Florida News That Impacts You – May 9th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Governor DeSantis signed three laws Monday, aimed at preventing the Chinese Communist Party from having access to Florida. SB 258 – Prohibited Applications on Government-Issued Devices, SB 264 – Interests of Foreign Countries and SB 846 – Agreements of Educational Entities with Foreign Entities. The laws ban those associated with the Chinese government from purchasing farmland and land in proximity to military installations. Bars influence in state colleges and universities and bans Chinese apps like TikTok from government devices.
- Florida ranks first nationally in education according to the annual US News and World Report rankings. The rating based on K-college education shows Florida as having the #14 overall ranked K-12 education system while ranking #1 for higher education. This marks the first time in the history of the annual rankings that Florida has been the top state for education overall.
- The Broward County School District will only allow clear backpacks, purses, lunch boxes, duffel bags and fanny packs for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. The school district made the move citing school safety considerations.
- Gas prices continued lower Monday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.52 per gallon – nine cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.77 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.