Florida

Despite hurricane landfall, Florida gas prices decrease going into Labor Day

(The Center Square) — Despite being hit by Category 3 Hurricane Idalia, gas prices in Florida have decreased by five cents going into the Labor Day weekend.

The average gas price in Florida was $3.69 per gallon of regular according to the American Automobile Association, down from $3.75 last week but four cents more than last month. The national average is $3.83.

FWC seeks public input on new information for snook regional management at Aug. 31 virtual workshop

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking public input on new recommendations for snook recreational fishing regulations. The FWC is adopting a holistic management approach for snook that includes a review of several environmental and human factors such as habitat, fishing effort and stakeholder feedback to evaluate the fishery at a more local scale.

Newly released data and recent public feedback suggest additional regulation changes may be warranted. 

Extended Florida red snapper season starts on Labor Day weekend

(The Center Square) — An extension of Florida’s red snapper season begins Labor Day weekend and could be one of the longest since the state took over management of the tasty game fish.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Aug. 11 that the red snapper season would be extended by 17 days to 87 days, according to a statement released by the governor’s office.

Florida’s fall red snapper season runs every Friday through Sunday through the months of September, October and November, with open days on Labor Day (Sept. 4) and Thanksgiving (Nov. 23).

Estimates show Florida with best international tourism numbers since 2019

(The Center Square) — Florida tourism officials say the number of international visitors to the Sunshine State is rising.

Visit Florida, the state's official tourism marketing corporation, announced in a news release Wednesday that in the first and second quarters of 2023, Florida had the most significant international visitor numbers since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

FWC removes nearly 100 impaired operators during Operation Dry Water and the Fourth of July holiday

In their 15th year participating in Operation Dry Water, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers spent their holiday weekend focused on the safety of people enjoying all that Florida’s waterways have to offer. 

From July 1-3, FWC officers arrested 94 vessel operators for boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, preventing the possibility of life-altering events from occurring. 

Expert: Malaria spread to Florida unlikely Now, but future risks loom

In a recent health advisory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that five people have been infected with malaria in the United States within the last two months.

These cases, four from Florida and one from Texas, mark the first instances of locally acquired malaria in the nation since 2003. 

Special Thu, 06/29/2023 - 10:46

Florida unemployment rate falls to near-record low of 2.6%

(The Center Square) — Florida’s unemployment rate has fallen to a near-record low and Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has the lowest unemployment rate among the top 10 largest states in the U.S.

"Through strong economic policy and strategic investments, Florida is outperforming the nation and providing more opportunity for its citizens, resulting in more than 200,000 new business formations this year alone and an unemployment rate near an all-time low." DeSantis stated in a news release.