Florida News That Impacts You – April 19th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Governor DeSantis signed the School Chaplains and the Patriotic Organizations bills into law on Thursday. The new laws, which take effect July 1st, authorize school districts and charter schools to allow volunteer chaplains on school campuses to provide counseling services. Designated chaplains will be assigned by school districts and students must first have parental consent for counseling services. Additionally, civic organizations will be allowed to visit schools and encourage civic engagement among students. Organizations identified include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, The Boy Scouts of America, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Civil Air Patrol, Future Farmers of America, The Girl Scouts of America, Little League Baseball, The Marine Corps League and the Navy Seal Cadet Corps
- SunPass is warning Floridians of a texting scam. The fake text scam claims to be from SunPass asking for payment for unpaid tolls. SunPass said they only communicate directly to customers via the text number 786727, noreply@sunpass.com, customerservice@sunpass.com addresses. If you receive a fake text, you can report it as spam and reach out directly to SunPass if you have questions.
- The Martin County Local Planning Agency met to discuss next steps in the potential development of The Ranch. Under consideration is a proposed country club community in the western Martin community that’s been protected under the county’s Comprehensive Plan. In December commssioners issued a preliminary approval for the development of a 175-home community with a golf course. The next step in the process is an April 30th meeting by the County commission.
- Another warm and pleasant day today with highs in the mid to upper - 80’s, about seven degrees warmer than usual for this date. Temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 80’s through the weekend approaching potential record highs in the process.
- Gas prices were lower by two cents per gallon on Thursday after significant increases to start the week – though there hasn’t been any relief locally. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is currently $3.62 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.81 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.71 and in Indian River County the average is $3.67 per gallon.