Florida News That Impacts You – January 8th, 2025
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- A multiyear South Florida Dental practice and insurance scam has been busted by authorities. According to the Florida Department of Financial Service’s Bureau of Insurance Fraud, Evelyn Cruz and her husband opened four fraudulent dental practices, using the credentials of licensed dentists to do so, and bilked patients and insurance companies out of more than $11 million. The bogus dental practices operated under the names: The Dental Specialists of Boynton Beach, Dental Specialists of Doral Group, Dental Specialists of Broward Group, and Dental Specialists of Pembroke Pines. According to authorities, in addition to rampant insurance fraud, there are at least 80 patients who were defrauded – commonly by being told they needed unnecessary dental work.
- Alexcia Cox has been sworn in as the new State Attorney for Florida’s 15th Judicial Circuit encompassing Palm Beach County. The incoming Democrat replaces longtime State Attorney Dave Aronberg who didn’t seek reelection last year. Cox narrowly won her election over Republican Sam Stern by less than a point. Cox previously served under Aronberg in the state attorney’s office.
- Stuart will soon have a Costco. The construction of a new store on Kanner Highway near the Martin County High School has been in the works for over three years as the retailer worked with city officials to address several concerns about the development of the future store’s grounds. Costco has announced they intend to have the store open in April.
- It’s a cold start to our day with 40’s throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast. Temps will be steadily warming throughout the day with highs in the mid to upper 60’s again today. Similar but still colder weather is expected to move in overnight making Thursday the coldest day of the winter thus far for our area.
- Gas prices dropped another two cents per gallon on Tuesday. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.06 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.19 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.02 and in Indian River County the average is $2.99 per gallon.