Florida News That Impacts You – May 14th, 2026
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 announced a significant decline in drug overdose deaths over the past year. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s 2025 Interim report, statewide drug-related deaths decreased by 19 percent, with the largest decreases coming with opioid and fentanyl related deaths with declines of over 40 percent. The governor attributed the decline to effective law enforcement at all levels in combating cartel-linked drug trafficking.
- An illegal alien from Guatemala has been arrested in Stuart after having been caught having sex with a 12-year-old girl. The girl’s mother caught the suspect in the act, and authorities believe the abuse may have occurred for nearly two years. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek is reminding parents to be vigilant – especially during the summer months.
- The Village of Wellington is undertaking a project to enhance Greenbriar Blvd. From Aero Club Drive to Greenview Shores Blvd. As part of the $3.4 million project, bike lanes will be added, shoulders widened with additional pedestrian and equestrian crossings. The FDOT will fund approximately two-thirds of the project with the Village covering the balance.
- At the Governor’s annual Hurricane Conference taking place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, which featured a presentation from Kevin O’Leary on Wednesday, forecasters warned residents against complacency this season – following last year’s threat free season for the United States. National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan stated: “The risk is going to be there for impacts this year regardless of what you hear about in any seasonal forecast”.
- It’ll be warm and humid today with a chance of afternoon showers and highs in the upper 80’s throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast – a little warmer than for this date. Similar weather but with lower rain chances into the weekend.
- Gas prices rose by eight cents per gallon to $4.39 statewide on Wednesday. In Palm Beach County the average price is $4.56 per gallon, in Martin the average is $4.43, it’s $4.37 in St. Lucie, and in Indian River County the average is $4.42 per gallon.