Florida News That Impacts You – April 10th, 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 Dredging and Beach Restoration Projects bill. The bill which would restrict deepwater channel dredging where it may negatively impact marine life and coral reefs unanimously passed it second senate committee. Its companion in the house has adopted the senate’s language. A bill which would upgrade courtroom attacks on defense lawyers and public defenders to felonies from misdemeanors unanimously passed all Senate committees and is ready for a full vote by the chamber.
- Gas prices remained higher through the weekend. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is now $3.58 per gallon – 11 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is now $3.74 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.
- A new multi-decade study published in the scientific journal Current Biology has found non-native ants have become dominant in Southeast Florida – most recently accounting for 73% of all ant populations. Native ant species, known as leaf-litter ants have historically been responsible for spreading seeds of native foliage. The dominant non-native ants haven’t been shown to be as productive which could create a loss of natural habitats over time.
- What was formally known as the West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course is set to reopen as a new complex known as The Park next Monday, the 17th. The course originally opened in 1947, however it fell into disrepair and closed in 2018. The course has been completely refurbished, featuring an 18-hole course with a nine-hole par three in addition to a driving range and putting greens. Online reservations are underway and West Palm Beach residents receive a discount.