Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, Nov. 21

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Some local governments pull out of state investment pool
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — At least three local governments have pulled more than $350 million total out of a state-run investment pool, shaken by troubles in the mortgage industry.

 

Poll: Crist still doing good job

The ‘boss’ still likes Charlie.

A Mason Dixon Poll released Tuesday shows that 61 percent of Florida voters rate Gov. Charlie Crist’s performance as ‘excellent’ or ‘good.’

 

A good bill, with a tweak

Federal disaster insurance would spread states’ risk

On its face the bill that soared through the U.S. House early this month to help property owners in states like Florida share catastrophe risk with those in other states looks like a no-brainer.

 

Crist aide to join tax-plan campaign

Gov. Charlie Crist will assign a trusted aide to run a statewide political campaign to shore up support for the property tax proposal on the Jan. 29 ballot.

 
Rep. Rubio veers off with another tax cut plan

House Speaker Marco Rubio, unsatisfied with the Legislature’s proposed tax reform, has thrown his weight behind a citizen petition that boasts a 26 percent average property tax cut statewide.

 

Swiss Re not tip of industry iceberg: Hannover Re

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Swiss Re’s (RUKN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research) shock problems in its credit insurance business are unlikely to be repeated at other reinsurers, Hannover Re (HNRGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) Chief Financial Officer Elke Koenig said on Tuesday.

 

Lawyer disbarred, two others are disciplined

Diverted mortgage funds led to the disbarment.

The Florida Supreme Court has disciplined three North Pinellas lawyers for infractions ranging from mysteriously diverting mortgage payments to letting educational credentials lapse.

 

Homeowners can be liable if trees, bushes cause traffic accidents

Homeowners who let bushes, shrubs and trees extend into the public right of way may be held liable if the foliage contributes to accidents by blocking motorists’ view, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.

 

Kickback probe looks at payments to surgeons

A well-known Miami doctor who did Heat Coach Pat Riley’s hip replacement surgery has received nearly $600,000 this year in fees from a company that makes artificial hips, according to documents published in connection with a federal kickback investigation.

 

Insurers Split Over Federal Regulation

WASHINGTON —The property-casualty insurance sector remains divided over an appropriate industry regulatory system for the future.

 

Worst cities for speeding tickets across the USA

Pack up the kids. Load the car. Brace yourself (and your stomach) for Thanksgiving and all that comes with it: togetherness, turkey and & tickets?

 

Legislators Adopt Model Law to Strengthen State Guaranty Funds

A new model law adopted by the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) will create a stronger safety net for property/casualty guaranty funds nationwide.

 

Storms brewing over $41 million in federal relief earmarked for low-income Wilma victims

Hurricane Wilma damaged her condo two years ago, but Simha Bibi may wait several more weeks to learn whether she’ll get federal aid.

 

Future of levee project rests, literally, on clay

NEW ORLEANS – The project to rebuild this region’s critical levee system is in need of some good old Louisiana clay.