Florida News That Impacts You – June 13th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Governor DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency in Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier, Lee and Sarasota counties due to what’s been described as potentially life-threatening localized flooding. At the time of the declaration the governor noted rainfall totals of 10 to 15 inches within those counties with more on the way. The Florida Division of Emergency Management is onsite in each of the counties directing emergency resources as needed.
- The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down in Hobe Sound along Bridge Road as it made its way over towards Jupiter Island. Local officials said it was on the ground for approximately a mile and a half. The damage appears to have been mostly tree damage and downed powerlines, though at least one house was damaged by a falling tree and windows were damaged at the Hobe Sound Early Learning Center in addition to playground equipment. The tornado left many without power for several hours yesterday.
- Approximately 700 flight cancellations have occurred between the major TriCounty airports of Miami International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International and Palm Beach International since the onset of the tropical disturbance’s impact in South Florida. Among those delayed – the Florida Panthers as they were attempting to fly to Edmonton for Game 3 of the Stanely Cup Finals. You’re advised to check on a flight’s status prior to leaving for an airport.
- Rain will continue on and off throughout the day again today with regular rainfall expected through Friday. An additional 1-2 inches of rain are expected over the next day. A Flood Watch has been extended until 8pm Friday for coastal communities and those prone to flooding. Today’s high is in the mid-80's – slightly cooler than usual for this date. In the tropics, the system that’s responsible for the heavy rains has made its way across the state and is moving offshore into the Atlantic. The system has a 20% chance of development. A separate disturbance in the Southwestern Gulf has a 40% chance of development as it’s expected to drift northwest towards Mexico in the coming days.
- Governor DeSantis signed five bills into law on Wednesday including a $116.5 billion budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year which begins July 1st. Dubbed the “Focus on Florida’s Future” budget, DeSantis touts spending increases in education, emergency preparedness and response, law enforcement, among other priorities while paying down $500 million in debt and offering $1.5 billion in tax cuts to residents.
- Gas prices reached fresh four-month lows on Wednesday dropping another penny per gallon. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.27 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.50 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.28 and in Indian River County the average is $3.23 per gallon.