Florida News That Impacts You – March 2nd, 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.
- The University of Florida has “paused” the planned expansion with a graduate program to be offered in West Palm Beach. Citing “regrettable division in the local community”, UF said it will now seek other options for a potential location beyond a previously proposed 12-acre site in downtown West Palm Beach. The issue stems from a naming rights issue after Democrat billionaire developer Jeff Greene demanded that the graduate school be named after him for his willingness to donate 5 of the necessary 12-acres. Miami Dolphins owner and billionaire developer Stephen Ross has stepped in to attempt to save an opportunity within West Palm Beach.
- Gas prices dropped another penny over the past day. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.25 per gallon – eight cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the price is $3.50 per gallon, a penny lower than yesterday, though the price remains the highest in the state.
- Three Florida roads, including two in South Florida, have been identified as being among the 17 most deadly in the country in a Find By Plate study - including the deadliest overall. I-95 from Palm Beach County through Miami-Dade is currently the 17th most deadly road. Central Florida’s I-4 is currently 3rd, and perhaps surprisingly US 1 throughout South Florida through the Keys is currently the deadliest.
- For the second consecutive year Florida’s graduating seniors can expect the most affordable college options in the country. According to data from the College Board and Forbes, Floridians can expect average tuition rates of $6,370 – unchanged for three consecutive years. Florida passed Wyoming for the most affordable options last year.