Florida News That Impacts You – January 13th, 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 annual state legislative session kicks off with Governor DeSantis’ State of the State speech at approximately 11 this morning where the governor will lay out his final year priorities for the state which will include the elimination of property taxes for homesteaded properties, AI regulation, healthcare deregulation and Everglades restoration among other issues.
- Today is a Special Primary Election Day for voters in House District 87 in an election to replace Mike Caruso whom Governor DeSantis appointed to be Palm Beach County’s Clerk of Court. In the Republican primary Gretchen Miller Feng is facing off against Jon Maples, whom President Trump has endorsed. Democrats Emily Gregory and Laura Ann Levites face off. Voting will take place at your assigned polling location from 7 am to 7 pm today.
- Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins, retired U.S. Army Green Beret, made a widely anticipated decision official on Monday by announcing his bid for governor. He enters a field which already includes Trump-backed candidate, Congressman Byron Donalds and former House Speaker Paul Renner among other candidates.
- Stuart will begin a three-week process to hire a new city manager following the dismissal of former manager Mike Mortell in October. A job description and requirements were agreed to on Monday.
- Ground breaking for the next phase of an expansion to the Cleveland Clinic’s Indian River Hospital emergency department took place on Monday. The current expansion phase will add 20 treatment spaces with an ETA of the 4th quarter of this year.
- Cloudy skies with a chance of showers throughout the day today with highs in the low to mid 70’s.
- Gas prices remain near five-year lows; however, they rose 11 cents per gallon on Monday. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $2.78 per gallon. In Palm Beach County the average price is $2.91 per gallon, in Martin the average is $2.83, it’s $2.78 in St. Lucie, and in Indian River County the average is $2.80 per gallon.