Florida News That Impacts You – February 17th, 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.
- Brightline has provided another operational update as it closes in on completing the Orlando expansion. According to Brightline, the expansion project is now 90% complete and they’re targeting a grand opening in the 2nd quarter. Once completed 10 trains, traveling at speeds up to 125 mph will operate daily connecting Orlando to stops as far south as Port Miami.
- Governor DeSantis signed a fourth bill into law passed by the state legislature during the recent special session. The Intercollegiate Athlete Compensation and Rights legislation is now law. The policy updates Florida’s guidelines pertaining to amateur athletes profiting off of their likeness. Earlier this week the governor signed the Emergency Response, Statewide Prosecutor and Transportation of Inspected Unauthorized Aliens bills into law.
- The Florida Department of Health is citing an alarming increase in adverse reactions to vaccines reported over the prior two years on the back of the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. According to the state there’s been a 1,700% increase in the state’s database amid a 400% increase in vaccinations. Most concerning, a 4,400% increase in potentially life-threatening conditions.
- Gas prices dropped another penny yesterday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.34 per gallon – eights cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County, the average price dropped a penny as well over the past day to $3.58 per gallon, remaining the highest price in the state.