Florida News That Impacts You – October 17th, 2022
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida. Gas prices continued lower through the weekend.
- Entering this week gas prices are averaging $3.40 per gallon statewide - seven cents higher than a week ago. In Southeast Florida prices range from a low of $3.40 per gallon in Miami-Dade to an average high of $3.54 per gallon in the Palm Beaches. The recent increase in prices has mitigated the benefit of the state’s suspension of the 25.3 cent per gallon gas tax during the month of October.
- Florida’s trend for new COVID-19 cases remains at a 6+ month low. The weekly trend for daily cases entering this week is currently 1,468 – the lowest since April 3rd.
- Florida building officials and analysts confirmed what Governor DeSantis first referenced in last week’s Hurricane Ian roundtable. Homes built in the most impacted areas, which were built under newer Florida building codes, fared substantially better than homes built under pre-Andrew building codes. At the point of maximum storm surge impact on Fort Myers Beach, 18 homes built prior to 1992 were total losses having been washed away. One home, built in 2020, was effectively undamaged. The data is being analyzed for potential future recommendations for building code.
- FEMA’s latest report shows $420 million has been claimed by Floridians for expenses related to the impact of Hurricane Ian. Under the emergency declaration rental assistance, hotel stays, and repair assistance related to Hurricane Ian are among the reimbursable expenses FEMA will cover. Those who live in 26 counties, including Monroe and Palm Beach Counties in Southeast Florida are eligible if related expenses were incurred.