Florida News That Impacts You – July 10th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has opened an investigation into the sewage spill which dumped 12 million gallons of sewage into the Intracoastal Waterway last week. The investigation could lead to fines, penalties and ordered restoration and remediation actions issued through a Consent Order by the state. The Florida Department of Health in addition to Palm Beach County’s Health Department have issued a no swim advisory for the Intracoastal in Boynton Beach.
- A Saharan dust cloud is on its way to Florida which will reduce the risk of tropical development in the Atlantic and will reduce air quality as it makes its way to and across the state. The regularly occurring phenomenon is the first Saharan cloud of the summer.
- The search for FAU’s next president has been suspended indefinitely by the Florida State University System citing “anomalies” in the process. The issue in question stems from the search committee being asked to provide their top 6 candidates, out of 60 they were presented with, in a straw poll. That process may not be consistent with state law. Additionally, some candidates alleged improper questioning during the process via a questionnaire sent to candidates by a recruitment firm hired to assist in the process. The questionnaire is said to have included questions about sexual orientation among other potentially questionable inquiries.
- Gas prices continued to rise through the weekend. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.46 per gallon – 19 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.60 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.