Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, Aug. 16

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Interim Report: No Proof Insurers Labeled Katrina Wind Claims as Flood

A preliminary report from the federal government has found no evidence to support allegations that private insurers improperly shifted wind damage claims from Hurricane Katrina onto the federal government’s flood insurance program.

 

Flood Insurance: Information on the Financial Condition of the National Flood Insurance Program

Floods have been, and continue to be, the most destructive natural hazard in terms of economic loss to the nation, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

To read the General Accounting Office (GAO) Report on Information on the
Financial Condition of the  National Flood Insurance Program click here

 

DHS Announces Additional $260 Million in Supplemental Grants Funding

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released today supplemental Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 grant guidance and application kits for three grant programs: the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP), and Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program.

 

Regulators question rate-hike request

TALLAHASSEE — Florida regulators grilled The Hartford on its request for a $44 million rate increase, questioning its efforts to collect a 15 percent profit for itself as well as similar rewards for its re-insurers.

 

Uninsured Auto Crisis Foreseen For Florida

An insurance company chief executive has written Florida legislators warning them that the state will be facing an uninsured driver crisis if they permit the state’s no-fault auto insurance law to expire Oct. 1.

 

Fed Reserve Board: No Credit Score Race Bias

WASHINGTON—There is “no compelling evidence” that the use of credit scoring discriminates against minorities, the Federal Reserve Board says in a new report cited by insurers as further evidence their use of the controversial tool in helping to set rates is not unfair or unreasonable.

 

Port security standards called too expensive

The Broward Legislative Delegation held a workshop on Port Everglades security issues Thursday, along with the Port Everglades Administration and the Port Everglades Association.

 

Fla. CFO Vows To Eyeball Property Rates

ORLANDO , FLA.—Florida’s chief financial officer said she will soon be scrutinizing insurers for their failure to cut property insurance rates in the wake of legislative changes.

 

Rising GOP star arrested

Angelo Cappelli is accused of theft from the estate of a deceased bank client.

ST. PETERSBURG – Less than a year ago Angelo Cappelli was a hot newcomer on the local political scene, building key allies in his race for House District 52.

 

Florida’s Protected Coastal Lands Facing Death By A Thousand Cuts

It’s hard to say which is worse, shrinking the boundaries of a public-land preservation program or forcing taxpayers to help fund development in risky coastal areas.

 

Op-Ed:  Beware Sneaky Sinkhole Bill

The Tribune’s August 8 editorial, “Sinkhole Deal Could Put Pasco, Hernando Residents In Bigger Hole” was right on the money. The so-called “pilot program” makes things worse for residents of Hernando and Pasco counties who depend on state-run Citizen’s Property Insurance for coverage.

 

‘What Happens When No-Fault Law Expires?’

Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws that require all drivers to buy personal injury protection, or PIP, are set to end.

 

Advocates fear loss of no-fault

State on collision course for disaster, they say

TALLAHASSEE — Courts will clog with lawsuits and emergency rooms will overflow if Gov. Charlie Crist and lawmakers let the state’s “no-fault” auto insurance law expire Oct. 1, a consumer group warned Wednesday.

 

Pa. judge accused of bilking insurers

PITTSBURGH — An appeals court judge was indicted on charges of scamming $440,000 from insurers by claiming he suffered debilitating injuries in a car crash, even while he golfed, skated and went scuba diving, federal prosecutors said.

 

Storm damage risks put trees in middle of growing debate

David and Whitney Glaser have lived in their Palm-Aire Country Club home for the past decade and have come to love the four stately oak trees that extend their wise, old arms over the back of their house.

 

BMW sedan performs worst in crash test

The 2008 BMW 5 Series was the worst performer in new side-impact crash tests of luxury sedans by the insurance industry.

 

Reps. Robaina and Gonzalez Preside Over Humana Medical Center Opening

Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina joined state Rep. Eduardo Gonzalez and Michael Seltzer, CEO of Humana Health Insurance, on July 17 to cut the ribbon ro formally open the new Florida Kidz & Families Medical Center.

 

Former state Rep. McInvale indicted along with ex-aide

Former state Rep. Sheri McInvale and her ex-legislative aide Robert Franklin Stuart Jr. were arrested this morning after an Orange County grand jury indicted them on misconduct and theft charges.

 

2 lawsuits target JEA on Clean Water Act

Two environmental groups sued JEA this week, accusing the Jacksonville-owned utility of violating the Clean Water Act by discharging millions of gallons of raw sewage into the city’s waterways.

 

Sinkhole Misses House

Eva Stines looks over the small sinkhole on her property this morning on the north side of State Road 60. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office put yellow tape around the hole to mark it off.

 

FPL seeks permits for wind project

Plans for windmills to generate power in St. Lucie County are still in preliminary stages, Florida Power & Light said Wednesday.

 

Why Feeney voted ‘no’ on kids’ care

Targeted by national Democrats over his vote against a childrens’ health-insurance program, U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney shotgunned an e-mail newsletter to constituents Wednesday, explaining his choice: