Florida News That Impacts You – April 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 a key agreement on the proposed state budget for the upcoming 2023-2024 fiscal year. After the state House and Senate approved proposed budgets, over $600 million in differences remained, however over the weekend, leadership in each chamber agreed to a top line budget number of approximately $115 billion. A final budget must be passed by the legislature by May 2nd, to complete the appropriation process by the end of the state session May 5th.
- Governor DeSantis is petitioning the federal government for a Major Disaster Declaration for Broward County after the recent record flooding event. A federal declaration would enable FEMA resources to assist state efforts to assess damages and repair infrastructure. To date state emergency management officials have identified over 1,000 homes and dozens of businesses with “major” damage.
- Gas prices remained high through the weekend. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.71 per gallon – 15 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price remains $3.88 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.
- A new study conducted by Tulane, Old Dominion and the University of Central Florida has shown the extent of sea-level rise in recent years. The Gulf has seen the highest rise with an annual increase of 10 millimeters since 2010. The low-lying Louisiana Coastline has seen the most significant increase with a cumulative 8-inch increase since 2006. Southeast Florida through the central North Carolina coastline has also experienced an above-average increase as well. The increased sea levels have contributed to increased flooding issues – especially during severe weather.
- The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reported 13,600 jobs added statewide in March with the unemployment rate remaining 2.6% - well lower than the national average. Palm Beach County’s unemployment rate was likewise flat at 2.6%.