Florida News That Impacts You – April 6th, 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 Term Limits bill, which would limit school board terms to a total of eight years, passed a second senate committee and only has one more stop before potential consideration before the full senate. The house already passed a similar bill. The Authorization of Restrictions Concerning Dogs bill also advanced with unanimous support in its final senate committee stop. The bill which would prevent local governments from banning specific dog breeds, now heads to a full vote before the house and senate. The Dissolution of Marriage bill, which would reform alimony payments in the state passed its final committee stop on a mostly bipartisan vote in the senate and is ready for a full vote before the chamber. The companion in the house still has multiple committees stops. On a unanimous vote from both chambers, the State Park Campsite Reservations bill is on its way to Governor DeSantis’ desk. The bill would allow Floridians to make reservations at all state park sites a month earlier (11 months) than reservations for non-residents would be accepted.
- Numerous universities across the state have adopted a ban of the social media app TikTok on campuses following a recent resolution from the Florida Board of Governors. Among the Universities adopting bans immediately, FAU, FIU, The University of Florida, Florida State, University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. While not regulating the use of the app on personal devices off campus, use of the app on campus on any device at these universities is no longer permitted.
- Gas prices rose two cents per gallon yesterday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.48 per gallon – 2 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price rose to $3.66 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.
- Palm Beach County is the 9th healthiest of Florida’s 67 counties according to a new study entitled County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. Palm Beach County’s two best performing categories compared to the rest of the state are the length of life and quality of life. Collier County, which includes Naples, is the top ranked county for overall health in Florida.