Daily editionThursday, October 1st, 2026
Good morning, Palm Beach Gardens.
The 5AM Palm Beach Gardens Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of October.
Community
A living reef in memory of freediver Virgil Price III was deployed off Palm Beach on Sept. 10; it features sculptures of him, his dogs and mementos honoring seven others who perished underwater and is managed by county officials to become a growing marine habitat + attract sea life.
Palm Beach Daily NewsRead more
Business
McDonald's is testing a new Media Network at select drive-thru screens — the pilot began in August to show ads from other companies in Palm Beach County.
The test is part of a broader plan to add digital displays across more company-owned locations.
The Palm Beach PostRead more
Culture
Palm Beach County proclaimed October as Arts & Humanities Month to offer 31 ways for residents and visitors to explore arts, culture, history and humanities across the county + the Cultural Council announced the observance on Sept. 30, 2026.
The Boca Raton TribuneRead more
Economy
Florida's minimum wage increased to $15 an hour on Sept. 30, surpassing the federal rate of $7.25 and exceeding wages in many states while still below rates in cities like D.C., New York + California.
Future raises will be tied to inflation starting Sept. 30, 2027.
Palm Beach Daily NewsRead more
Education
Teachers from the district voiced concerns today about a proposed salary freeze recommended by Superintendent Michael J. Burke because declining enrollment reduced revenue by $60 million & causing earlier cuts of 1,200 positions and a hiring freeze.
They worry the move may force more work as class sizes increase.
WPBFRead more
Government
Palm Beach County has approved a deal with Related Ross to build an 18-story, 400-room hotel next to the convention center.
The county will own the project + lease it back for 97 years to boost tourism and support a planned expansion.
Palm Beach Daily NewsRead more
Clocks in Palm Beach Gardens will fall back on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 a.m., shifting sunrise and sunset about one hour earlier.
A Senate vote on making daylight saving time permanent has not been scheduled, so the change will go ahead as planned.
The Palm Beach PostRead more
Lifestyle
Restaurants around Palm Beach Gardens are introducing fall menus with pumpkin-infused drinks and dishes for the next few weeks, offering local food lovers a taste of the season.
The Palm Beach PostRead more