Florida News That Impacts You – May 16th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Governor DeSantis signed three additional bills into law Monday. The Education bill, aka, the Reimaging Education And Career Help 2.0 Act, expands workforce education programs while expanding access to career and technical education programs for students beginning in middle school. The Higher Education bill was the second of the two new education laws. It bans DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion offices and programs across Florida’s colleges. The Postsecondary Educational Institutions bill is now also law. The new law bans “political loyalty” tests as a means of faculty being hired or students being admitted to any college within the state. The common practice when used previously would have faculty or students swear to a specific code or set of beliefs in order to enroll or work at the participating institutions.
- Rainy season is officially here. Running today through October 15th, approximately 70% of South Florida’s annual rainfall occurs during this five-month window. June and August are historically the two wettest months of the year.
- Record travel across the state is expected Memorial Day weekend. According to AAA, 2.4 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Friday the 26th is expected to be the busiest day for travel.
- Gas prices are a penny lower today. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.47 per gallon – seven cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.71 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.