Florida News That Impacts You – October 19th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Tropical Storm Tammy is on the approach to the Lesser Antilles where it’s expected to impact as a tropical storm tomorrow before turning north and away from populated areas as a hurricane.
- The Florida Legislature issued a proclamation in support of Israel. The bipartisan proclamation states that “Florida expresses support for the State of Israel and condemning the Hamas terror attack”. The proclamation will be sent to Congress and President Biden.
- The Palm Beach County School Board unanimously voted for a proclamation to recognize October as “LGBTQ+ History Month”. The one-page proclamation starts by stating: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. Critics claim the proclamation runs counter to state law. The proclamation lacks specific action items so it remains unclear if the school district will attempt to implement a related agenda which could place it at odds with Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law.
- Palm Beach County is considering plans to address drainage and flooding issues on Australian Avenue between 45th Street and Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. At a meeting Wednesday night officials discussed a project that would add a sidewalk, expand the median and shoulder which would allow for more underground space for pipes to manage water flow. Some residents expressed concern about the removal of 60 trees and potentially having cars traveling at higher speeds with the more expansive roadway.
- Gas prices are another two cents lower today. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.27 per gallon – 12 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.50 per gallon, which is the 10th highest price in the state. Oil prices are about 6% higher since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war.