Florida News That Impacts You – November 29th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- The world’s largest cruise ship has begun to make its way to Florida. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which has 20 decks and the ability to accommodate nearly 10,000 passengers, has begun to make its way to Port Miami from Finland where it was constructed. The cruise ship which will base out of Miami, will sail the Caribbean with its maiden voyage set for late January.
- The tropics remain quiet as we’re set to close out this year’s hurricane season tomorrow. The second day of the cold front brought lows in the upper 40’s in Indian River County this morning with low 50’s throughout the Palm Beaches and South Florida. This morning will be the coolest this week. Temperatures will remain below average today before warming towards seasonal norms tomorrow.
- Lake Worth Beach is set to receive a $23 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to upgrade its city owned utilities. Lake Worth Beach applied for the grant earlier this year which requires the city to match the federal grant funds. The city plans to do so using funds provided by bonds. The money is to be used to “enhance grid flexibility and improve the power systems against extreme weather”. The funds are to be released to the City in January.
- Brightline is making changes that’s impacting traffic patterns in Indian River County. Until recently there had been stop signs at seven railroad crossings in the county. The stop signs are being replaced with traffic signals that are designed and provided by Brightline. Three are already in place with the other four set to be completed within the next six months in an effort to improve safety around the tracks.
- Gas prices bumped up significantly for a second straight day. After reaching a new low for the year Monday morning, prices have risen by 15 cents per gallon over the past two days. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.16 per gallon – 6 cents higher than yesterday and 12 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.32 per gallon and in Indian River County the average is $3.17 per gallon.