Florida News That Impacts You – February 8th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Movers in Wednesday’s legislative session included the My Safe Florida Home Program bill which unanimously passed the state senate. The bill, which was a stated priority of Governor DeSantis entering the session, would make permanent the state’s grant program for home hardening efforts. It will now be taken up in the state house. The Affordable Housing senate bill, aka Live Local Act, passed the full senate unanimously. The bill updates last year’s Live Local Act with additional regulation and additional developer guidelines for participation in the state grant program for affordable housing based on community feedback. The Fantasy Sports Contest Amusement Act advanced as well. The proposal would permit and regulate fantasy sports for financial considerations for those 21 and older. The bill unanimously passed its first senate committee. The Litigation Financing bill, which is a senate companion to a bill that’s been taken up in the house passed on a spilt vote. The legislation would ban third party groups outside of the state from financing lawsuits within the state.
- The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments over the proposed constitutional amendment permitting abortions beyond the state’s current 15-week limit. The state of Florida opposed the proposed amendment while Planned Parenthood backed it. The debate centered around whether language used in the ballot summary of the amendment is deceptive. The proposal calls for abortions up to the point of viability.
- Brightline announced that $45 million in additional security upgrades, including fencing, will be made along its footprint following a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation.
- The Village of Wellington voted to move forward with the hotly debated mixed-use development which requires rezoning 96-acres of the equestrian preserve. Amid backlash officials postponed the final vote two weeks for additional public comment. The development plan calls for 230 housing units, retail space and a park.
- Warmer weather today with highs in the mid 70’s, about 2 degrees warmer than usual for this time of year. A warming trend is expected to continue through Monday.
- Gas prices dropped two cents on Wednesday. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is now $3.17 per gallon - ten cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.37 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.26 and in Indian River County the average is $3.16 per gallon.