Florida News That Impacts You – March 20th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida. Gas prices continued lower through the weekend.
- Recent movers in the state legislative session included Universal School Choice. On Friday, the Florida House passed the historic legislation among a mostly partyline vote. All that’s required for the legislation, which would enable Florida’s parents to use the funds allocated for their children’s education, for the school of their choice, is a vote in the Senate to send it to Governor DeSantis’ desk. The vote has yet to be scheduled in the Senate. Likewise, the House passed major tort reform legislation which would rein in attorney’s fees and aggressive practices on a partyline vote. The Senate could take that legislation up this week as well. A bill which would enable telehealth medical marijuana recommendations has cleared all House committees and is ready for a vote before the full chamber.
- Gas prices remained higher through the weekend. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.45 per gallon – 14 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.63 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.
- Seven of the top 100 cities for STDs are in Florida with three – Jacksonville #16, Miami #17, and Fort Lauderdale #19 in the top twenty. West Palm Beach is 83rd nationally.
- South Florida is well represented in the Sweet 16. FAU, which hadn’t won an NCAA tournament game prior to Friday night, beat 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson 78-70. FAU will play 4th seed Tennessee Thursday night. Miami easily beat Indiana 85-69 and will face off against #1 Houston Friday.