Florida News That Impacts You – February 15th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Recent movers in the state legislative session include the Excusal from Jury Service bill which is on its way to Governor DeSantis’ desk after having unanimously passed the state legislature. The bill excuses mothers from jury duty if they’ve given birth within the previous six months. The Household Moving Services bill which unanimously passed the Senate. The consumer protection bill enhances the state’s existing laws against price gauging – extending them beyond times of emergency and limits potentially frivolous fees that can be charged to Floridians for the use of services. The Artificial Intelligence Use in Political Advertising bill is on its way to a vote before the full House after passing its final committee stop on a mostly bi-partisan vote. The bill seeks to reign in potential use of AI fakes by political campaigns. The Individual Wine Containers bill, which waives limits on the size of wine bottles that may be sold, passed its final Senate committee vote unanimously.
- Effective today a new 7.4% Florida Communications Service Tax will be added to monthly Netflix bills. The tax isn’t new, it was actually enacted in 2001, however Netflix choose not to collect it until today. Users were recently notified of the change in an email from Netflix.
- The Army Corps of Engineers announced enhanced discharges from Lake Okeechobee will begin on Saturday. Citing water levels that are about 2 feet higher than usual for this time of the year, the Corps wants to bring levels down prior to the start of the rainy season and hurricane season. 37% of the water released will be discharged to the east into the St. Lucie River and through the C-51 canal into the Lake Worth Lagoon.
- Today’s forecast is similar to yesterday’s with highs in the mid-70's, which is slightly warmer than usual for this date. Temperatures gradually rise through midday Saturday before a cold front enters the area.
- Gas prices rose for a third straight day on Wednesday. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is $3.34 per gallon - 17 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.51 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.40 and in Indian River County the average is $3.36 per gallon.