Florida News That Impacts You – January 9th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Florida’s State Legislative Session commences at noon today following Governor DeSantis’ State of the State address. In advance of the start of the session a total of 1721 bills have been filed been the House and Senate. Typically, about 200 bills become law.
- Stuart’s city commission has approved plans for a 4-story Hilton hotel downtown. The mixed-use project, which will be called Creekside Hotel & Retail, will include 102 rooms with retail and restaurant space located on South Colorado Avenue near MLK Blvd.
- The Martin County School District has applied to the Florida Department of Education for the opportunity to introduce a year-round school pilot program in the District. Five school districts are authorized for year-round programs in Florida after the state legislature opened up the opportunity last year. Schools under consideration for the program in Martin County include: Pinewood Elementary, Port Salerno Elementary, Warfield Elementary and Indiantown Middle School.
- It will remain windy, and temperatures will be well above the seasonal norms today (about six degrees) with a high approaching 80. There’s a chance of rain tonight as a cold front will begin to make its way into our area dropping temperatures back into the 50’s overnight. Related...
- Governor DeSantis activated the Florida State Guard on Monday in advance of the cold front moving into Florida. On a five-point scale South Florida’s risk related to this system is a 1, or low today, however starting in Indian River County, the risk rises to a 2, with short lived intense storms expected. Areas north of Orlando are at a 3 on the risk scale, which means enhanced risk of persistent and widespread storms throughout the day.
- Gas prices dropped a penny over the past day. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is $3.15 per gallon - 9 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.30 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.23 and in Indian River County the average is $3.15 per gallon.