Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, Aug. 28

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Nationwide dropping 39,000 homeowner policies in Fla.

MIAMI – Nationwide Insurance said Tuesday it will reduce its catastrophe exposure in Florida by dropping more than 40,000 homeowner and commercial property policies.

 

Controversy over Florida’s early presidential primary doesn’t deter candidates

It’s already raining candidates in Florida, and a flap between the state and national political parties over the Jan. 29 presidential primary is not about to stop the flow of campaign appearances.

 

Editorial:  Good time to push for national catastrophe fund

Floridians don’t find joy in others’ misfortunes. Still, the spate of natural disasters plaguing the country presents an opportunity to approve needed legislation that ultimately will help many Americans, not just those in hurricane-prone regions.

 

Deputies release little information in Orlando triple murder

Orlando Sheriff’s deputies on Monday declined to release a timeline or motive in the deaths of three people, including a Republican political consultant, whose bodies were found last week.

 

Florida CFO Alex Sink:  Solve No-Fault Insurance Problems
 
For 36 years, Floridians have taken for granted that if they sustain injuries in a car accident, the first $10,000 in medical and related benefits are automatically covered by the no-fault law, commonly referred to by the medical-benefits portion called PIP, personal injury protection.

 

DMS chief pans purchasing rules

The head of Florida’s housekeeping agency said Monday taxpayers often lose money on major purchases because state rules are so “complex and convoluted” that companies don’t want the bureaucratic hassle of selling to government agencies.

 

Trial Lawyers Report Attacks Insurers Over Katrina Claims

A day before the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s arrival in New Orleans, a trial lawyers group issued a report charging that insurance companies after that mammoth storm systematically denied paying policyholders “fair and just claims.”

 

N.Y. Stops Insurers From Tie-Ins For Coastal Customers

New York ’s chief insurance regulator announced today he has stopped carriers from nonrenewing home insurance customers in coastal areas who are unwilling to buy their auto or life products as well.

 

Flood Insurance Reform Stalls in Congress

Despite promising changes, Congress has shown little enthusiasm for taking the unpopular steps that experts say are necessary to fix the nation’s main flood insurance program.

 

Rubio: Insurance reform, tax cut fall short

WEST PALM BEACH — Insurance reforms and property tax cuts approved by the Florida Legislature this year have fallen short of expectations, House Speaker Marco Rubio conceded Monday.

 

FEMA awards some Floridians less than $10

Some residents received as little as 41 cents with which to rebuild
 
A number of Floridians received less than $10 in federal aid to help repair a damaged or destroyed residence after the four hurricanes of 2004, according to data released Monday to news-press.com.

 

Governor Crist Appoints Children’s Cabinet

Lt. Governor Kottkamp will serve as chairman

Governor Charlie Crist today announced appointments to the Children and Youth Cabinet and designated Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp to serve as chairman. 

 

Statements Rep. Allen said following arrest are thrown out

TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Comments state Rep. Bob Allen made to police after he was arrested and charged with soliciting prostitution will not be used in court, attorneys agreed Monday.

 

Dreams Teeter On Coastal Law

ENGLEWOOD – Fran and John Stanwix hoped to sell their elevated waterfront home and move inland to save money.

 

Hurricane Center reshuffles staff as it seeks a new director

A formal nationwide search will be conducted for a new director of the National Hurricane Center to replace Bill Proenza, who was ousted in July after a staff revolt, federal officials said Monday.

 

Democratic state lawmaker compares party to GOP, Katherine Harris

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Democratic state representative said Monday that if national Democrats penalize Florida for moving up its primary, they’re no better than Republicans.

 

Florida’s fiscal outlook bleak

Budget-cut talks may last to spring
 
The fiscal picture is getting gloomier and budget cutting will have to stretch longer, into next spring, lawmakers learned Monday.

 

Ex-Tenn. Legislator Gets 5.5 Years

Former state Sen. John Ford, once among Tennessee’s most powerful lawmakers, was sentenced Tuesday to 5 1/2 years in prison for bribery.

 

Craig Says ‘I Am Not Gay,’ Did No Wrong

Under fire from leaders of his own party, Idaho Sen. Larry Craig on Tuesday the only thing he had done wrong was to plead guilty after a police complaint of lewd conduct in a men’s room. He declared, “I am not gay. I never have been gay.”