Florida News That Impacts You – January 9th, 2025
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Florida’s businesses leaders are among the most optimistic in the nation to start 2025 according to JP Morgan’s U.S. Business Leaders Outlook report. In Morgan’s annual study, 75% of Florida’s business leaders were optimistic about the outlook for their businesses this year compared to 59% nationally. Inflation remains the top concern for Florida’s businesses. Related...
- FloridaCommerce, a state agency that administers federal and state programs and initiatives to businesses and organizations throughout the state, has announced an additional $167 million is being made available for Florida businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The funds are provided through the State Small Business Credit Initiative and can be used for start-up costs and working capital, franchise fees, upgrading equipment, expanding inventory, business acquisitions, refinancing and the purchase, construction or renovation of one’s place of business. $202 million has been dispersed under the program over the prior two years and is credited with creating 4,967 jobs within the state.
- The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has begun an investigation into the recent collision between a Brightline Train and Delray Beach fire truck which injured 15 people. PBSO’s investigation comes amid four fire rescue employees being placed on administrative leave while local authorities investigated the cause of the crash, and an allegation by Delay’s vice mayor that the city manager was withholding information about the driving records of the city’s firefighters. Initial findings have revealed that the reported driver of the fire truck had his license suspended in October of 2023.
- Today is the coldest day of winter thus far. We’re starting the day with temps in the low 40’s throughout the area with highs in the upper 50’s along parts of the Treasure Coast to low 60’s throughout the Palm Beaches. Friday will be considerably warmer with lows in the 50’s and highs near 70.
- Gas prices rose five cents per gallon on Wednesday. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.11 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.24 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.15 and in Indian River County the average is $3.11 per gallon.