Florida News That Impacts You – March 16th, 2026
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
- Florida’s legislative session ended without a budget being passed, which is required under state law. A special session, likely in April, is to be called for the purpose of passing a budget, and likely property taxes. The state legislature didn’t pass a proposed property tax amendment as the state senate declined to take up the House bill which would have eliminated non-school property taxes over ten years. Governor DeSantis has called for a total elimination of homesteaded property taxes.
- Friday’s recount of municipal elections in Palm Beach County resulted in two of the closest elections recorded in the county. Andy Thompson edging Mike Liebelson by 5 votes for the Boca Raton mayoral race. Thompson showed a six-vote advantage on Election Day and two-vote advantage prior to the recounts. Liebelson has notified the Supervisor of Elections office that he intends to challenge results – calling into question the timing of some vote-by-mail ballots. The Lake Worth Beach Question 5 failed to pass by two votes. Question 5 was tied on Election Day and after the curing of vote by mail ballots.
- Cuban Americans led a rally near Mar-a-Lago on Sunday in support of the U.S. removing the Cuban regime – which President Trump has indicated he intends to do following the conclusion of the current Iran war.
- It’ll be another warm day today in advance of a cold front which will make its way into our area tonight along with showers and thunderstorms. Today’s high is in the low 80’s throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, however tomorrow’s high will be in the upper 60’s to low 70’s.
- Gas prices were flat through the weekend though the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.73 per gallon - 24 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.89 per gallon, in Martin the average is $3.75, it’s $3.75 in St. Lucie, and in Indian River County the average is $3.75 per gallon.