Florida News That Impacts You – November 22nd, 2024
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- We had a tragedy in Loxahatchee yesterday leaving two of PBSO’s finest deceased and a third in critical condition. While on motor patrol on Southern Blvd. near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller, Corporal Luiz Paez and Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz were struck by a motorist. One of the officers had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The officer called other officers for assistance. While the three officers were waiting for another officer to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three. They were transported to St. Mary's Medical Center, where Deputy Waller and Corporal Paez were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz is in critical condition.
- Condolences from around the state for the fallen law enforcement professionals rolled in throughout the day. Many members of PBSO were at St. Mary’s during the day. Governor DeSantis and Senator Rick Scott were among the many to offer their thoughts to the families and friends of the fallen. Governor DeSantis said: Our thoughts are with the families of the two (PBSO) deputies who lost their lives today when their motorcycles were struck by a driver in Palm Beach. We are also praying for the quick and full recovery of the deputy who is currently undergoing treatment.
- Publix opened its newest location in Wellington on Thursday. The new location, at Wellington Trace, is an expanded concept that includes a wine bar and coffee shop. The store also has expanded food options including a burrito, pizza and pasta bar.
- Clear and cool to start the day with the lowest temperatures of the season. Sunny skies throughout the day. We’ll have highs near 70, about eight degrees cooler than usual for this date. The colder weather will continue into the weekend with a similar forecast tomorrow before gradually warming by the end of the weekend. The National Hurricane Center‘s forecast is clear. There’s no expected activity for the next seven days as we head down the homestretch of hurricane season.
- Gas prices dropped another three cents per gallon on Thursday. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.01 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.19 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.01 and in Indian River County the average is $3.03 per gallon.