Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, August 22
Aug 22, 2008
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President declares federal emergency in response to Fay
On day five of Tropical Storm Fay’s assault on Florida, President George W. Bush declared a federal emergency as the storm continued its slow march across the top of the state.
Florida Insurance Regulator: Hurricane Deductible Does Not Apply
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty issued an advisory to remind Florida consumers and authorized insurers that the hurricane deductible of their homeowner’s policy does not apply at this time — because the National Hurricane Center has not upgraded Tropical Storm Fay to a hurricane.
Fay’s damage will be covered by insurance policies’ all-perils section
Tropical Storm Fay’s winds may have reached 60 mph in parts of South Florida, but the damage it wreaked won’t be covered by homeowners’ windstorm insurance policies.
Bronson Reminds AG Producers of Farm Bill Change Affecting Disaster Assistance
With the hurricane season entering its peak period, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today reminded agricultural producers that they must have crop insurance or non-insured crop disaster assistance coverage (NAP) to be eligible for compensation under the government’s disaster programs.
Crist gets close view of damage
President triggers federal help with declaration of emergency
On Day 5 of Tropical Storm Fay’s assault on Florida, President Bush declared a federal emergency as the storm continued its slow march across the top of the state.
Hurricane experts push for more research money
Predicting a storm’s intensity and path is being done with 1970s tools. Now hurricane experts in Florida are pushing for a bill that would pump almost $500 million annually into hurricane research.
The National Hurricane Center’s Christopher Landsea says more money could mean better forecasts.
If your home is flooded, here’s what to expect in filing a claim
Will my homeowners-insurance policy cover flood damage?
Probably not. Most residential property-insurance policies cover only storm damage from wind or wind-driven rain. You usually need a supplemental policy from the National Flood Insurance Program if you want to ensure you’re covered for damage from rising water. Some private insurance companies sell additional coverage for water damage, but many don’t. ‘We don’t offer any coverage above [the federal flood insurance],’ said Nicholas Halliwell of Allstate.
Protect your business against disasters
Carrying adequate building and contents insurance limits for a catastrophe loss is very important, but the time it takes to rebuild and recover often spells doom for many businesses.
Experts offer advice for drivers facing water hazards
As Tropical Storm Fay batters the Treasure Coast, flooding continues to threaten drivers.
Auto insurance experts advise residents against driving through standing water.
Plant City FEMA FloodPlain Map Effective Aug. 28; Residents Unhappy
The city will hold a public meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St., on the Hillsborough County floodplain map that is being developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
PharmaCare Charged With Dealing in Stolen Property
The Web site for PharmaCare Health Services told retailers it aimed to be their “secondary source of health & beauty care products.”
Florida leads nation in costly medical imaging
Advanced medical imaging procedures are done so often in Florida, it’s a wonder people don’t glow in dark movie theaters. But, that may soon change.
Tampa hospital faces funding loss after suicides
The federal government says it will stop medicare funding to Tampa General Hospital if improvements aren’t made in its psychiatric unit.
As the region’s economy struggles, more people are going to emergency rooms without health insurance.
Disabled forced to cope with less state funding
Hundreds of Tampa Bay people with disabilities stand to lose essential services such as job training and transportation when new state guidelines begin limiting the amount of money the state will pay for their care.
Worker fatalities down in U.S., up in Florida
The number of fatal work injuries nationwide decreased a notable 6 percent in 2007 — to a record low rate of fatalities since the Bureau of Labor Statistics has kept track. But Florida worker deaths rose slightly.
EDITORIAL: Crist makes the right pick for DCF head
By putting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults ahead of partisan politics, Gov. Charlie Crist once again made the right call.
Is Crist threat letter linked to McCain’s?
State investigators are trying to find out who sent a threatening letter to Gov. Charlie Crist in an envelope filled with a white powdery substance, The Miami Herald has learned.
Reagan faces newcomer in District 67
An Air Force retiree is finding himself pitted against Goliath this primary election for the Republican nod for a state House seat representing mostly Manatee County voters.
Aon to Acquire Broker Benfield for $1.75 Billion
Chicago-based Aon Corporation and UK-based broker Benfield Group Limited announced that their respective boards of directors have reached agreement for Aon to acquire Benfield for £3.50 ($6.55) per share in cash and assume £91 million ($170 million) of Benfield net debt, representing an enterprise value of approximately £935 million ($1.75 billion) on a fully diluted basis.
Consumers Urge NAIC Conflict Policy, Citing Bell And Swiss Re
News that Alabama Insurance Commissioner Walter Bell is taking a post with a giant reinsurer raises questions of influence and undermines public confidence, consumer representatives said in a letter to insurance regulators.
Americans for Smart Natural Catastrophe Policy Urges Congress to Heed Warning in New Economic Study
Americans for Smart Natural Catastrophe Policy, a national coalition of environmental, consumer, taxpayer, free market and industry organizations, urged Congress to review carefully the findings of an economic study released today by Robert J. Shapiro, who served as Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs in the Clinton Administration, and Aparna Mathur, a Research Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, that estimates massive new taxpayer liabilities if natural catastrophe legislation now pending in Congress is adopted.
Report: DOD to again probe post-Katrina pumps in New Orleans; 1st look called superficial
The Department of Defense will again investigate allegations that the Army Corps of Engineers let a contractor install faulty pumps after Hurricane Katrina despite a warning that they might fail, according to the agency that handles federal whistleblower complaints.
Mississippi Regulator Reaches Agreements with State Farm, Allstate
After months of separate discussion and negotiations, State Farm and Allstate insurance companies reached an agreement with Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney on details of homeowners insurance rate filings.
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