Florida News That Impacts You – September 1st, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Numerous anonymous threats of potential school shootings have been called into Palm Beach County, Martin County and St. Lucie County Schools this week. According to Martin County officials a man has repeatedly called schools telling officials that he’ll “shoot the school up”. Martin County, which seems to have been the primary focus of the threats, has set up a phone line for parents with updates pertaining to potential threats. The number is 1-800-539-3619.
- As damage assessment has begun to turn into a recovery process in Florida’s Big Bend following the impact of Hurricane Idalia, power outages in Florida are now below 100,000. A total of 96,748 power outages remain in the impacted areas, an improvement of about 50,000 over the past day. Remaining outages are likely to take much longer to restore as they commonly reflect infrastructure issues which will need to be addressed.
- This Labor Day weekend fewer drivers are expected on Florida’s roads compared with previous holiday weekends this year – however it is expected to be the third busiest travel day through the air this year. TSA is advising travelers arrive to airports approximately 30 minutes earlier than usual to account for longer lines for security checkpoints. A total of 14 million screenings are expected to take place nationally this weekend – with today being the busiest travel day. TSA also suggests travelers download their app which provides estimated security wait times at each airport.
- Gas prices were a penny lower Thursday heading into Labor Day weekend. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.69 per gallon – 4 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.86 per gallon, which is the second highest price in the state.