Florida News That Impacts You – May 22nd, 2024

Florida News That Impacts You – May 22nd, 2024 

Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.       

• Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis has opened investigations into over 900 instances of potential fraud involving Affordable Care Act policies in Florida. According to Patronis a growing trend of consumers being switched from one ACA plan to another without their consent has been happening across the state. Additionally, records show over 40,000 similar complaints nationally have been received by federal agencies. Patronis says the fraudulent bait and switch practices are driven by the desire to generate higher commissions by those selling ACA plans. Patronis sent a letter to Congress demanding better oversight of the ACA marketplace. If you suspect you’ve been a victim, you may contact Florida’s Consumer Services Helpline or Fraud Tip Hotline.  
• Indian River County commissioners approved a new garbage and recycling contract which applies to residents and business in all locations that don’t have municipal service. The new universal service fee will rise by about $4 per month to about $18.  
• AAA is projecting record Memorial Day weekend travel across the country and in Florida. According to the association’s estimates 2.3 million people will drive at least 50 miles on Florida’s roads this weekend. Florida has three of the top ten travel destinations in the country (Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami), with Orlando being the top destination nationally.  
• Today is a repeat of yesterday. It's warm and dry today with highs in the upper 80’s which is about 6 degrees higher than usual for this date. Similar weather is expected throughout the rest week as Sarhan dust makes its way around South Florida from Hispaniola and Cuba. 
• Gas prices rose another four cents per gallon on Tuesday. The average price statewide for regular unleaded is currently $3.55 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.70 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.56 and in Indian River County the average is $3.46 per gallon.