Florida News That Impacts You – February 5th, 2025
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
- An illegal immigrant from Guatemala was arrested in Martin County after attempting to evade authorities. The suspect was clocked at 106-mph in a 45-mph zone. During an attempt to escape authorities he turned his lights off, ran a stop sign and tried to blend into a residential neighborhood. Upon his arrest an ICE detainer was placed on him for deportation following his sentencing.
- 2024 proved to be the deadliest year on record for manatee calves. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife’s preliminary manatee mortality report, 154 manatees died within their first year – a 60% increase over the prior year. Authorities aren’t sure what the cause is of the spike, however two theories are being investigated. The first is concern that the mass manatee starvation event of a few years ago – specifically in the Indian River Lagoon, could be to blame with mothers having not fully recovered. Another theory is that there may be a spike in births due to slow numbers over the prior two years due to the starvation event. In total 565 manatees died during the year according to FWC.
- South Florida is one of the top metros in the country for what Attom Data Solutions refers to as “equity rich” homeowners. According to Attom, approximately 61% of homeowners in the TriCounty (Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach), are equity rich, or had outstanding mortgages for less than half of the estimated value of the property. The total ranks as the 7th highest out of the top 100+ metros.
- Sunny skies and warm today with highs near 80 – warmer than usual for this date. Similar weather is expected for the rest of the week.
- Gas prices continued to rise again Tuesday – by another six cents per gallon. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.22 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.37 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.28 and in Indian River County the average is $3.25 per gallon.