Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, October 14
Oct 14, 2010
NOTE: A Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Public Rate Hearing for Homesite Insurance Company scheduled for today, October 14, 2010, was canceled and has not yet been rescheduled.
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Guy Carpenter Executive Kevin Stokes: New Florida Unit to Serve ‘Largest Cat Zone’
Reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter & Co. is opening a dedicated Florida unit to target “the largest catastrophe zone in the world,” said Kevin Stokes, executive vice president and leader of the new unit.
Chinese drywall program to help 300 homeowners in Florida, other states
Several defendants in the sweeping multidistrict Chinese drywall litigation – including Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin, one of the largest manufacturers being sued for producing the material – will be announcing a remediation “pilot program” tomorrow in conjunction with attorneys representing affected homeowners.
Hernando County workers’ compensation audit shows improvement
A follow-up audit addressing the county’s workers’ compensation practices shows improvements in several key areas, especially regarding confidentiality and security of sensitive records.
St. Petersburg-based SUNZ covers three more states
SUNZ Insurance Co. added three new states to its coverage area – Montana, Indiana and North Carolina – enabling it to write new business in a total of 13 states. The move represents the latest change in what has been a busy year for the St. Petersburg firm.
Federal Judge in Florida Lets States’ Suit Against Obama Healthcare Law Proceed
U.S. states can proceed with their lawsuit seeking to overturn President Barack Obama’s landmark healthcare reform law, a Florida judge ruled Thursday.
Nurses, doctors at odds on politics
Anyone who hasn’t noticed the big difference between the world views of doctors and nurses could catch on just by looking at their endorsements in the Florida governor’s race.
Orlando Health, UF and Shands form new health-care alliance
Orlando Health, the University of Florida and Shands HealthCare announced today that they are teaming up to form a new health-care alliance that could bring changes to Central Florida patients and doctors.
Collier teacher with cancer sues district, claiming error left her without life insurance
A Collier County teacher diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer is suing the Collier County School Board because she says a clerical mistake left her without life insurance coverage and the life insurance company is refusing to insure her because of her preexisting condition.
Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, chimed in on the “Tallahassee Taj Mahal”–the courthouse being erected in the outskirts of Tallahassee which cost almost $50 million. Haridopolos demanded Secretary Linda South resign her post at the Department of Management Services over the finding of an audit released by state CFO Alex Sink earlier in the week.
After U.S. Sugar deal, next governor will influence Everglades restoration
On Tuesday, the South Florida Water Management District bought nearly 27,000 acres of Everglades wetlands from U.S. Sugar for $197 million. The deal was much scaled back from an original proposal by Gov. Charlie Crist to buy all of U.S. Sugar’s 180,000 acres for $1.75 billion to be financed with bonds.
Blog: Democratic state senator calls on Charlie Crist to drop out of U.S. Senate race
Tired of the whispering campaign from some Charlie Crist fans that Democrat Kendrick Meek should drop out of the race for U.S. Senate, Broward state Sen. Jeremy Ring said Thursday Crist is the one who should drop out.
Florida U.S. Senate, governor debates canceled
The League of Women Voters and PBS have called off televised debates in Florida’s U.S. Senate and governor’s races.
Computer glitch in Tallahassee could delay distribution of some absentee ballots
If you changed your mailing address recently and just requested an absentee ballot, there’s a small chance you might not get it quickly because of a glitch in the state’s voter database.
Blog: Utilities and consumer reps help shape Public Service Commission ethics rules
Utilities and consumer advocates weighed in Thursday on proposed rules to tighten rules on how Public Service Commission employees communicate with outside groups.
Florida could soon become No. 1 state for foreclosures
Florida isn’t quite the foreclosure capital of the country. But it’s getting closer.
Gianoulis’ ‘Deb!’ too close to ‘Jeb!’ for Bush
Stop that, says rep for former governor, a Thrasher backer; she already has
The colors are the same. As are the last two letters. And the exclamation point.
Political veterans vie for state Agriculture leader
Maddox emphasizes consumer protection, Putnam highlights farmers’ interests
While he’s been in the pinstripe world of Washington for several years, Adam Putnam is a fifth generation cattle rancher. He wants to return to his roots, hoping he’ll be elected agriculture commissioner in November.
Health care, NASA at issue in Florida’s 24th District
There are three simple words Republican congressional candidate Sandy Adams delivers at almost every public appearance: refund, repeal and replace.
Amendments on November 2 ballot could bring big changes to state
On Nov. 2, Florida voters will decide on six proposed changes to the Florida Constitution that could alter the way campaigns for statewide office are funded and prohibit politicians from manipulating legislative district lines to their advantage, among other proposals.
Argenziano ‘looking forward’ after resignation from Public Service Commission
Nancy Argenziano is leaving the Public Service Commission her way.
New reservoir could mean more water for Broward and Palm Beach counties
Cost, divvying up the water, remain stumbling blocks
A reservoir and water-sharing plan for Broward and Palm Beach counties could get new life thanks to support on Wednesday from South Florida water managers.
Insurance veteran named Indiana insurance commissioner
Gov. Mitch Daniels announced Wednesday that Stephen Robertson, a lawyer and insurance industry veteran, has been named commissioner of the Indiana Department of Insurance.
California insurance commissioner to gain more power from federal healthcare law
One of the candidates – Democrat Dave Jones or Republican Mike Villines – will have a chance to set up state programs as part of the healthcare overhaul
Two state assemblymen not much known beyond their districts are vying for a statewide office that has ample authority over automobile, home and life insurance coverage and is getting more power from the landmark federal healthcare law.
Ironshore, Distinguished Programs Group Form Acquisition Unit
Bermuda-based specialty insurer Ironshore Inc. and New York-based program administrator Distinguished Programs Group LLC have formed a joint venture acquisition vehicle targeting the managing general underwriter and program manager segments of the insurance distribution business.
The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that although employers are not “absolutely liable” when employees are injured “on the job,” companies should apply the “increased risk test” to determine whether they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Tennessee High Court Blocks Hospital Lien on Insurer’s Benefit Payment
Hospitals are not entitled to place liens on insurance benefits paid by insurers to third party service providers, the Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled.
Georgia soldier fights for insurance cash
Hospital wants a third of his settlement
A Fort Gordon soldier injured in an auto accident is fighting in the Georgia Supreme Court to keep MCG Health Inc. from taking one-third of the money he got from the other driver’s insurance company.
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