Florida News That Impacts You – January 27th, 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.
- Governor DeSantis rolled out a new criminal justice platform on Thursday with proposals for this year’s state legislative session. While touting Florida’s 50-year low crime rate he’s released a package of proposals which seeks to: increase penalties for drug-related crimes, steps up human smuggling interdictions, strengthens the punishment for child rapists, prevents the early release of sex criminals, and makes it more feasible to administer ultimate justice to those facing the death penalty. Likewise...
- Senator Marco Rubio has introduced what he calls a Pro-Florida agenda for the 118th Congress. He’s reintroducing a federal disaster relief bill which seeks to streamline FEMA responses to natural disasters, including reimbursements for victims. Additionally, he’s proposed the American Shores Protection Act which would codify the moratorium on offshore drilling along Florida’s coastline, the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act, South Florida Ecosystem Enhancement Act, Pensacola Estuary Act, Domestic Produce Production Act, Domestic Orange Juice Production Act, Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Preservation Act, Sand Acquisition Act and Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act.
- Senator Rick Scott officially announced his reelection bid for the United States Senate. The first term Senator and former governor most recently was unsuccessful in challenging Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for the GOP leadership post in the Senate but has vowed to continue to challenge Mitch's leadership position. He led the Republican Senatorial Committee during last year’s midterm elections. In his announcement he said, “I’ve never lost an election and I don’t intend to now”.
- Florida’s gas prices were flat yesterday, ending the steady streak of rising prices. The statewide average remains $3.58 per gallon for regular unleaded. Prices are 59 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. In the Palm Beaches prices remained flat as well at $3.74 per gallon, the highest price in the state.