Florida News That Impacts You – February 7th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Movers in Tuesday’s legislative session included the senate’s Marijuana bill, a companion to the house version which would place THC caps on products sold in the state. The legislation is under consideration in this year’s state session due to the possibility of recreational marijuana being approved through a constitutional amendment by voters in November. The Car Racing Penalties bill, which would significantly increase penalties for racing and street takeovers unanimously passed its first committee vote. The Office Surgeries bill passed its first Senate committee unanimously. The bill proposes improved safety measures for cosmetic medical procedures in the state – most notably, butt lifts. The Traffic Enforcement bill, which would regulate where parts used in traffic lights and cameras could be manufactured, passed its first senate committee unanimously. The proposed legislation would ban Chinese manufactured traffic equipment.
- The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments over the proposed constitutional amendment permitting abortions beyond the state’s current 15-week limit. The state of Florida is opposed to the proposed amendment while Planned Parenthood is backing it.
- Indian River County Commissioners voted against pursing what are known as “quiet zones” at intersections with train tracks. The vote means trains will continue to be allowed to blow horns without time restrictions. The decision comes as Brightline is considering where to locate a Treasure Coast station.
- Temperatures will remain well below usual though a bit warmer with highs in the low 70’s, about 3 degrees cooler than usual for this time of year. A warming trend is expected to start on Thursday.
- Gas prices dropped two cents on Tuesday. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is now $3.19 per gallon - six cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.37 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.27 and in Indian River County the average is $3.18 per gallon.