SUMMARY: Hurricane Helen severely damaged two schools in Pinellas County, making them unfit for reopening. Students from Gulf Beaches Elementary and Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 will resume classes today at different locations while repairs take place. Gulf Beaches Elementary will operate at Diston Academy, relocating its students, while Madeira Beach Fundamental will split into two campuses: younger students at Wallingham Elementary and middle schoolers at Oola Fundamental High School. Despite the challenges of modified schedules and changes, the district aims to maintain connections among friends and teachers until the schools are repaired, a process expected to take several months.

Pinellas County schools can’t reopen after Hurricane Helene

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SUMMARY: A report by Florida Taxwatch and the Regional Economic Consulting Group forecasts a slowdown in Florida’s population growth over the next five years, decreasing from a current rate of 1.4% to 1.1% by 2029, partly due to reduced net migration. This will pose challenges for employers seeking talent, with job openings at 1.6 per unemployed Floridian. Employment is expected to rise from 9.96 million to 10.7 million by 2029, while the unemployment rate may increase from 3.1% to 3.7% before slightly declining. Additionally, GDP growth is projected to fall from 5.9% to 3.8%, with a decrease in per-capita income growth anticipated by 2029. Tourist visits are predicted to fluctuate, starting strong but tapering by 2026 before rebounding.

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SUMMARY: The weather is expected to be warm and mostly dry in Fort Lauderdale, with temperatures around 89°F but feeling like the mid to upper 90s due to humidity. A low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico is anticipated to bring increased rain by the weekend. Currently, conditions are stable with a low risk of rip currents at the beach. Meanwhile, Tropical Depression 13, which may develop into Tropical Storm Leslie, is being monitored as it moves in the eastern Atlantic. Rainfall of 1 to 2 inches may occur this weekend, with temperatures expected to cool slightly into next week.

NEXT Weather meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez says Wednesday afternoon will be hot and steamy. The chance for rain goes up starting Friday.

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