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Florida News Straight From the Source
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Fennell
May 29, 2024
(850) 222-3767
What They’re Saying: Reason for Optimism as Property Insurance Rate Reductions on the Horizon
Tallahassee, Fla. – As hurricane season quickly approaches, Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation, elected officials and others are sharing reasons for optimism for the state’s property insurance market. Eight insurance companies have announced their intention to lower their rates, while an additional ten plan to keep rates the same.
While there remains much work to be done as Floridians continue to grapple with high rates, reforms enacted over the last few sessions by the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis have begun making a positive impact on the state’s property insurance market.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis:
“We’re at 15 months right now and days like today are the good days in the process, where the legislature can look at our partners and the regulated industries like insurance and say thank you for helping us do the right thing for the policyholders of this state. Thank you to all of you that make a difference in making Florida the best place to live.” (Statement, 5/17/2024)
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Commissioner Michael Yaworsky:
“As Insurance Commissioner, my top priority has been increasing protection for Florida’s consumers and today’s announcement demonstrates Governor DeSantis’ ongoing commitment to ensuring a strengthened and reliable insurance market for policyholders. I want to thank Governor DeSantis and bill sponsors Senator Trumbull and Representative Stevenson for their continued leadership and support as we work to regulate one of the most complex insurance markets in the world.” (Statement, 5/17/2024)
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo:
“We know the cost of property insurance is posing a major affordability problem for Florida homeowners. Fortunately, the reforms passed in recent years are working. We are seeing new insurers and new private capital enter Florida, while large companies recommit to our state, citing recent reforms.” (Memorandum, 5/16/2024)
State Senator Jim Boyd:
“The property insurance reform, coupled with tort reform, is going to make a massive difference in homeowners’ premium costs over the foreseeable future.” (Florida Seeing ‘Downward Trend’ in Insurance Rate Filings, State Says Stabilization is Here, Florida Voice, Owen Girard, 5/21/2024)
State Representative Adam Anderson:
“FINALLY some good news regarding our property insurance market! Rate filings for 2024 show a slight trend downward for the first time in years! 10 companies have filed a 0% increase and at least 8 companies have filed a rate decrease to take effect in 2024.” (Tweet, 5/20/2024)
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Stronger Safer Florida is a nonpartisan coalition comprised of businesses, consumer and environmental groups from throughout Florida. This diverse membership seeks to protect consumers before, during, and after catastrophic events impact Florida.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2024
CONTACT: FDEM Communications Team, [email protected] | (850) 815-4940
Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Floridians to Take Advantage of Florida’s Two Disaster Sales Tax Holidays for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
~The First Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will last two weeks, beginning June 1 through June 14 ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) encourages Floridians to purchase disaster preparedness items during the first of Florida’s two, 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays beginning June 1 through June 14. A second two-week disaster sales tax holiday will take place August 24 through September 6.
“I want to thank the Governor and the Florida Legislature for continuously taking action to support Floridians and providing them with cost-effective ways to be prepared,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “I urge all residents to prioritize preparedness during these tax-free holidays and make any necessary updates to their disaster supply kit and plans.”
“Disaster can strike at any time. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires are frequent threats to people and property. The beginning of hurricane season is a good time for Floridians to gather supplies they would need to stay safe during and after a disaster,” said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “I encourage consumers to learn about the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep and save money on essentials to keep their families, homes and pets safe.”
House Bill 7073 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis to provide much-needed financial relief for families to prepare for hurricane season, in addition to a number of other tax holidays. This year, Floridians are expected to save millions on vital disaster preparedness supplies such as pet supplies, tarps, batteries, generators and flashlights, which are all included in the list of items eligible to be purchased tax-free.
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. A full list of eligible tax-free items is available here. Floridians can find a full disaster supply kit checklist here.
For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram, Facebook and X.
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Upcoming Public Meeting for Eau Gallie Boulevard Maintenance Resurfacing Project
Meeting will be offered in person and online
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding project plans on Eau Gallie Boulevard (State Road 518) from Sarno Road to west of North Apollo Boulevard in Melbourne on Tuesday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this project is to repave Eau Gallie Boulevard to extend the life of the existing roadway and improve safety for bicyclists.
The Department is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the meeting. All participants, regardless of platform they choose, will participate in the same live meeting.
FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering this public meeting in a hybrid format to provide more ways to participate. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information.
In-Person Open House Option: Participants may attend in person by going Grand Manor, 1450 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually.
Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting https://bit.ly/4cQiqN9. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, please allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.
Those who cannot attend the meeting may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/445213-1. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Randy Turner directly at 386-943-5207 or [email protected] to receive project documents.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at [email protected].
Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Randy Turner at 386-943-5207 or [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT District Five Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.
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www.fdot.gov | Twitter: @MyFDOT_CFL | Facebook: @MyFDOTCFL
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This service is provided to you at no charge by Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, May 24, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: (850) 413-6482
PSC Customer Service Hearings Scheduled
for Tampa Electric Company
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold customer service hearings on Monday, June 10; Tuesday, June 11; and Thursday, June 13, for Tampa Electric Company (TECO) customers. In April, TECO filed a petition with the PSC for a rate increase.
Service hearings allow TECO’s customers to provide public comments on its rate request and its quality of service. The Commission will consider customer input when reviewing the utility’s request.
