Florida News That Impacts You – May 13th, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Governor DeSantis signed several bills into law heading into the weekend including the Permanency for Children bill that overhauls aspects of the adoption process in Florida by conducting more extensive background checks and use of federal databases. The new law also provides a fast-track adoption process for “interested parties”, often family members, of an orphan. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation bill will also be law July 1st. This year’s regulation bill streamlines the business license application process while raising the threshold for tobacco and nicotine business operators within the state.
- The Governor’s Hurricane Conference got underway Sunday at the Palm Beach County Convention Center with today’s agenda serving as the first full day of conference activities. This year’s theme is From Forecast to Action with added emphasis on rapid intensification storms which have become increasingly common. There are 34 scheduled training sessions, 56 workshops and general sessions for those involved in hurricane planning and response activities.
- On Saturday Indian River County hosted its annual Disaster Preparedness Expo in Vero Beach. The expo included 60 vendors ranging from government agencies to companies and non-profits aimed at educating and aiding in hurricane preparedness for residents in the rapidly growing community.
- Another hot week this week with today’s highs in the upper 80’s, which is about five degrees higher than usual for this date and still hotter temperatures are in store after today with highs in the 90’s expected throughout the rest of the week.
- Gas prices continued lower through the weekend and are 16 cents lower than a week ago. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is currently $3.44 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.67 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.42 and in Indian River County the average is $3.36 per gallon.