Florida News That Impacts You – April 5th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Colorado State University’s preseason hurricane forecast is similar to the season’s first forecast recently issued by AccuWeather which called for an “explosive” hurricane season. According to CSU’s initial forecast it’s believed we’ll have around 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. They characterize the season as likely to be “extremely active”.
- Governor DeSantis signed two bills into law. The Funding for Environmental Resource Management law will provide $150 million for repairs and upgrades to the Central and South Florida Water Management System. The law directs 96% of all revenue generated by the state through the Seminole Tribe Compact, which includes sports betting, to be used for water quality infrastructure and improvements. Going forward it’s expected over $700 million annually will be directed to water quality and infrastructure projects from Compact revenue. The Indian Gaming Revenue Clearing Trust Fund/Department of Financial Services law establishes a Trust Fund within Florida’s Department of Financial Services where compact money will be deposited prior to being dispersed for future projects.
- Palm Beach County won’t be building a homeless encampment according to Mayor Maria Sachs. Under Florida’s new homeless law, which takes effect in October, homeless individuals may not sleep or camp on public property unless there’s designated space allocated by counties for that purpose. The designated spaces would also have to account for basic amenities and services similar to a homeless shelter. Sachs said the county will instead focus efforts on additional affordable housing development. Related...
- On Thursday Palm Beach County received $1.5 million to address food insecurity concerns within the county. The money will go to the Palm Beach County Food Bank and Alpert Jewish Family Service.
- After starting the day in the 50’s, we’ll have a high near 80 which is about average for this date. Similar weather is expected through the weekend.
- Gas prices have dropped two cents per gallon for the fourth straight day. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is currently $3.50 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.73 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.60 and in Indian River County the average is $3.56 per gallon.