Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersDecember 6, 2017

After hearing what he called “horrible” stories of pets being left chained outside during Hurricane Irma, state Rep. Bobby Olszewski has filed a bill that would make that against the law in Florida, requiring owners to do all they can to get shelter for their animal companions. House Bill 907 would kick in anytime an […]

Associated PressOctober 20, 2017

Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as two recent earthquakes in Mexico likely cost the insurance industry about $95 billion, said Swiss Re, one of the world’s biggest reinsurers. The Zurich-based company, which as a reinsurer provides backup policies to companies that write primary insurance policies, said Friday that the claims process is ongoing […]

Staff ReportsOctober 9, 2017

Florida gasoline prices “have been on a steep slide for the last three weeks and should drift even lower this week,” AAA reported early Monday. “The state average declined for the 24th consecutive day on Sunday, falling a total of 19 cents during that time,” the auto club said in a press release. All average retail […]

Staff ReportsOctober 6, 2017

A spokesman for Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, who is widely expected to jump into next year’s race for governor, Friday explained his political committee’s lack of fundraising for September. “In the month of September, Mayor Levine was solely focused on helping a number of communities prepare and weather Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, and therefore made […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 26, 2017

With a little more than two months left in the 2017 hurricane season, Florida’s emergency management head is leaving his job “to pursue an opportunity in the private sector,” the Governor’s Office announced Tuesday. Gov. Rick Scott announced Bryan Koon’s resignation as director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM), effective next Sunday. “On Sept. 1, […]

Associated PressMay 18, 2017

The Florida fund that helps private insurers pay out claims after a hurricane continues to be in strong shape ahead of storm season. Estimates prepared by Raymond James show the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund will have $17.6 billion available this year. This marks the second year in a row that fund has more money than […]

Florence SnyderDecember 26, 2016

Like a teenager who wants Daddy’s money, but not Daddy’s directives, Gov. Rick Scott is not embarrassed to throw tantrums when the feds fail to pony-up fast enough whenever it rains, even as he sticks his fingers in his ears at unwanted advice like “try rolling up your windows.” Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) director Craig […]

Associated PressOctober 24, 2016

Donald Trump said he received a $17 million insurance payment in 2005 for hurricane damage to Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, but The Associated Press found little evidence of such large-scale damage. Two years after a series of storms, the real estate tycoon said he didn’t know how much had been spent on […]

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. […]

Associated PressOctober 6, 2016

Hundreds of thousands of anxious people boarded up their homes and businesses and grabbed a few belongings to flee inland as Hurricane Matthew gained strength and roared toward the Southeast seaboard on Thursday. In Florida, Gov. Rick Scott said the state, its skies already darkening from early outer rain bands of the life-threatening storm, could […]

Tag: hurricanes

Bobby Olszewski files bill to protect pets during emergencies

Hurricanes, earthquakes estimated to cost insurers $95B

AAA: Gasoline prices keep ‘drifting lower’

Philip Levine attributes lack of fundraising to hurricanes

Personnel note: Bryan Koon quits as state emergency management head

Florida’s hurricane fund remains strong heading into season

Craig Fugate fumes while Florida sinks in a sea of bulls**t!

Donald Trump took $17M in insurance for Mar-a-Lago damage few remember

Despite storms Florida hurricane fund remains in good shape

Hundreds of thousands flee Florida coast to escape Matthew’s fury