Florida News That Impacts You – February 27th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- In Monday’s state legislation session movers included the Term Limits bill which would impose term limits on county commissioners. The bill passed its final senate committee on a mostly bi-partisan vote and is ready for a vote before the full chamber. The School Chaplains bill, which would allow grade schools to have volunteer chaplains on campus passed its final senate committee on a divided vote and is ready for a vote before the full chamber.
- State economists, which provided budget guidance for the state, have provided a fresh estimate of the economic impact of the recently enacted Seminole Compact which includes sports betting. The Revenue Estimating Conference said the Seminole Tribe will pay $344 million to the state in the current fiscal year under the Compact, with total estimated revenue over the next six years pegged at $4.43 billion. The Seminole Tribe relaunched new gaming activities at its casinos, and sports betting statewide through its app, following three years of legal challenges – which remain unresolved.
- Brightline has chosen the destination for its first Treasure Coast station – Downtown Stuart. A station will be built on S.E. Flagler Ave. near the Martin County courthouse. The county will donate the land necessary for the project to the city. The city will then lease the land to Brightline for $1 per year. Construction is expected to begin next year with an ETA of 2027.
- Warmer weather today with highs in the mid 70’s – or about a degree cooler than usual for this date. Temps are expected to climb a few additional degrees tomorrow as well.
- Gas prices dropped two cents per gallon on Monday. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is $3.28 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.48 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.35 and in Indian River County the average is $3.28 per gallon.