israel briefly halts aid  
  Health officials said Israeli strikes killed at least 36 Palestinians across Gaza.
  
  
• Metropolitan Ministries seeking seasonal workers for holiday tents  
  25 positions are still available, paying $15 to $18 an hour.
  
  
• Parc Center helps employees with disabilities thrive long-term  
  Parc Center for Disabilities and Bay Pines VA Healthcare System are transforming lives with competitive employment opportunities in St. Petersburg
  
  
• Tampa elementary students get a taste for engineering at HCPS "Science Olympics"  
  More than 1,200 students from more than 130 schools participated.
  
  
• Pumpkin patches around the Tampa Bay area  
  View Tampa Bay pumpkin patch locations and details.
  
  
• Thieves steal crown jewels in 4 minutes from Louvre Museum  
  While tourists pressed shoulder-to-shoulder in the corridors, thieves smashed display cases and fled with priceless Napoleonic jewels, officials said.
  
  
• Limited airport operations in Citrus County as crews seal nearly 60-foot deep sinkhole  
  Sinkhole repairs started Friday near the end of the runway at Crystal River Airport and should be completed next week.
  
  
• 'No Kings' protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide  
  Demonstrators decryied what participants see as the government's swift drift into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.
  
  
• Shutdown impact: What it means for workers, federal programs and the economy  
  The Congressional Budget Office estimated that about 750,000 employees would be furloughed each day during a shutdown.
  
  
• Pinellas fishermen say dredging barges threaten stone crab season  
  Fishermen say they've lost thousands of dollars just days into the season after traps and equipment were damaged by tug boats and barges.
  
  
• Hillsborough College partners with Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center  
  While it’s not a monetary partnership, it does end up saving the shelter some money.
  
  
• Wimauma opens door to new library, with more than 1,000 items in collection  
  Library staff members are bilingual to help serve the Spanish speaking population that use its services.
  
  
• Florida holds on to beat Mississippi State 23-21  
  The game may have been Gators coach Billy Napier’s finale.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• St. Armands Circle Fall Fine Art Festival returns after last year's storms  
  The St. Armands Circle Fall Fine Art Festival returns this weekend after Helene caused it to be canceled last year.
  
  
• Full Episode: Zelenskyy and Trump talk Tomahawks, and a Palm Bay councilman gets censured  
  Political Connections airs each night at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Trump commutes 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.
  
  
• 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 successfully launches nearly 30 Starlink satellites  
  The Falcon 9 rocket sent 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.