Florida News That Impacts You – January 18th, 2023
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.
- ADP’s PayInsight’s report shows wages continuing to rise faster than the national average in Florida. In 2022, the average wage rose 7.7% across the state, a growth rate which was 5% higher than the national average. However...
- South Florida currently has the highest inflation rate in the country. While the national inflation rate currently sits at 6.5%, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro’s inflation rate is 9.9% - the highest in the country. The Tampa metro is the 2nd highest nationally with a 9.6% inflation rate. Record relocations into the state, driving housing prices higher, along with record tourism has continued to lead to well above average inflation rates across our state.
- West Palm Beach mayor Keith James has won his legal challenge against would be challenger Rodney Mayo, successfully removing him from the ballot in advance of the March municipal elections in the city. James contested Mayo’s eligibility under the city’s charter which states one must live within the city for a minimum of six months prior to running for office. Mayo, who has long owned a business in West Palm Beach, attempted to use that address for eligibility purposes.
- Florida’s gas prices continue to rapidly rise adding nine cents per gallon over the past day reaching a statewide average of $3.39 per gallon for regular unleaded. Meanwhile, in the Palm Beaches, price rose five cents reaching $3.55 per gallon this morning, the highest price in the state.
- Governor DeSantis has called on the Florida legislature to make permanent all policy currently in force in Florida inhibiting mandates for COVID-19 vaccines and masks. The current policy, which was enacted in 2021, is set to sunset in June.