Florida News That Impacts You – November 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.
- Gas prices are another two cents lower today with the average price statewide checking in at $3.51 per gallon which is six cents cheaper than a week ago. In Southeast Florida prices range from an average low of $3.53 per gallon in Miami-Dade to $3.68 per gallon in Palm Beach County.
- The Florida Public Service Commission approved a $22 billion plan to harden the state’s power grid over the next ten years. The plan was submitted as a collaborative effort by Florida’s four leading utility companies. Today the Commission will vote on whether to approve the method of paying for the plan. The current proposal would have a monthly addition to the power bills of these companies, including FPL customers.
- Florida’s Gulf Coast is dealing with a powerful red tide leading to massive fish kills due to the toxic algal blooms. While red tide is often naturally forming, this late season bloom is attributed to the impact of flooding during Hurricane Ian and Nicole which has led to extensive water contamination. The bloom is currently worst along the coast of Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties.
- With Manatee Migration Season underway, Florida Fish and Wildlife is preparing to put the lettuce feeding program into place. Last year’s experimental program was considered a success and funding was more than doubled to $30 million for this year’s effort. The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, which procures the lettuce used by FWC for the feeding program, is open for additional individual donations to assist with purchasing more lettuce. Last year Floridians donated over $168,000 dollars to assist with the effort.