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

Your Weather Planner

A dry but chilly Friday is ahead for Central Florida with ample sunshine and light northeasterly winds. Highs will run close to 70 degrees, just under the average high of 72. 

Another dry front will clear the area as the weekend begins, causing highs on Saturday to struggle to cross 60 degrees in some neighborhoods after morning lows in the 30s and 40s. Expect sunshine both weekend days with Sunday being a touch warmer, back up to 70 degrees.

Highs: Near 70 Lows: Mid to Upper 40s Rain Coverage: 0%

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Today's Big Stories

1. Former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay dies at 91
Former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay passed away at the age of 91.

2. FBI now says New Orleans truck attacker acted alone in an 'act of terrorism'
A U.S. Army veteran who drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers in New Orleans had posted videos to social media hours before the carnage saying he was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressing a desire to kill, the FBI said Thursday.Security consultant says planning is essential for mass events following New Orleans attack

• Security consultant says planning is essential for mass events following New Orleans attack

3. Man who died in Tesla Cybertruck explosion was active-duty U.S. Army Green Beret
The person who died when a Tesla Cybertruck packed with explosives burst into flames outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel was a highly decorated U.S. Army Green Beret who deployed twice to Afghanistan, officials said.

4. Mortgage rates hit highest level since July
Mortgage rates rose to their highest level since July, the home loan mortgage corporation Freddie Mac reported. 

5. Tesla reports 1.1% sales drop for 2024, first annual decline in at least 9 years
Tesla's global sales rose 2.3% in the fourth quarter after a sluggish start to the year that contributed the electric car company’s first year-over-year sales decline since at least 2015.

6. Sweater weather returns for the first weekend of 2025
2024 ended on a mild note but a series of cold fronts will introduce some chilly air for the first weekend of 2025.

More Things to Know

• First Friday Food Trucks in Clermont | A Clermont First Friday tradition! Join your family and friends Downtown for live music and food trucks. Each month is a little different than the last, so get set to try some new tastes as well as some popular favorites.


• Asian Lantern Festival at Central Florida Zoo | Once again, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will transform at night into the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild!, presented by Publix.


• Getdown Downtown in Maitland | Get Down Downtown in Maitland is a lively monthly street party that takes place on the first Friday of each month (excluding summer months) on Independence Lane between Packwood and Horatio. This exciting event is free for attendees and features live music, food and drink, kids’ activities, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy music, food, and community spirit in the heart of Maitland!