Florida News That Impacts You – June 12th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Governor DeSantis signed a total of twenty bills into law over the weekend including the Department of Business and Professional Regulation reform bill. Among many reforms in the legislation is an overall reformation of business license issuance and regulations. Among the most visible, contractors will now be able to obtain statewide licenses and liquor stores will be able to sell nicotine-based products. The Shared Parental Responsibility after Establishment of Paternity bill is now law. The legislation allows for unwed fathers to more easily obtain shared custody of their children.
- Starting on Saturday the Army Corps of Engineers increased discharges out of Lake Okeechobee by 11% over the levels they’ve been discharging since mid-April. The increase comes amid new discoveries of toxic blue-green algal blooms in the Lake which have had devastating effects on wildlife in Florida’s waterways – especially in the Indian River Lagoon. The Army Corps did indicate an intent to minimize eastern discharges out of the lake.
- Palm Beach County’s documented homeless population has risen significantly over the past year. New data from the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County show the sheltered homeless population rising from 1,404 people to 1,855 – inflation/the cost of housing were cited as the top reasons.
- Gas prices rose through the weekend. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.47 per gallon – 11 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.62 per gallon, which is the second highest in the state.