Florida News That Impacts You – July 25th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- State Farm, which recently became Florida’s largest private property insurer, passing Fort Lauderdale based Universal Property & Casualty, has been expanding its presence in the state as other insurance companies have left the state. The data which shows State Farm grew its policy count in Florida by greater than 5% last quarter, comes after a recent announcement that they would remain in Florida. Quoting State Farm: (They’re) encouraged by the recent insurance reforms and efforts to curb legal system abuse.
- The West Palm Beach City Commission has ended negotiations with City Harbor to develop a new marina on the downtown waterfront. Community backlash and a recent petition advanced by the West Palm Beach Downtown Neighborhood Association which had gained traction, caught the attention of city officials who voted unanimously to cease plans for the previously announced project. Mayor Keith James said he’s “Still committed to a full-blown waterfront envisioning process”.
- A non-native snake that’s larger than Burmese Pythons are now thought to have established a breeding colony in the western Everglades in Collier County. Florida scientists have identified green anacondas, which can grow up to 25 feet, in the wild. Recently an 18-foot 9-inch python was captured – which is the largest snake discovered in Florida.
- Gas prices jumped on Monday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.55 per gallon – 8 cents higher than yesterday and 16 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.61 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.