Florida News That Impacts You – August 28th, 2025
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
- Governor DeSantis and Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia will issue subpoenas to Orange County employees who they allege acted to obstruct the state’s recent DOGE audit. The state’s auditors noted irregularities in county records during its recent onsite visit. Of particular interest is DEI-related spending that may have violated state law. In a press release from the governor it states: Cooperation is not optional. Orange County has a responsibility to explain the irregularities flagged by the State of Florida DOGE team through full cooperation with the DOGE audit and subpoena. These subpoenas require County employees to assist our DOGE audit and turn over any previously hidden, deleted, or otherwise withheld documents.
- As Brightline eyes an expansion from Orlando to Tampa Bay, and continues to see growth in its business, a major credit rating firm is voicing concerns about the business’s ability to pay its obligations. Brightline has expirenced an 11% increase in riders thus far this year, to record levels for the company, however Fitch has maintained its recently downgraded bond rating amid concerns that it may not be able to meet the existing $2.22 billion credit obligations.
- It'll be a mix of sun and clouds much of the day and hot once again today with highs in the upper 80’s, which is slightly warmer than usual for this date. A thin layer of Saharan dust is passing through Cuba and South Florida enroute towards the Gulf. A more significant plume is currently approaching the Leeward Islands.
- The National Hurricane Center is tracking two systems. Tropical Storm Fernand is spinning in the northern mid-Atlantic and doesn’t pose a threat to populated areas. A disturbance has formed off the coast of Africa and is currently being given a 20% chance of development.
- Gas prices rose again on Wednesday in advance of Labor Day weekend. 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 $3.17, it’s $3.18 in St. Lucie, and in Indian River County the average is $3.16 per gallon.