Florida News That Impacts You – January 17th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Movers in Tuesday’s state legislative session included the Protection from Surgical Smoke bill which would require all Florida hospitals and surgical centers to go smoke-free. The Coverage by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation bill, which would raise coverage limits on homes from a maximum of $700,000 to $1 million also advanced. The Housing for Agricultural Workers bill, which would allow for seasonal housing for agricultural workers on designated agricultural land advanced as well.
- Jupiter discussed the potential of constructing their new fire station at Piatt Park. Initial plans were produced for the site which would include a walking path, kayaking area and shade spots. The proposed cost for the site is $1.8 million. The Town of Jupiter must build a new fire station to accommodate their recently approved municipally run fire rescue operation as they decouple from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
- The start of the 2024-2025 school year will come with classes starting 10 minutes later than the current start times in Martin County. To comply with a state law passed in last year’s legislative session, high schools must not start classes earlier than 8:30, with middle school classes no earlier than 8.
- We’ve already experienced our high temps for the day as a cold front continues to move into our area bringing daytime temps in the upper 50’s to mid 60’s throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
- Gas prices fell again on Tuesday. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is $3.05 per gallon - 9 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.26 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.18 and in Indian River County the average is $3.05 per gallon.