SUMMARY: In response to the devastation caused by hurricanes Helen and Milton, Florida’s state officials extended early voting in Pinellas County to accommodate residents who lost homes and vehicles. Local leaders emphasized the importance of voting as a civic duty, especially during recovery efforts. Voter turnout in Pinellas County has been high, with over 366,000 ballots cast so far. Statewide, more than 8.2 million people have voted early or by mail. Elections Supervisor Julie Marcus highlighted that voting serves as a step towards healing for many, emphasizing the various opportunities available for residents to exercise their right to vote.

Early voter turnout is strong in the Tampa Bay area ahead of Election Day, but how does it compare to 2020?

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SUMMARY: Fox 35 Storm Team meteorologist, Snow Bergen, provided a tropical weather update on Hurricane Raphael, currently with 45 mph winds moving towards Cuba. The storm is expected to strengthen to at least a category 2 hurricane before making landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. The track of the storm is critical for Florida, as it could affect rainfall and potential tornado threats. While some models suggest the storm may bypass Central Florida, others indicate possible impacts, particularly in the Florida Keys. Additionally, another storm, possibly named Sarah, could develop in the Bahamas this weekend but is not expected to become a hurricane.

FOX 35’s Noah Bergren provides an update on Tropical Storm Rafael, including its latest track, forecast, and whether it will impact Florida.

Get your tropical weather forecast each day during hurricane season from the FOX 35 Storm Team. We’ll issue a new hurricane update each day, and more frequently when needed.

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SUMMARY: In Florida, early voter turnout reached 5.35 million, a 38.14% increase from 2016. Mail-in voting saw 2.83 million ballots cast, marking a 3.74% rise since the last presidential election. Elections officials mailed 3.53 million ballots, up from 3.35 million in 2016. However, mail-in ballots are down 26.9% compared to 2020’s pandemic peak. Among mail-in votes, 34.9% were by Republicans and 41.7% by Democrats. Early voting included 2.55 million Republicans and 1.51 million Democrats. Data is updated daily by the Florida Secretary of State‘s office, with early voting beginning on October 22.

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