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Guest AuthorMay 21, 2018

An uptick in the frequency of severe weather is a sure sign that summer is near. And for the southeast, that means hurricane season is quickly approaching. Last year, three major hurricanes — Harvey, Irma and Maria — caused an estimated $67 billion in damage in a 28-day window. Forecasters are again calling for an […]

Mitch PerryDecember 6, 2017

Nearly three months after Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn engaged in a verbal skirmish about who had the power to call for an emergency curfew in Tampa, County Commissioners would like local state legislators to weigh in. The issue goes back to the days leading up the arrival of Hurricane Irma […]

Ana CeballosNovember 3, 2017

Republican Sen. Anitere Flores, who represents the Irma-battered Florida Keys, said Friday that property insurance will be the “main” insurance issue she will tackle in the upcoming legislative session. “I made some promises to myself over the summer that I was going to have a much calmer session this year, and not be in the […]

Associated PressOctober 24, 2017

The Senate passed a $36.5 billion emergency aid measure Tuesday to refill disaster accounts, provide a much-needed cash infusion to Puerto Rico, and bail out the federal flood insurance program. The 82-17 vote sends the measure to the White House, where President Donald Trump is sure to sign it. The measure provides $18.7 billion to […]

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 […]

Associated PressOctober 5, 2017

The last shelter used for Hurricane Irma evacuees has closed in Miami-Dade County. Ronald Book, who oversees the county’s homeless agency, says the final resident of the shelter set up inside the shelter was placed in a long-term apartment on Wednesday. Book tells the Miami Herald the woman was homeless before the hurricane, which complicated her exit […]

Associated PressOctober 4, 2017

State officials say Hurricane Irma caused more than $2.5 billion in damage to Florida’s agricultural community. Irma dealt Florida’s iconic orange crop the most devastating blow causing more than $760 million in damage. Beef cattle and dairy were next with $237 million and nearly $12 million respectively. The preliminary assessment was released Wednesday by Florida Commissioner […]

Associated PressSeptember 28, 2017

The lights flickered off during the lunchtime rush and the principal had to use a cellphone light to make sure everyone got their food, but school is back in session at a Florida school that was a Red Cross shelter after Hurricane Irma. Wednesday was the second of three staggered school opening dates in Monroe […]

Peter SchorschSeptember 27, 2017

The Florida House of Representatives graphics team has done it again, putting together an uplifting 5-minute clip about the state’s recovery after Hurricane Irma. The video opens with ominous music and titles that read “They said we were divided … That we were hopelessly at odds … That in an hour of need … Americans […]

Blake DowlingSeptember 16, 2017

Irma was a monster; some parts of the state were lucky, others were not. My prayers are with all those impacted by the storm. Shout outs to our state and local leaders for keeping everyone in the loop; a lot was learned from Hermine last year. I personally thought Gov. Rick Scott did a great […]

Tag: Irma
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Logan McFaddin: Summer is near, hurricane readiness begins now

Hillsborough Commissioners want Legislature to address who has curfew power

Lawmakers foresee ‘headwinds’ in passing major insurance legislation

Senate passes $36.5B disaster aid bill; Donald Trump signature next

Hurricanes, earthquakes estimated to cost insurers $95B

Last shelter used for Hurricane Irma evacuees closes

Hurricane Irma causes $2.5B in damage to Florida crops

School’s back in session for some in the Florida Keys

Florida House goes Michael Bay with Irma recovery video

Blake Dowling: Lessons from Irma; tech tips for the next storm