Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, August 20
Aug 20, 2010
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Dispute over insurance could slow down Orlando commuter rail
A dispute over insurance between the state of Florida and Amtrak is delaying one of the most critical steps in creating the SunRail commuter train in Orlando.
New Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is glass-covered hurricane-proof “fortress”
The Salvador Dali Museum will soon have a new home that’s part tourist attraction and part Fort Knox. Glass covers a lot of the new building, but it’s hurricane proof. How does that work?
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty along with lead regulators from other states voted unanimously to approve the NAIC’s recommended language (blanks proposal) for the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) definition under the federal Affordable Care Act on Tuesday, August 17.
Blog: Third District Court of Appeal reverses ruling on resign-to-run
In a strongly-worded ruling, the Third District Court of Appeal just reversed a Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge’s decision to disqualify Doral Councilwoman Sandra Ruiz, a Democrat, from running for the Florida House in Tuesday’s primary.
- To view the Court’s opinion, click here.
Florida judge resumes hearing in Sansom criminal case
A judge is hearing more evidence on a motion to dismiss corruption charges against former House Speaker Ray Sansom.
Tribe, US near deal on financial records
Florida’s Miccosukee Tribe and the U.S. government are nearing a deal in a dispute over disclosure of financial records in a tax investigation.
Governor Charlie Crist gets Public Service Commission candidates list
Gov. Charlie Crist received his final slate of candidates for appointment to the Public Service Commission on Thursday, the last piece in the legislative effort to replace all but one of the commissioners who rejected the billion dollar rate increases sought by the state’s largest electric companies.
Florida’s unemployment rate ticks up a notch to 11.5 percent
Florida’s unemployment rate rose to 11.5 percent in July, a modest increase from June’s 11.4 percent and a reversal of three months of declines.
Deerfield Beach-based Buy Owner files for liquidation
The Buy Owner broker-free real estate firm, known for its “Thanks, Buy Owner” advertisements, has filed for liquidation as the housing market continues to struggle.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: 2012 presidential primary may again trouble Florida Democrats
Florida could have trouble abiding by proposed rules for the 2012 Democratic presidential primaries, state party Chairwoman Karen Thurman has warned the Democratic National Committee.
Crist donors not flocking to Rubio
Despite party anger over Gov. Charlie Crist’s decision to leave the GOP and launch an independent run for the U.S. Senate, few early Crist donors have crossed over and contributed to Republican candidate Marco Rubio, records show.
Rick Scott doesn’t show for joint appearance with Bill McCollum
Four days before the primary, hundreds of Republicans gathered Thursday evening for a chance to compare and contrast the two candidates in the bitterly fought contest for the party’s nomination for governor.
CNN, St. Petersburg Times and University of South Florida to host U.S. Senate debate on October 24
CNN and the St. Petersburg Times are partnering with the University of South Florida to present a live, nationally televised debate nine days before voters choose a new U.S. senator to represent Florida.
Ex-Employee Details Fraud in Rick Scott’s Health Care Firm
John Schilling had never seen such opulence.
Editorial: Smith adds appeal to Sink ticket
Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, offered a ray of hope Thursday as her Republican rivals wallowed in the gutter with attack ads in advance of next week’s primary.
Leonard Parry has a possum in his pants. Most people – okay, all people – would be distracted by a marsupial rooting around in their trousers.
Louisiana Approves Allstate’s Homeowners Rate Increase
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner James J. Donelon has approved Allstate Corp.’s request for an overall 7.6% increase in homeowners insurance rates.
Louisiana Citizens Property board OKs pay for new CEO
The governing board for the state’s property insurance company of last resort has agreed to pay its next chief executive $264,000 a year.
Moody’s: Stress Testing A Key Part Of Ratings Evaluation
When rating property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies globally, stress-testing is applied to evaluate the resiliency of (re)insurers’ credit profiles, Moody’s Investors Service said in a report.
Consumer Advocates Support State Regulation; More Transparency
Two consumer advocates told insurance commissioners they would prefer to see regulation of insurance remain with the states, as opposed to a federal takeover.
Producer, Carrier Groups Unite For New York Surplus Lines Hearing
A public hearing by the New York Department of Insurance on whether to add coverages to the state’s excess and surplus lines “export” list was deemed successful by an agent trade association.
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