Florida News – Highlights from around the state – March 17th
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- 91 polling places have been relocated due to the threat of coronavirus and the need to protect those most vulnerable to the virus.Changes were made in 58 of 67 counties including the Tri-County metro. If you have questions about a moved polling station you should contact the Supervisor of Elections.
- Gas prices below $2 per gallon have reached South Florida. The cheapest price in the State yesterday was registered at the Costco on Flagler in Miami with a price of $1.73 per gallon. Gas prices are now the cheapest they’ve been, adjusted for inflation, in American history.
- A final budget vote has been scheduled for Thursday as the state session entered overtime – running past Friday’s final scheduled day of the session. Additional negotiations have led to a proposed $93.2 billion budget. A figure higher than what had been proposed by Governor DeSantis despite the impact of the coronavirus. This increases the likelihood that Governor DeSantis will use line item vetoes to reduce spending once it passes to his desk.
- Governor DeSantis announced a series of programs being initiated by the state to help businesses thorough the impact of the coronavirus, including $50 million in bridge loans available to companies with up to 100 employees, flexibility on corporate income tax and sales tax payments. Companies may apply through May 8th. AllFlorida based businesses are invited to fill out surveys at Floridadisater.biz.