With a government shutdown looming, many around South Florida may be wondering if that shutdown goes forward, how will it affect us here?

Experts tell WPTV reporter Michael Hoffman some government programs would not be affected by a potential shutdown. But the nearly 90,000 federal workers in Florida could feel the effects.

Tonight, time is of the essence in Washington as lawmakers work to reach an agreement on a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. This, after Congress voted down a Trump-backed proposal. As lawmakers scramble, people in South Florida are concerned about the impact of a shutdown.

“I just think that it’s going to cause a little bit of problems,” said Michael Guarneiri of West Palm Beach.

“I don’t know how exactly it’ll affect me,” said Brian McDermott.

So, let’s break it down. Essential services like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, USPS and SNAP would not be affected. However, national parks and monuments would close.

The biggest impact would be on federal workers, including 88,000 federal employees in Florida. Those deemed essential would work without pay until a deal is reached.

Non-essential federal employees would be furloughed.

“For a lot of federal workers in South Florida and the Treasure Coast, that paycheck isn’t coming,” said WPTV political analyst Brian Crowley. “They still have to pay the mortgage, they still have to buy groceries, they still have to pay the electric bill, and, you know, they’re not going to be very happy about this. I think immediately for the average resident of South Florida, the Treasure Coast, there’s nothing for them to be concerned about. However, if your spouse or significant other is working for the federal government and their paycheck isn’t arriving, then it impacts the entire family.”

Once explained, it became clear for many I met today that their benefits are not at risk either way.

“Thank you, because I was concerned,” said Guarneiri.

“You’ve pretty much helped me understand it a little bit better, how it could affect just everyday people,” said McDermott. “So I think just educating themselves on how it could affect them or family members and just everybody in general is important.”

On Friday night, the House has passed the bill to avoid a government shutdown by a wide majority of 366-34, before sending the vote to the Senate.

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The Florida Gators play against the Tulane Green Wave in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. The matchup will begin at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN 2. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

The Gators enter this matchup with a 7-5 record, and they have played well recently. The team has won three consecutive games, including two victories against ranked opponents.

In their most recent game, the Gators defeated Florida State 31-11. During the victory, Florida accrued 368 total yards. The team rushed for 235 yards and averaged more than six yards per carry.

The Florida defense also played well against Florida State, forcing five turnovers.

The Green Wave enter this matchup with a 9-4 record, but they have lost back-to-back games. In their most recent game, the Green Wave lost 35-14 against Army.

During the loss, Tulane struggled defensively. The team allowed 335 rushing yards and conceded nearly six yards per carry.

Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV Stream and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A week removed from falling to Kentucky in the Battle of the Bluegrass, the Louisville men’s basketball program is back in action, traveling to Florida State for their first road game in ACC play.

While the Cardinals might have lost to their most hated rival in their last time out, they certainly gave the Wildcats a run for their money. Despite having only eight healthy scholarship players, Louisville kept within striking distance of Kentucky for the majority of the game before ultimately falling 93-85 in Rupp Arena.

As for the Seminoles, year 23 under head coach Leonard Hamilton is off to a solid start. While FSU is currently six games over .500 and heading into their matchup with Louisville on a two-game win streak, they’re 0-3 against teams ranked in KenPom’s top-100, including an 84-74 overtime loss at NC State.

This will be the 54th all-time meeting between Louisville and Florida State, with the Cardinals owning a 35-18 advantage. UofL won 101-92 back on Feb. 3, 2024 in the last matchup, snapping a seven-game losing streak to the Seminoles.

(Photo of Terrence Edwards Jr.: Jordan Prather – Imagn Images)

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