Florida News That Impacts You – January 26th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Movers in Thursday’s legislative session included the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would mandate a minimum of life in prison without parole for any action resulting the in the death of a law enforcement professional. The bill would also update language pertaining to the lawful use of force by law enforcement professionals. Jason Raynor was a Daytona Beach police officer who was shot and killed in the line-of-duty. The perpetrator was only found guilty of manslaughter, as opposed to murder, by a jury. The Sheriffs in Consolidated Governments bill also advanced. The bill would give sheriffs the authority to move budgeted funds as they see fit once a budget has been approved by a local government. The Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping bill also advanced on Thursday. The bill would limit a local government’s ability to permit sleeping or camping on public property. Under the proposal local governments would have to designate specific areas that could be used for public sleeping and camping that include clean restrooms, running water, onsite security and without the allowance of any illegal drugs or alcohol. Additionally, the site would not be allowed on lands adjacent to residential or commercial properties. The Litigation Financing bill also advanced. The bill would limit third parties with outside interests from funding lawsuits within the state.
- The Florida Board of Governors has finalized new rules which prohibit the state funding of DEI programs at Florida’s colleges and universities. Additionally, the board removed sociology courses as part of the core curriculum in Florida’s collegiate system.
- After three days of public comments, largely in opposition to the Village of Wellington's plan to rezone 96 acres of the Equestrian Preserve into a new mixed-use development, the council postponed a final vote. The next village meeting is scheduled for February 7th.
- Windy and warm again today with a high in the low 80’s – which is about eight degrees warmer than usual. Our weather will remain warmer than usual through the weekend before a cold makes its way into our area Sunday night.
- Gas prices dropped a penny over the past day. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is now $3.17 per gallon- 16 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.35 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.24 and in Indian River County the average is $3.20 per gallon.