Florida News That Impacts You – March 6th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- In Tuesday’s state legislative session movers included the Release of Balloons bill. A day after passing the state senate, the bill which would ban the intentional release of balloons for all persons aged 6 and older passed the state house and advances to Governor DeSantis’ desk. The Retention of Sexual Offense Evidence bill also cleared the state legislature on Tuesday. The bill mandates that rape kits be held in evidence by law enforcement agencies for 50 years following an attack. The Individual Wine Containers bill, which ends limitations on wine bottle sizes within the state, passed the legislature as well. A top priority of Governor DeSantis’ this session, the Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping bill has cleared the legislature in a party-line vote. The bill would end homeless encampments within communities that lack security and basic utilities. The Transportation Facility Designations bill unanimously passed the state legislature. It’s the bill that would rename A1A the “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway”.
- Governor DeSantis announced a state-led initiative to crack down on crimes committed by spring break visitors. While in Miami Beach, which has been ground zero for spring break violence in recent years, the governor said 140 state Troopers were being deployed to assist the local law enforcement efforts of 17 jurisdictions across the state – including throughout South Florida.
- The Wellington Village Council issued the final approval necessary for the rezoning and development of 90 acres of the Equestrian Preserve. The decision approved Tuesday allows for showgrounds compatibility which was sought by developer Lifestyle Partners – enabling them to move forward on their mixed-use redevelopment project.
- Rain is expected throughout the morning with highs in the upper 70’s, or about two degrees warmer than usual for this date. A warming trend is expected over the next four days.
- Gas prices surged nine cents per gallon on Tuesday. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is currently $3.40 per gallon - seven cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.57 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.46 and in Indian River County the average is $3.41 per gallon