Florida News That Impacts You – August 14th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Florida does have a teacher shortage at the onset of the 2023-2024 school year but then again so does the country. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows Florida’s teacher shortage, at 4.2%, is in-line with the national average. By way of comparison California’s vacancy rate is currently 6.5%
- Citing a need for greater Everglades literacy in Florida’s schools, The Everglades Foundation has created lesson plans. The plans are designed by educators and scientists aimed at educating students about the importance of the uniqueness of the habitat for the purpose of preservation. Several educators plan to implement the materials in their education plans. A total of 140 teachers across 16 counties, including all in South Florida, attended a workshop on the new lesson plans.
- Florida was known to have attracted the highest number of high-income individuals during the pandemic, now we know exactly how many. A new study by SmartAsset has identified the specific number. Florida gained a net 27,500 high net worth individuals (defined as those earning $200,000 or more) during the pandemic. Texas was second with about 5,000 fewer gains.
- Gas prices were generally flat through the weekend. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.73 per gallon – 9 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.91 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.