Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, August 18
Aug 18, 2010
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News Release: Governor Crist Announces Approval of Florida’s Updated Enhanced Mitigation Plan
Approval of plan will allow Florida to continue to receive additional federal funding
Governor Charlie Crist today announced that the Florida Division of Emergency Management has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Florida’s updated 2010 enhanced mitigation plan.
St. Petersburg abandons project of building homes from shipping containers
Five years ago, the city joined a nonprofit housing agency in a project to turn recycled shipping containers into a pair of hurricane-resistant homes in Bartlett Park.
News Release: Updated 2010 WIND Umpire Directory Now Available
The 2010 WIND Umpire Directory has been updated with an ‘Index by State/City’ and an ‘Index by Occupation.’
A.M. Best Revises Outlook to Stable for Florida-based Service Insurance Company
A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to stable from negative and affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a-” of Service Insurance Company (Service Insurance) (Bradenton, FL).
St. Pete workers’ comp provider SUNZ Insurance expands to four more states
SUNZ Insurance Co. added for more states to its coverage area.
Lawsuit filed against West Palm Beach over red-light cameras
Thousands of people who have been caught on camera running red lights on city streets may get a check in the mail soon if a lawsuit filed recently is successful.
Blog: Muscle against health insurance; Florida gets grant to fight premium hikes
Florida will get $1 million to fight unreasonable hikes in insurance premiums, announced federal officials.
Fort Lauderdale extends moratorium on new pain clinics
No new pain management clinics can open in Fort Lauderdale at least until Feb. 25
Florida justices hearing argument on 3 amendments
The Florida Supreme Court is hearing arguments in challenges to three proposed state constitutional amendments.
Florida is No. 2 in mortgage delinquency
Florida had the second highest percentage of borrowers nationwide at least 60 days behind on mortgage payments in the second quarter of 2010, credit bureau TransUnion said Tuesday. The nationwide number decreased, suggesting that credit conditions in the housing market have stabilized.
Florida 5th for stimulus-backed jobs
The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 has funded 38,505 jobs in Florida so far, according to statistics compiled by Onvia Inc.
Florida launches website for election results
Florida is launching a new website offering election results including a tool for tracking specific races.
Business Week: Floridians among ‘laziest’ in the U.S.
Florida nabbed the No. 17 spot on Businessweek.com’s top 20 list of America’s laziest states.
State will use stimulus money to help pay for solar rebates
A solar energy representative on Monday welcomed state action to pay some of the more than 15,000 in applications that have been filed for solar energy rebates.
Blog: Attorney General hopeful Pam Bondi scores Palin’s support
With six days to go until Florida Republicans pick a nominee for attorney general, former Hillsborough prosecutor Pam Bondi scored a significant endorsement Wednesday from Sarah Palin.
Independent candidate Lawton ”Bud” Chiles draws Both GOP and Democratic voters
Lawton ”Bud” Chiles and his independent was supposed to be the spoiler in this year’s race for governor.
Weekend Stiltsville documentary shows how it was
As everyone debates the statewide Amendment 4, about comprehensive land use plans, a new documentary on PBS will show just how loosey-goosey Miami’s early history was.
Agents: 5-Year NFIP Extension Unlikely To Pass Before Next Expiration
A five-year National Flood Insurance Program extension bill passed by the House in July is unlikely to pass the Senate before the program’s next scheduled expiration on Sept. 30, representatives for two Washington-based agent groups said.
Georgia Ethics Commission Seeks Help In Oxendine Donations Case
A case involving the alleged inappropriate donations of two insurance companies and political actions committees to Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine could be referred to the state prosecutor for investigation.
Missouri Consumers Better Protected Against Insolvent Insurers
Financially strapped insurance companies in Missouri will soon face tighter oversight, thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Jay Nixon.
NAIC approves proposed medical-loss ratio financial template
The National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a proposed financial template, called a “blank,” specifying the types of services, fees and other spending that health insurers may be able to count as medical expenses under the new minimum medical-loss ratio requirements set by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Insurance/Bank Giants Could See Changes In European Union Rules
Conglomerates involved in both the banking and insurance sectors could see stricter regulations in European Union member states, possibly by next year, if a European Commission proposal takes effect, the Commission said.
$30.4 million award in popcorn flavoring case
A worker at a chemical-flavoring plant who was disabled by exposure to diacetyl, an ingredient in butter flavoring used in popcorn, was awarded $30.4 million by a jury, the largest amount awarded to an individual in cases involving diacetyl, a law firm said.
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