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Guest AuthorOctober 21, 2016

Early estimates placed Florida’s total economic damage from Hurricane Matthew in the range of $25-$70 billion. With the weakening of the storm and a track that moved the storm eastward, the estimated damage from the storm dropped significantly, but that should not keep us from acknowledging the real threat Matthew was to Florida. Real estate […]

Associated PressOctober 19, 2016

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Florida’s streak of dodging hurricanes is over, but the state-created fund that helps private insurers pay out claims after a storm remains in strong financial shape. Anne Bert, the chief operating officer of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, said preliminary estimates predict that the fund will pay out less than $200 million for Hurricane Matthew. […]

Michael MolineOctober 18, 2016

The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund holds $17.5 billion in liquid assets, enough to meet its statutorily mandated reserves with $500 million left over, administrators said Tuesday. Furthermore, the fund, a backstop to the state’s property insurance companies, can easily go to the financial markets to raise money if Florida suffers storm damage sufficient to strain […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 18, 2016

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry doesn’t make every JEA Board meeting. But he made the one after Hurricane Matthew on Tuesday. Curry’s attendance, once FloridaPolitics.com reported it last week, has been a matter of some speculation, especially since JEA CEO Paul McElroy said last week he was out of town during Hurricane Matthew, as JEA imposed an unreachable […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 18, 2016

After Hurricane Matthew, some Northeast Florida counties in the path of the storm have a leg up on others. Action News Jax reported Tuesday that Volusia, Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns counties are now eligible for Individual Assistance, which helps facilitate temporary housing for the displaced and small business loans for affected businesses. Left out of […]

Associated PressOctober 18, 2016

This is the last chance for Floridians to register before this year’s crucial presidential election. Florida will close its voter registration books on Tuesday. A federal judge last week extended the registration period by six days due to the disruption and damage caused by Hurricane Matthew. Democrats initially asked Gov. Rick Scott to extend the […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 18, 2016

For most of the last year, the JEA — Jacksonville’s municipal utility — had benefited from positive news cycles. In the fall of 2015, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry requested the resignation of JEA board members. The source of Curry’s ire were scripted comments in a board meeting related to a pay hike and contract extension for CEO Paul McElroy. […]

Michael MolineOctober 17, 2016

The number of insurance claims filed following Hurricane Matthew has now surpassed 75,000, state regulators announced Monday. The estimated insurance loss was $454 million. When last counted on Friday afternoon, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation had recorded 75,215 claims, of which 67,805 remained open. Residential property claims numbered 66,862; commercial, 1,660. The department posts […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 17, 2016

In St. Augustine Monday for an event promoting tourism in America’s oldest city, Gov. Rick Scott reiterated his call for the federal government to approve Florida’s entire request for a “major disaster declaration.” The federal government has not approved funding, asserts the governor’s office, “for individual assistance or for permanent work to roads, parks, and government buildings […]

Associated PressOctober 13, 2016

Flood warnings have been issued for parts of Florida’s Atlantic coast experiencing annual “King tides.” The National Weather Service says flooding is expected along the St. Johns River and South Florida’s coastline through Friday. King tides bring the year’s highest tides each fall. Scientists say they’re inching higher because of rising sea levels. According to […]

Tag: Hurricane Matthew

Manley Fuller: Hurricane Matthew delivers another reminder of life on Florida’s coastline

Despite storms Florida hurricane fund remains in good shape

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund in robust health, report says

Hurricane Matthew blowback and reax dominate JEA Board meeting

Many NE Florida counties have gotten a full disaster declaration, but Duval waits

Time’s up: Florida wrapping up voter registration

JEA Board meets Tuesday; Mayor Lenny Curry will be there

Hurricane Matthew-related insurance claims pass the 75,000 barrier

Rick Scott wants feds to declare ‘major disaster’ in Florida after Matthew

Hurricanes leave Florida coasts vulnerable to ‘King tides’