LAKELAND — Many states and countries, especially ones like Florida with large senior populations, face the issue of what to do about people who’ve lost the ability to drive safely because of age-related conditions. So, too, do many families, as Karen Braddy, 50, of Lakeland discovered. The solution often divides families. Six years ago, the…
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has responded to Florida’s request to review the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) rates but it may not be as forthcoming and helpful as Florida officials had hoped. In a letter dated Dec. 29, 2015 (see below), FEMA Deputy Associate Administrator for Federal Insurance and Mitigation Roy E. Wright…
Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers was among a group of elected officials and insurance advocates who gathered Friday in Tallahassee to begin to formulate a statewide campaign to battle rising flood insurance rates. Carruthers is the co-chair of the Florida Association of Counties Federal Committee, which reviews federal legislation for impacts on Florida counties. The…
Scientists: El Niño may boost tornadoes By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post Staff Writer The lights flickered as skies spiked with thunder and lightning near Yvette Hicks’ Cape Coral home on Saturday.She went for a candle, but the kitchen window exploded before she could even strike a match. Everything went black.Outside, in the darkness that…
Tell Mel: Rebates and benefits: Beware of fraud MELANIE PAYNE, TELLMEL@NEWS-PRESS.COM 7:02 a.m. EST January 13, 2016 Today’s column is an emergency read for anyone whose home was damaged by Saturday’s tornado and must-read for anyone who might ever have to file a claim on their homeowner’s insurance. The first warning is about contractors offering to rebate…
“You can see tarps all up on the roof,” said Louie Maier. “I’m getting phone calls every two minutes. Somebody calling for repairs, for insurance companies, adjusters.” Two days after Saturday’s tornado, the growing list of repairs is painfully evident. “And I have a gutter that’s destroyed,” said Josie Viens. “The biggest cost, I think…
NEW YORK, December 21, 2015 — Family, friends and festivities should be the focus of the holiday season, but don’t let this joyous time be marred by fire, theft, accidents and other disasters, advises the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Taking a few simple steps, and having the right insurance coverage can reduce these seasonal hazards.…
Key Largo (United States) (AFP) – Extreme high tides have turned streets into canal-like swamps in the Florida Keys, with armies of mosquitoes and the stench of stagnating water filling the air, and residents worried rising sea levels will put a damper on property values in the island chain. On Key Largo, a tropical isle…
Put down those cell phones and save your texting and web surfing for later — texting while driving could become a primary offense if legislation from two Republican lawmakers passes through the Florida Legislature this year. The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Rockledge, and Rep. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, would change current Florida law to…
Florida survives 10th straight year without hurricane strike; But streak may be over, officials warn residents. By Jorge Milian Palm Beach Post Staff Writer The experts were right: Hurricane season was a dud.Colorado State University climatologist Phil Klotzbach predicted in April that the six-month Atlantic season would be “pretty boring” and the forecast proved accurate.There…