Florida News That Impacts You – August 1st, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Florida’s economy continues to top economist expectations. The state’s general revenues to close out the state’s fiscal year in June came over $432 million above estimates. Florida’s total tax revenue for the year rose by $3.3 billion year-over-year representing 7.5% growth.
- The Florida Board of Governors will consider adding The Classic Learning Test, or CLT, as an alternative college entrance exam to the ACT or SAT for Florida’s colleges. The CLT, which has existed since 2015, is commonly favored by private universities with over 200 that currently accept it as part of the admissions process.
- Clematis Street closures for the Roxy’s Pub expansion are underway. Clematis in the 300 block will be closed for construction for the next ten weeks as the pub adds a restaurant and rooftop pool.
- Florida’s Toll Relief Program, which discounts toll costs for users with 35 or more monthly transactions by 50%, has saved Florida’s drivers $227 million through the first six months of the year. The toll relief will continue for the remainder of the year. Governor DeSantis has indicated that the state would monitor the results of the program and consider extending it, perhaps even making it a permanent reduction.
- Gas prices surged again Monday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.75 per gallon – 9 cents higher than yesterday and twenty cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.79 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.