News at noon: Federal agency predicts average 2019 Atlantic hurricane season; why were people naked on Beach Drive in St. Petersburg?; and more

Here are the top five latest headlines and updates on tampabay.com.

Federal agency predicts average 2019 Atlantic hurricane season

Scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season will be about average. The environmental agency released its forecast Thursday, calling for nine to 14 named storms and four to eight hurricanes, of which scientists think two to four will be major hurricanes. It also says there is a 40-percent chance of a near-normal season, a 30 percent chance of a below-average season and a 30 percent chance of an above-average season.

Why were people naked on Beach Drive in St. Petersburg?

Harvey Drouillard has been shooting guerilla nudes for 25 years. He "went full-time artist" five years ago, he said, and has photographed nude models in prominent public places thousands of times in various cities. You may have seen his photos hanging at Ferg's Sports Bar, Craft Café or Dog Bar. Often the clothed bystanders in the frame don't even seem to notice what's happening, which is exactly how Drouillard likes it.

Dr. Beach again ranks Caladesi Island among country's best beaches

It's almost Memorial Day Weekend, which means it's time for Dr. Beach to tell us where to find the best beaches in the country. And for the third year running, Pinellas County is one of those places. Stephen Leatherman, again ranked Caladesi Island State Park, one of the county's most remote beaches, as the seventh-best in the country. Caladesi held the same spot in 2018 and 2017, and was once named by the doctor as the best beach in the country.

What's missing from the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame? Women.

Times business columnist Graham Brink tried to temper his growing dismay at the recent Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame dinner. The chummy affair draws hundreds of the area's luminaries to help induct a few of their own. This year, all four inductees were men. They are pillars of the Tampa Bay business community, with long records of doing good. They deserve the kudos. But it was another year without a woman. In fact, four of the five previous hall of fame classes were made up entirely of men.

Former USF tight end Mike McFarland hospitalized following car accident

Former USF tight end Mike McFarland remains in critical condition in an Ocala hospital after apparently being involved in a Monday evening car accident. An Ocala Regional Medical Center spokesperson confirmed McFarland's condition Thursday morning. The Blake High alumnus' Facebook page was filled with posts from friends seeking prayers for McFarland, and referring to the accident.

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