Florida News That Impacts You – August 11th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- The first day of school was generally smooth throughout the Palm Beaches and Martin County. That included the implementation of metals detectors at four area high schools as part of a school security pilot program. Metal detectors are in place at John I. Leonard, Seminole Ridge, Palm Beach Lakes Community and Palm Beach Gardens Community high schools. Notably, John I. Leonard is the largest high school by way of student population with about 3,200 students. School officials said lines weren’t long and the process was smooth. The program could be rolled out across the district in the future.
- There are numerous vacancies at area schools and across the state. The Florida Education Association estimates there are approximately 12,000 vacancies across all positions statewide.
- The National Hurricane Center has increased their outlook for the season. NOAA’s preseason outlook called for a normal season with 12-17 named storms about half of which would have become hurricanes. The updated forecast calls for an above average season with 14-21 named storms with about half becoming hurricanes. The update comes as we’re set to enter the peak four weeks of hurricane season historically. The NHC’s current 7-day forecast shows no expected activity.
- Gas prices dropped another two cents on Thursday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is now $3.76 per gallon – 8 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.92 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.