TECO customers wanting to speak before the Commission may register by:
· using the online registration form, available on the PSC’s website under the Hot Topics;
· calling the PSC at 1-850-413-7080;
· emailing the PSC at [email protected]; or
· registering at the venue.
Virtual and in-person service hearings are scheduled for the following times and locations:
Virtual Service Hearings
Monday, June 10, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
2:30 p.m.
In-Person Service Hearing*
Thursday, June 13, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Hillsborough Community College – Brandon Campus
10451 Nancy Watkins Drive
BADM 116/117
Tampa, Florida 33619
*Spanish Interpreter will be available.
TECO provides electric service to approximately 844,000 customers in Hillsborough and portions of Polk, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.
Customers unable to participate can watch footage of the live meeting on the PSC’s website (click “Watch Live and Archived PSC Events” on our homepage).
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on X and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to the Commission’s YouTube channel for Consumer Tips and PSAs.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
What They’re Saying: Florida Democrats Call Out Republican Hypocrisy on Cuba Visits
Miami, FL — On Tuesday, Axios Miami first reported that the Transport Security Administration provided Cuban government officials a tour of Miami International Airport on May 20, a day that marks Cuban Independence Day.
According to reports, local authorities including Miami-Dade County officials and Congress were not notified of the visit, raising questions about protocols and sparking security concerns.
Florida Republicans including U.S. Senator Rick Scott and Rep. Carlos Giménez, who served mayor of Miami-Dade County from 2011 to 2020, were quick to respond with outrage claiming in a letter and recorded videos that this is the first time they have heard of the Cuban delegation visits but yesterday, the Miami-Herald reported that Cuban officials visited Miami’s airport in 2015 and 2011.
Excerpts from the Miami-Herald article are below:
Federal authorities brought Cuban aviation officials to tour Miami International Airport in 2011 and 2015, the Transportation Security Administration confirmed Wednesday, two days after the revelation of a similar visit launched a political storm in Miami.
Cuban groups also visited security operations at other U.S. airports under the administration of President Donald Trump. In 2018, three Cuban officials visited airports in Philadelphia; Arlington, Virginia; and Atlantic City, New Jersey, Howell said.
Giménez was mayor in 2015 and took office in the first half of 2011. In a videotaped question-and-answer session released by a spokesperson Wednesday afternoon, Gimenez said he wasn’t notified of any Cuban officials visiting MIA while he was overseeing the airport as mayor.
Federal authorities said the Cuba visits are part of a broader program to promote better security screening at foreign airports with direct flights to the United States.
In response, Florida Democrats called out the hypocrisy from Florida Republicans and coordinated with authorities to establish protocols and received an apology and commitment from the TSA to ensure transparency on visits in the future:
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried: “It is not the first time this has happened but the timing of the visit on Cuban Independence Day is a slap in the face to the Cuban American community in exile. While Florida Democrats are cooperating with authorities to demand answers and make sure this never happens again without full transparency, the hypocrisy from Florida Republicans is questionable. The first Cuban delegation visit to Miami airport happened when Giménez was mayor and Rick Scott was governor. Why didn’t they raise their concerns the first time? Spare us the spectacle.”
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25): “I immediately demanded an explanation from the Trump-appointed TSA director who let this unacceptable behind-the-scenes tour happen. I hope MAGA apologists bring the same energy against Putin or the other dictators they salivate over, who prop up Cuba’s despotic regime. Nobody has worked harder than President Biden and Florida Democrats to free political prisoners, assist Cuba’s democracy movement, and stand up to autocrats and their bootlicking admirers in Havana, Caracas, Moscow, and Mar-a-Lago.”
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava: “Today, I met with the Department of Homeland Security, TSA and the State Department to share our community’s deep frustration about the visit of Cuban officials to MIA. The agencies apologized and committed to changing their protocols to ensure we are informed before any other foreign delegations tour our airport.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, May 24, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: (850) 413-6482
PSC Customer Service Hearings Scheduled for
Duke Energy Florida, LLC
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold customer service hearings on Tuesday, June 11; Wednesday, June 12; and Tuesday, June 18, for Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF) customers. In April, DEF filed a petition with the PSC for a rate increase.
Service hearings allow DEF’s customers to provide public comments on its rate request and its quality of service. The Commission will consider customer input when reviewing the utility’s request.
DEF customers wanting to speak before the Commission may register by:
· using the online registration form, available on the PSC’s website under Hot Topics;
· calling the PSC at 1-850-413-7080;
· emailing the PSC at [email protected]; or
· registering at the venue.
Hybrid (in-person/virtual) and in-person service hearings are scheduled for the following times and locations:
In-Person/Virtual
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 *
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
In-Person
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Citrus County Auditorium
3610 S. Florida Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450
Wednesday, June 12, 2024*
6:00 p.m.
Parks and Conservation Resources
Magnolia Room
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida 33774
In-Person/Virtual
Tuesday, June 18, 2024*
6:00 p.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
*Spanish language interpreter will be available.
DEF supplies electric service to approximately two million retail customers in Pinellas, Pasco, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.
Customers unable to participate can watch footage of the live meeting on the PSC’s website (click “Watch Live and Archived PSC Events” on our homepage).
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on X and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to the Commission’s YouTube channel for Consumer Tips and PSAs.
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