Florida News That Impacts You – April 17th, 2026
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
- Floridians saw the biggest average tax refunds this tax season, according to IRS data. The average tax filer in Florida received a federal refund of $4,433 – approximately $800 higher than the national average. The state’s demographics likely contributed to the higher refunds with Floridians positioned to benefit from President Trump’s no tax on tips, overtime and Social Security.
- FPL has renewed warnings of AI-phone based scams. The impersonation scams use AI-generated voices to mimic FPL employees and commonly call for personal information and payment information to be provided. If you receive an unprompted call, you should hang up, and if you have questions, call FPL directly using the phone provided on their website.
- Martin County announced the takedown of drug traffickers operating out of Indiantown. In a Thursday release, the sheriff’s office announced seven recent arrests during traffic stops which include the confiscation of illegally possessed firearms, meth, fentanyl, and cocaine.
- We’ll have partly cloudy skies with a chance of scattered showers and highs in the low 80’s throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast – which is typical for this date. Warmer weather is expected through the weekend before a cool front makes its way into the area on Monday.
- Gas prices were flat over the past day to remain at a statewide average of $4.13 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $4.24 per gallon, in Martin the average is $4.15, it’s $4.13 in St. Lucie, and in Indian River County the average is $4.13 per gallon.