Florida News That Impacts You – March 24th, 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 the Education, or Universal School Choice Bill. A day after the state senate scrapped the Senate version and adopted the House version, which had already cleared the House, it passed the Senate on a partyline vote and now heads to Governor DeSantis’ desk. The legislation will make approximately $8,000 in vouchers available to parents of students in K-12 schools as of July 1st, with priority given to families of the lowest economic means first. A tort reform bill which cleared the state legislature on a partyline vote and now heads to Governor DeSantis’ desk where he’s expected to sign it into law. The legislation greatly reduces potentially abusive attorney's fees and includes penalties for attorneys who bring frivolous lawsuits. The Venomous Reptiles bill, which raises penalties for the handling of various illegal reptiles continued to advance through House committees. Also, the Public Safety, or permitless carry bill in the House. Final procedural steps were taken yesterday and it’s likely a full vote will be taken in the House today.
- First Lady Casey DeSantis, a recent breast cancer survivor, announced Florida will be the first state in the country to collect cancer recurrence data with the Cancer Connect Collaborative. By aggregating data, medical officials will be able to compare treatment methods in comparison to outcomes to create best practices which will be recommended through the Florida Department of Health. Previously only mortality and survival information was aggregated.
- Gas prices dropped another penny on Thursday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.41 per gallon – 4 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the price likewise fell a penny to $3.60 per gallon, which remains the highest price in the state.
- FAU’s bid in the NCAA Tournament continues as they upset #4 seed Tennessee 62-55. FAU will next play 3rd seed Kansas State tomorrow.