Florida News That Impacts You – August 13th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- The first day of school was smooth throughout the Palm Beaches including the areas high schools which were all equipped with metal detectors for the first time. Indian River and Martin County school districts also saw a good start to the new school year. The Broward County School District struggled however, with the implementation of metal detectors in 31 district high schools which led to long lines and prompted an apology from the school district to students and their parents.
- Over a million Floridians have voted in Florida’s August primaries. As of midday Monday about 1.1 million Floridians had voted either by returned vote by mail ballots or early voting in advance of Florida’s August 20th primaries. Republicans have outvoted Democrats by nearly 51,000 votes statewide. Early voting continues daily throughout this week. Palm Beach County is operating early voting locations from 7 am to 7 pm. In Martin County early voting is available from 8 am until 5 pm daily and Indian River County is operating early voting locations from 8 am until 4 pm.
- The Stuart City Commission took another formal step towards landing a new Brightline station in 2026. City officials voted unanimously to approve the construction of a station along Flagler Avenue. Under the approved terms Stuart will front $30 million for the project with Martin County adding $15.8 million. Brightline will be responsible for maintenance, operation, taxes and insurance for the facility once completed.
- Hot and sunny today with highs in the lower 90’s. Temperatures will be about 5 degrees warmer than usual for this date. Tropical Storm Ernesto has formed in the Atlantic triggering tropical storm warnings throughout the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The storm is expected to turn towards the north as a likely hurricane approaching Bermuda. It is not a threat to Florida.
- Gas prices rose three cents per gallon on Monday. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.35 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.53 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.36 and in Indian River County the average is $3.36 per gallon.