Florida News That Impacts You – May 19th, 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 renewed his call for an elimination of homesteaded property taxes on Monday. While in Brevard County the governor said the one thing that we can control as Floridians is what taxes are appropriate, either at the state or local government. So we're going to focus on homestead exemption for Floridians. DeSantis indicated a special session to consider a related proposed amendment could be called following the current special session to pass a budget which is scheduled to run through the end of May. The governor has yet to produce a specific proposal – something House Speaker Daniel Perez has been critical of.
- An America 250 Freedom Truck is at the Wellington amphitheater and open for visitors today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The truck is part of the country’s America 250 nationwide tour in advance of this year’s Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore. The truck features displays for the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and interactive exhibits.
- Numerous school districts are planning closures for the upcoming school year amid a decline in student populations. Miami-Dade (9 schools), Broward, Orange (7), Duval (4), Hillsborough (3), Escambia and Pinellas (2) counties are among districts currently finalizing closure plans. Palm Beach County’s most recent update showed a decline of 7,515 students during the 2025-2026 school year.
- It’ll be warm and humid today with highs in the mid to upper 80’s – a little warmer than usual for this date and a chance for showers and thunderstorms throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
- Gas prices rose significantly, by 22 cents per gallon on Monday. The average price is currently $4.43 per gallon statewide – though prices remain higher locally. In Palm Beach County the average price is $4.59 per gallon, in Martin the average is $4.46, it’s $4.42 in St. Lucie, and in Indian River County the average is $4.44 per gallon.