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Pinellas County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Zone A as Tropical Storm Helene approaches, expecting tropical storm-force winds within a day. Residents are urged to prepare their homes and evacuate to ensure safety ahead of the storm's arrival.
Hurricane Helene has formed, prompting evacuation orders in several Florida counties, including Pinellas and Hillsborough. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to prepare for severe weather as the storm approaches.
Publix announced the closure of over 25 stores along Florida's coast due to the impending approach of Hurricane Helene. All impacted locations are scheduled to reopen on Friday following the storm's passage. Residents are encouraged to check the current status of their local stores.
Congress passed a temporary funding measure on September 25, 2024, to prevent a government shutdown, maintaining agency funding until December. The Senate approved the bill with bipartisan support, which includes additional funding for the Secret Service following security concerns. The bill now awaits President Biden's signature.
Forecasts indicate that Hurricane Helene is set to become one of the largest hurricanes to threaten the Gulf of Mexico in decades, potentially stretching over 400 miles. Expected to affect the entire Florida peninsula, the storm's impact could be felt as far as 250 miles from its center.
The NFL has partnered with FEMA to transform stadiums, such as MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, into emergency shelters during crises. This initiative aims to leverage the accessibility of these venues to assist communities in responding to extreme weather events.
Hurricane Helene has formed and is moving toward the Gulf, with Tampa Bay expected to experience its first rain bands late Wednesday. The Category 1 storm's trajectory raises concerns for local residents as preparations begin for potential impacts.
Residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties are actively preparing for Hurricane Helene as warnings and alerts are issued across the region. Boarded windows and the sound of construction are indicators of the community's readiness for the impending storm.
A U.S. Secret Service agent has been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a member of Vice President Kamala Harris' staff. The incident reportedly occurred while the agent and the staffer were preparing for a campaign event. The Office of the Vice President has emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.
The University of Florida (UF) and the University of South Florida (USF) have experienced a decline in the latest U.S. News & World Report college rankings, with UF dropping to seventh among public universities and 30th overall. Meanwhile, several other Florida institutions have seen improvements in their rankings, highlighting a shift in the educational landscape of the state.