South Florida Highlights Today’s Wednesday Dec. 24
Citizens Insurance announced plans to lower its insurance premiums for the upcoming year, though the company said the change may shorten the time certain coverage options remain available. A separate report noted an increase in shark activity off the Florida coast, with several swimmers and anglers reporting fish being snatched from fishing gear. Officials stressed that the incidents do not appear to threaten public safety at present.
Arctic air is expected to move southward and could bring cold temperatures to South Florida for New Year’s Eve, according to regional forecasters. In unrelated safety news, the FBI confirmed that two inmates who escaped from a Georgia state facility had attacked a Lyft driver in Broward County before being apprehended. The driver was unharmed and the incident is under investigation.
Former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has filed a motion asking a judge to dismiss betting‑related charges pending a new hearing. Meanwhile, former college football star Dave Hyde has reflected on his return to the sport, discussing a recent game against the Cotton Bowl and recalling a local tradition involving a “Tunnel Guy.” A well‑known Palm Beach restaurateur was also released from Alligator Alcatraz after a legal proceeding concluded.
The Trump administration has moved to change the H‑1B visa program, eliminating the existing lottery system in favor of a new selection method. In a separate development, a Florida lawmaker proposed legislation to address a $207 million debt that Medicaid paid to deceased recipients. The bill would introduce new safeguards to prevent similar overpayments.