Florida News That Impacts You – February 21st, 2025
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
- President Trump endorsed Southwest Florida Congressman Byron Donalds for governor on Thursday. In a post on Truth Social Trump said: I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER! As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. Donalds has yet to officially announce a bid for governor, though it’s been believed he’d likely do so since last November’s elections.
- Governor DeSantis officially vetoed the Immigration bill, dubbed the TRUMP Act, passed by the legislature during the second special session which was called by the legislature. The third special session, which convened last week produced two related bills which DeSantis had already signed into law.
- GEICO has joined Florida’s Personal Insurance Federation, a consortium of insurance companies that advises state officials on matters for potential legislative, regulatory and legal matters. The PIFF has played a large role in recent years including advocating for many of the legislative changes that took place addressing Florida’s property insurance crisis.
- 300 of the 6,000 IRS employees laid off this week worked in Florida. The DOGE related cuts came at offices in Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Melbourne, Orlando, Tampa and Miami.
- Cloudy skies and cooler today with highs in the upper 60’s along the Treasure Coast to low 70’s in the Palm Beaches – cooler than usual for this date. Similar but slightly warmer weather is expected for the weekend.
- Gas prices dropped a penny per gallon on Thursday. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $3.14 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.29 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.19 and in Indian River County the average is $3.13 per gallon.