Florida News That Impacts You – November 3rd, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Three Miami residents have been busted in a traveling criminal theft operation. The suspects were apprehended at the Vero Beach Outlets Thursday as they would enter stores, fill bags with merchandise that they’d then place in their van prior to hitting other stores. The bust comes on the heels of the state of Florida’s recent bust of an organized South Florida crime ring responsible for over $20 million in retail theft.
- The Vero Beach City council has voted on a downtown revitalization plan which they say will enhance business, tourism and provide additional housing. The plan includes improving the walkability of the downtown district, adding bike lanes and increasing parking options. The city also intends to incentivize businesses to relocate or open within the city.
- A week after the proposal was brought forward by Palm Beach Gardens officials to annex five additional acres into city limits, containing about 8,600 residents, the city council heard from concerned residents in those communities Thursday night. Residents in the unincorporated communities said they had no prior notification of the intent for the City to move forward with this proposal. Concerns regarding higher taxes if the annexation took place, was a common theme. The City suggests many existing residents would see lower tax bills going forward with an expanded tax base. Their pitch for residents in the unincorporated areas is having access to the resources provided by the City. Voters in the unincorporated communities will decide in March whether to accept the annexation proposal.
- A lone disturbance has crossed the Caribbean Sea and has a 20% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone as it drifts towards Central America.
- Gas prices fell by another two cents over the past day. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.21 per gallon – 10 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.42 per gallon. In Indian River County the average price is $3.23 per gallon.