Florida News That Impacts You – February 20th, 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 Municipal Utilities bill. The legislation would apply to 33 municipally owned and operated utilities operations, including Lake Worth Utilities. It would limit the maximum rate than can be charged for use of services by outside residents from 50% more currently, to 25% more than city residents. The legislation passed its final House committee and is ready for a vote before the full chamber. With under three weeks left in the state session this week features votes on many high-profile bills.
- As east-west discharges from Lake Okeechobee began over the weekend, Army Corps of Engineers Col. James Booth reiterated that the intention is to send water south into the Everglades, which is the natural flow. While saying he’s frustrated too, with the damaging discharges into the St. Lucie River and Lake Worth Lagoon on Florida’s east coast, he stated the progress that’s being made with the EAA Reservoir project should allow them to commence southern discharges over the next “year or two”.
- An organized theft ring impacting Home Depots in 11 Florida counties including Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River has been busted. The multi-year operation involved three suspects who’d switch price tags on expensive items for inexpensive items. After switching price tags, they’d use self-checkouts.
- After a cold start in the 40’s temperatures will warm into the upper 60’s today – about 6 degrees cooler than usual for this time of year. Similar weather is expected tomorrow.
- Gas prices remain near recent highs. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is $3.34 per gallon - 7 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.51 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.40 and in Indian River County the average is $3.34 per gallon.