Florida News That Impacts You – February 21st, 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 Nicotine Products and Dispensing Devices bill. The bill would limit the sale of Vape products to those authorized by the FDA. The bill unanimously passed a second senate committee. The Hemp bill, which would limit the amount of THC in hemp products sold within the state received a favorable recommendation by the House Appropriations Committee and remains on track to pass.
- Half of all Palm Beach County high schools now have metal detectors in place following Tuesdays successful implementation at six area high schools. The school district intends to have all high schools equipped with metal detectors before the current school year ends.
- Martin County commissioners unanimously voted to bring a ballot referendum to voters in November. The ballot question will ask residents if they want to approve a half-percent sales tax increase for the purpose of purchasing land for conservation. The effort is being led by the non-profit Martin County Forever.
- Boynton Beach has repealed three ordinances targeting Blacks during the segregation era. The ordinances, which haven’t been enforced in decades, were discovered by officials last year. The city is holding a “Unity” march outside of City Hall Saturday morning at 10 when they plan to symbolically burn paper copies of the ordinances.
- After a cold start in the 40’s temperatures will warm to around 70 today – about 7 degrees cooler than usual for this day of year. Similar weather is expected tomorrow. Slightly warmer temperatures are expected over the next few days.
- Gas prices bumped up again on Tuesday. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is $3.37 per gallon - 3 cents higher than yesterday and 4 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.53 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.44 and in Indian River County the average is $3.38 per gallon.