Florida News That Impacts You – August 2nd, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, which replaced the Disney controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District board, has eliminated DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion programs which had been active within the district. The change in policy eliminates the positions associated with those programs. Key to the district, the DEI programs which had been in place by Disney, prioritized awarding business contracts within the district on the basis of race and gender.
- Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez, during a stop at MacArthur Beach State Park, announced Floridians have saved $1.7 million in admission to state parks during Florida’s “Freedom Summer” initiative which has included the lowering of admission to Florida’s state parks. Total summer savings are estimated at $230 million. This comes a day after the state announced over $227 million has been saved on tolls. Nunez also reminded Floridians that the summer sales tax holidays remain in place through Labor Day.
- There’s another indication of a stabilizing property insurance market in Florida. On Tuesday Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation approved four insurers assuming policies maintained by Citizen’s Property Insurance - the state’s insurer of last resort. The transfer of policies will take place on or shortly after October 17th and is the first time Citizens will reduce policy count in nearly five years.
- Gas prices surged again Tuesday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.82 per gallon – 7 cents higher than yesterday and 19 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.94 per gallon, which is the 2nd highest price in the state.