Florida News That Impacts You – August 14th, 2024

Florida News That Impacts You – August 14th, 2024  

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

  • Nearly 1.2 million Floridians have voted either by returned vote by mail ballots or early voting in advance of Florida’s August 20th primaries. Republicans have outvoted Democrats by nearly 70,000 votes statewide. Early voting continues daily throughout this week. Palm Beach County is operating early voting locations from 7 am to 7 pm through Sunday. In Martin County early voting is available from 8 am until 5 pm through Saturday and Indian River County is operating early voting locations from 8 am until 4 pm through Saturday. 
  • The Army Corps of Engineers announced Tuesday that the new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual, known as LOSOM, will represent the new release schedule for Lake Okeechobee discharges going forward. The new release schedule will significantly reduce unnatural eastern and western releases of water from Lake Okeechobee, known to cause devastating environmental effects in critical estuaries and waterways, prioritizing natural southern discharges instead. The change is a culmination of several years' worth of work by numerous local and state leaders, often led by Congressman Brian Mast.  
  • Stuart has unveiled a new sign on Kanner Highway noting its recent designation as USA Today’s Best Coastal Small Town in America this year. Stuart received the designation citing it’s “under-the-radar" allure with plenty of great spaces for recreation, water activities and culture.  
  • It’ll be hot and sunny again today, but with an increased chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Highs will be in the lower 90’s. Temperatures will be about 6 degrees warmer than usual for this date. Tropical Storm Ernesto is currently exiting Puerto Rico and is expected to turn towards the north as a likely hurricane approaching Bermuda. It is not a threat to Florida. No other tropical systems are expected to develop over the next seven days. 
  • Gas prices were flat over the past day. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.39 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.53 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.36 and in Indian River County the average is $3.36 per gallon. 

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content