Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Monday, Dec. 3

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Crist fires back to Rubio on Seminoles compact

Gov. Charlie Crist fired back Monday at House Speaker Marco Rubio’s attempt to throw out the gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe, arguing that the House’s decision to sue the governor is misguided and “a bit premature.”

 

Customers Of Broke Fla. Insurers Can Claim Online

A Florida official said her state is to use a new system permitting persons to file claims over the internet against insurers in state receivership.

 

Start-up insurers giving South Florida homeowners more options

In South Florida, conventional wisdom has been that shopping for property insurance started and stopped with state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

 

Tax revolt could push Rubio to a higher office

If House Speaker Marco Rubio ever runs for higher office, he won’t be the first politician to ride the populist wave of a citizen tax revolt.

 

Rubio duels with Crist

Gov. Charlie Crist has a lot to be happy about: a high public approval rating, low unemployment, another hurricane-free season.

 

County shifts on proposed sinkhole rule

A proposal that in its original form could have stopped new construction from being built atop sinkhole-prone land in Pasco County now has a different tack – no prohibitions, but an engineering report has to be filed.

 

Jindal meets with President Bush, seeks hurricane recovery aid

Gov.-elect Bobby Jindal said he used the opportunity of a sit-down meeting with President Bush on Monday to ask for help in speeding hurricane recovery aid to Louisiana and for additional dollars in those recovery efforts. 

 

Insurance relief isn’t likely

The hurricane-free season will not guarantee lower property insurance rates in Florida next year, a leading industry expert said Thursday.

 

Insurance ‘profit’? No way

For Florida’s private property insurers, profit went up again this year. But pay no attention. 

Poe can’t escape storms of past

Bill Poe’s back in business at 76, but his insolvencies’ toll lives on.

If only he could have gotten his hands on that $20-million from the state. Or if he’d had a little more time to shift everything to another company.

 

Stormy Conditions Rage On In Home Insurance Market

Florida hasn’t had a major storm in two years.

Insurance companies have recovered from the losses of the devastating hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, posting profits of about $3.4 billion in the state this year. Premiums have fallen about 12 percent – though less than projected.

 

Feds Probe Sept. 11 Insurance Fund

Federal officials said Monday they will investigate why a $1 billion Sept. 11 insurance fund created by Congress to cover claims of sick ground zero workers is fighting the cases in court rather than distributing money.

 

No-Win For All?

In Insurance Battle, Both Sides Unhappy

LAKELAND | Even with no hurricanes, property insurance turned out to be one of the most contentious issues in Florida politics – and business – this year, yet there remains sharply divided opinion on what exactly was accomplished.

 

New Marsh Chief Returns To His Roots

Daniel S. Glaser, the new head of Marsh, says he returns to the company that gave him the foundation for his career with the intention of bringing the insurance brokerage giant back to its former glory.

 

Marsh McLennan names new Marsh Inc CEO

Marsh & McLennan Cos Inc (MMC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday that Daniel Glaser will become chairman and chief executive of Marsh Inc, the insurance brokerage’s main operating subsidiary, effective Dec. 10.

 

Boating tips: Before next hurricane season, know insurance facts

It is not too early to think about insurance for the 2008 season.  Unlike an automobile, the state of Florida does not require your boat be insured. However, insurance on vessels must be obtained well before an approaching storm.

 
Swiss Life to Buy AWD for $1.68 Billion

Insurer Swiss Life Holding will make a $1.68 billion takeover offer for German financial services provider AWD, the company said Monday.

 

Judge grows frustrated with uninsured drivers

It is 10 a.m. at the Dallas Municipal Courthouse. From his faded wooden dais, Judge Jay Robinson faces yet another defendant accused of driving without insurance.

 

Another voice: Stay prepared for storms

Andrea. Barry. Chantal. Then came Dean, one of 2007’s deadliest hurricanes – a Category 5 – 156 miles per hour or more. Soon came Felix, a Category 5 with winds clocked at 165 mph.

 

British Thieves Ripping Off the Roof

TEWKESBURY, England — It was bad enough that thieves had stolen a roof, but outrageous that what they took topped the pride of this town, the soaring 12th-century Tewkesbury Abbey.

 

Mental disorders rife after Hurricane Katrina-study

About half of adult New Orleans residents suffered from anxiety and mood disorders months after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, a higher rate than after most natural disasters, researchers said on Monday.