Florida News That Impacts You – February 25th, 2025
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
- Governor DeSantis issued an executive order Ensuring Government Efficiency, on Monday. The directive establishes an Executive Office Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE team. Modeled off President Trump’s DOGE team led by Elon Musk, the state task force is to seek efficiencies in state and local government. The order is set to expire on March 31st, 2026 – a deadline by which the task force is to have completed its work.
- Bankrupt retailer Joann Fabrics has announced they’re closing all stores. The announcement Monday came following an initial round of closures was announced as the company entered bankruptcy protection. The company operates 36 locations in Florida including three in Palm Beach County and one in Vero Beach.
- Rivera Beach will start the construction of a new water treatment plant this June according to officials. The announcement of the new facility has been three years in the making, however, comes following a water treatment scandal rocked the city over the past year leading to over 100 violations of state and federal laws, fines, and a change in leadership. The estimated cost of the new plant is $400 million.
- Cloudy skies this morning as rain moves out of the area with highs in the low to mid 70’s – cooler than usual for this date. We’re expecting mild and pleasant weather for the rest of the week.
- Gas prices rose four cents per gallon on Monday. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.12 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.28 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.18 and in Indian River County the average is $3.14 per gallon.