Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, July 2

 

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Property insurance rates could rise 2.5%

Florida consumers may get hit with a 2.5 percent hike in their property insurance bills, thanks to a state plan to shore up the fund that helps cover insurance company losses from hurricanes.

FIU gets $10 million for wind studies

A $10 million grant will allow researchers at FIU to develop products to help homes withstand hurricanes.

Florida International University’s Wall of Wind is set up during this 2006 demonstration. With the $10 million award, the university’s hurricane research center can now make the wind tunnel more powerful and hire a director to oversee the project.

Crist praised for veto of flawed bill on homeowner associations

Gov. Charlie Crist’s veto of a bill to overhaul homeowner associations was hailed on Tuesday by those who wanted even greater accountability from boards.

Home insurance rates finally dropping

When Ron Wise learned Nationwide Insurance dropped the coverage on his Palm Beach Gardens home this year, he figured he’d be lucky to find another insurer.

Brown & Brown acquires assets of Taylor Benefit and Neonatal Consultation

Brown & Brown, a provider of insurance and reinsurance products and services, has announced the asset acquisition of Taylor Benefit Services and Neonatal Consultation Services by its subsidiary.

Florida State spin-off company focuses on disaster preparedness

In a post-Sept. 11, post-Hurricane Katrina world, being prepared for disasters both natural and manmade has gained new urgency. Now, a new company using technology developed by Florida State University researchers will make it easier for relevant government agencies, corporations and other organizations to prepare for such disasters and to react to them more quickly and efficiently.

McCollum discusses Fla. suit against Countrywide

Attorney General Bill McCollum alleged Tuesday that Countrywide Financial Corp., the nation’s largest mortgage lender, engaged in deceptive practices that left Florida borrowers with mortgages they couldn’t afford.

Supreme Court Nominating Commission meets to choose justices

Two new members of Florida’s Supreme Court will be chosen in an expedited selection process to replace Justices Raoul Cantero and Kenneth Bell, both leaving the court later this year to return to private practice.

Florida Republican Party wants Mahoney to pay for mail out that featured Soviet

Mahoney’s office says honoring Soviet on U.S. soldier salute a mistake

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer wants Congressman Tim Mahoney, D-Palm Beach Gardens, to reimburse taxpayers for a mail out that featured an image of a former soldier of the Soviet Union’s Red Army.

U.S. Rep. Putnam Listens to His Constituents’ Concerns

In his last of three public meetings Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam listened and responded as attendees voiced concerns about their government and their quality of life.

FP&L, Progress Energy to increase rates

Florida Power & Light Co. customers will pay the bill for a dramatic increase in fuel costs beginning in August. The Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved a rate increase to pass along those costs, but spread out the pain through 2009. Commissioners of the regulatory board expressed concern about the economic struggles of Florida residents.

Flaws surface in Everglades plan

Florida’s proposed purchase of nearly 300 square miles of land for Everglades restoration moved forward this week when water managers who would oversee the property endorsed the state’s $1.75 billion offer.

Congress Gets Bill For Home Mitigation Loans

A congressman from the Gulf Coast has introduced legislation to provide government loans homeowners could used to strengthen homes against natural disasters, drawing support from insurance industry groups representing both primary and reinsurance companies.

U.S. Rep. Pallone (N.J.) wants hold on FEMA flood maps

Bill would provide tax credits, grants to affected towns

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th District) introduced legislation on June 26 in the House of Representatives that would place a moratorium on the federal government’s plans to expand flood zones.

Risk Management Jumps to Top of Audit Committee Agendas, Says New Survey by KPMG’s Audit Committee Institute

Only One In Five Are Fully Satisfied With Management’s Risk Reports; Credit Crisis Likely Fueling Concerns; Overall, Nine Out Of Ten Feel That Audit Committees Are More Effective Since SOX

Only 28 percent of audit committee members are “very satisfied” they understand the process that management uses to identify and assess significant business risks, and only 21 percent are “very satisfied” with the risk reports they receive from management, according to results of the third annual audit committee member survey conducted by KPMG’s Audit Committee Institute (ACI) and the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Kennedy leads renewed effort on universal healthcare

Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s office has begun convening a series of meetings involving a wide array of healthcare specialists to begin laying the groundwork for a new attempt to provide universal healthcare, according to participants.

OPINION:  Hold U.S. liable for neglect of levees

The tragic flooding in the Midwest is the latest episode in an endless cycle of American life: record rains, catastrophic flooding and doing nothing to prevent a recurrence. This drama has been played out for generations along the 2,350 miles of the nation’s longest river.

 

For thrill seekers, adding insurance can be a smart move
Speeding high over the Costa Rican jungle on a zip line sounded like a thrilling way for Jerry Shirley of Denver to see the lush tropical terrain around the coastal town of Jaco. All went well until he realized during his fifth ride that the leather gloves he was given to grip the cable were a sorry excuse for a braking system.

Machine Makes Water From Air

AquaVentus is hoping to make money out of thick air.

The St. Petersburg company makes a compact refrigeration unit that produces 20 gallons of clean, drinkable water a day by wringing the humidity out of air. The unit is the size of a large cooler and can be powered by electricity, a generator or solar power.