Florida News That Impacts You – February 14th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Recent movers in the state legislative session included the Community Associations bill which would expand condo association transparency with criminal penalties possible for board members who violate the law. The bill unanimously passed its most recent House committee vote. The Human Trafficking bill, which would mandate that strippers be at least 21 years old, passed its third Senate committee stop and has only one vote to go before being considered before the full chamber. The Verification of Reemployment Assistance Benefit Eligibility bill, which would tighten unemployment benefit verification requirements, aimed at curbing abuses, passed a key House committee on a party-line vote.
- The Army Corps of Engineers will announce a decision regarding enhanced discharges from Lake Okeechobee today. Citing water levels that are about 2 feet higher than usual for this time of the year, the Corps wants to bring levels down prior to the start of the rainy season and hurricane season.
- Silver Airways will resume service at Palm Beach International Airport in March with five daily routes: Marsh Harbour, Nassau, Pensacola, Tallahassee and Tampa.
- The Wellington Village Council voted to bring a ballot question to voters in the March municipal election which considers whether the Village should annex 257 acres of unincorporated land west of Loxahatchee Groves. If approved by voters 123 acres would be zoned for commercial use with 125 acres for residential development.
- A cooler day today with highs in the mid-70's, which is still about 3 degrees warmer than usual for this time of the year. Temperatures will gradually rise through Saturday.
- Gas prices surged higher for a second straight day. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is $3.33 per gallon - 6 cents higher than yesterday and 14 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.49 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.41 and in Indian River County the average is $3.36 per gallon.