Good evening, Tampa Bay. We're wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

Your Weather Planner

WIth high humidity, Thursday will start out warm in the low to mid 70s.

Highs will be in the mid 80s at the coast and the low 90s inland.

There is a chance for a few storms during the afternoon with the best coverage in inland areas again.
 

Highs: 89 Lows: 74 Rain Coverage: 30%

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Today's Big Stories

1. Engineering crews to examine 2-foot crack in column at Clearwater condo
All 60 residents were evacuated yesterday after a crack was found in a support column. The Clearwater Fire and Rescue Division Chief said Wednesday morning that the crack was at least two feet deep.

2. Federal Reserve leaves key rate unchanged as it sees risk of higher prices and higher unemployment
The Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday, brushing off President Donald Trump's demands to lower borrowing costs, and said that the risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation have risen.

3. Black smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating conclave hasn't elected pope in first vote
The smoke billowed out at 9 p.m. Wednesday, some four hours after 133 cardinals solemnly entered the Sistine Chapel, took their oaths of secrecy and formally opened the centuries-old ritual to elect a successor to Pope Francis to lead the 1.4 billion-member church.

4. No wake vehicle bill heading to governor’s desk
Legislation from Pinellas County lawmakers that makes it illegal for a vehicle to drive fast enough to create an "excessive wake" on flooded streets was passed by both chambers last week and only needs Gov. Ron Desantis’ signature to become law.

5. FWC confirms fatal alligator attack on Lake Kissimmee; 61-year-old woman killed
A husband and wife were canoeing in about 2.5 feet of water when they went over the alligator. Their canoe tipped over and the Davenport resident fell on top of the gator and was beaten.

6. Used vehicle prices set to rise as tariffs kick in
In April, auto dealers spent 3.3% more to buy used vehicles than they did a month earlier and 4.3% more compared with a year ago. Ordinarily, wholesale used vehicle prices increase by about 0.3% per month.

7. Bay area food bank educates community on healthy eating with new program
The United Food Bank of Plant City is teaching families about eating healthier through a new program called F.E.E.D., which stands for Food Education Empowerment for Development.

Your Notes for Tonight and Tomorrow

• RAYS SEEK TO REBOUND AGAINST PHILLIES | The Tampa Bay Rays take on the Philadelphia Phillies tonight in the second of their three-game series at Tropicana Field. The Rays dropped last night's contest, 8-4. Entering play today, Tampa Bay is 16-19 and tied for third place (with the Toronto Blue Jays) in the American League East. First pitch tonight is at 7:05 p.m.

• CLEARWATER FERRY RESUMES | The Clearwater Ferry is returing to service tomorrow. It was taken out of service last week following the deadly crash. A recreational boat crashed into the ferry from behind, killing one person and leaving 10 others injured. It will be a different ferry boat going back into operation. 


• LAKELAND WILDFIRE UPDATE | Avon Park Air Force Range will be continuing with their burnout today from Tuesday's wildfire. Smoke could affect the Highway 60/ SR630 area tonight. Drivers are encouraged to use caution while driving in the area tonight into tomorrow morning.


• DISNEY'S 7TH THEME PARK | Disney will build its seventh theme park, this one in the United Arab Emirates, the entertainment company said Wednesday. The waterfront resort will be built on Yas Island on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city, already home to Formula 1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Ferrari and Warner Bros. amusement parks, SeaWorld and a waterpark. View more on the company's latest project.

        
           NATIONAL NOTES        

           Thursday, May 8

• Russian unilateral three-day ceasefire in Ukraine
• The Strong World Video Game Hall of Fame inductees announced
• 60th Academy of Country Music Awards
• Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report - Initial Claims
• Tony Awards hosts press event with this year's nominees