Florida News That Impacts You – November 14th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Governor DeSantis signed the four bills passed in last week’s special session into law. They include: Disaster relief which allocates an additional $417 million in Hurricane Idalia assistance for those impacted by the hurricane in addition to funding for the My Safe Florida grant program for homeowners to upgrade their homes. The Family empowerment scholarship bill which raises the annual number of eligible Florida students for the scholarship from 26,500 to 40,913 students. The scrutinized companies bill which disallows investments in the Florida Retirement fund from including companies with ties to Iran and related backers of terrorism. The Security Grants bill which opens Jewish non-profit schools and museums in the state to $45 million in grants which can be used to enhance security.
- Martin County and Stuart officials took next steps in attempting to bring a Brightline station to the community. Following last week’s proposed sites for a new Brightline station near the Martin County Courthouse or near the Martin County Fairgrounds, Stuart officials moved forward Monday with a motion to collaborate with the County on the proposals. The support could prove to be a key decider for Brightline as they consider whether to add a Treasure Coast station in Martin or St. Lucie County. City officials and Brightline officials will begin formal discussions on November 28th, with a decision expected to come in the 1st quarter of next year.
- A disturbance in the Caribbean Sea has a 70% chance of developing into a tropical depression by the end of the week. The system is expected to drift northeast towards Cuba and Hispaniola bringing a lot of moisture along with it from the south that could interact with a low-pressure system in the Gulf and a weak cold front in the north which will continue to bring wind and regular rainfall in our area over the next few days.
- Gas prices dropped three cents a gallon over the past day to a new low for the year. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.15 per gallon – 5 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.34 per gallon and in Indian River County the average is $3.15 per gallon.