Florida House

Record Number of US Insurance Regulators Speaking at 2024 Bermuda Risk Summit

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 11, 2024

The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) looks forward to welcoming the heads of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and US Department of Treasury, Federal Insurance Office (FIO) to the third annual Bermuda Risk Summit this week.

Key Points: 
  • The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) looks forward to welcoming the heads of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and US Department of Treasury, Federal Insurance Office (FIO) to the third annual Bermuda Risk Summit this week.
  • The Bermuda Risk Summit, presented by the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), in partnership with the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) and EY, will take place at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club from March 13-15.
  • David Hart, CEO, BDA said, “We are extremely grateful for the level of support we have received from our industry partners and overseas friends.
  • An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions.

St. Petersburg College Unveils Workforce Innovation Hub

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 1, 2024

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Petersburg College is now welcoming visitors to the Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub at the Tarpon Springs Campus.

Key Points: 
  • ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Petersburg College is now welcoming visitors to the Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub at the Tarpon Springs Campus.
  • It celebrates his vision of cultivating a skilled workforce by fostering skill development, encouraging collaboration, and contributing to the growth of local manufacturing businesses.
  • The Hub is made up of three separate and distinct areas that can be rented:
    "The Hub is a solution to building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future," said Dr. Jackie Skryd, SPC's Vice President of Workforce Development and Corporate Partnerships.
  • "With the unveiling of our innovation workforce hub, this is a momentous event," Rod Davis, Provost of the SPC Tarpon Springs Campus, said in his opening remarks at the Hub's kickoff ceremony earlier this year.

New Florida Law Protects Consumers Against Dishonest Towers

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 28, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new measure to protect Florida consumers against dishonest towers was signed into law recently by Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL).

Key Points: 
  • TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new measure to protect Florida consumers against dishonest towers was signed into law recently by Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
  • It was sponsored by Representative Melony Bell (R-Fort Meade) in the Florida House of Representatives.
  • A companion bill was sponsored by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) in the Florida Senate.
  • "This law would implement important measures that protect consumers and promote accountability within the towing industry."

Holly Benson, Phil Davis Elected to Grange Insurance Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 22, 2024

Today, Grange Insurance Company announced Holly Benson and Phil Davis have been appointed to serve on its Board of Directors, effective Feb. 22, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Today, Grange Insurance Company announced Holly Benson and Phil Davis have been appointed to serve on its Board of Directors, effective Feb. 22, 2024.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240221191552/en/
    “We welcome Holly and Phil to the Grange Insurance Company Board of Directors.
  • Their extensive leadership experiences will add enormous value to Grange as we continue to innovate, transform and modernize for our associates, our agents and our valued policyholders,” said Grange Board Chair Marnette Perry.
  • "Phil brings a wealth of knowledge to Grange's Board of Directors,” said Ammendola.

Traffic Safety Technology Company Altumint and City of Eustis Launch First School Zone Speed Enforcement Program in State of Florida

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

EUSTIS, Fla., Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Altumint, a leader in traffic safety technology, today launched the first school zone speed enforcement cameras in the state of Florida. The cameras, implemented in Eustis, FL, will support the city in its efforts to reduce speeding violations, enhance traffic safety, and protect the well-being of its residents. Beginning today, a 30-day warning period will be initiated to educate and familiarize drivers with the presence of the speed enforcement cameras. During this period, violators will receive warnings instead of citations for driving in excess of 10 miles over the posted speed limit in the school zone. This warning period aims to encourage compliance and allow motorists to adjust their driving behaviors accordingly.

Key Points: 
  • EUSTIS, Fla., Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Altumint, a leader in traffic safety technology, today launched the first school zone speed enforcement cameras in the state of Florida.
  • The cameras are located at the Corner of Orange Avenue and Prescott Street in Eustis, near Eustis Elementary School.
  • Altumint and the City of Eustis identified this high-risk area, where speeding has been a persistent issue, through a comprehensive traffic analysis conducted by the city.
  • Florida is the third worst state for pedestrian traffic fatalities, according to a Florida Road Safety Report recently released by Altumint.

Florida Sunshine Entertainment Assoc. Says Bills Restrict Rights of 18-to-20-Year-Olds

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

TALLAHASEE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Sunshine Entertainment Association (FL SEA) opposes Florida House Bill 1379 and Senate Bill 1690, which bans an estimated 300 18-to-20-year-olds from working in the state's 114 legal adult entertainment establishments.

Key Points: 
  • TALLAHASEE, Fla., Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Sunshine Entertainment Association (FL SEA) opposes Florida House Bill 1379 and Senate Bill 1690, which bans an estimated 300 18-to-20-year-olds from working in the state's 114 legal adult entertainment establishments.
  • These bills (1) restrict a legal adult's autonomy concerning employment choices, (2) have little to do with the purported goal of reducing sex trafficking, and (3) represent an unusual amount of government overreach in Florida.
  • As a result, federal and state government data shows that the incident of sex trafficking at legal adult clubs in Florida is less than 1%.
  • "There is no meaningful evidence that banning 18-to-20-year-olds from work at these legitimate businesses reduces trafficking," said Angelina M. Spencer-Crisp, Executive Director for The Florida Sunshine Entertainment Association.

NICB Pushes for Consumer Protections Against Unscrupulous Towing Companies

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

After an accident, vehicle owners find themselves in high-stress situations that can create the perfect opportunity for unscrupulous towers to exploit victims.

Key Points: 
  • After an accident, vehicle owners find themselves in high-stress situations that can create the perfect opportunity for unscrupulous towers to exploit victims.
  • "Predatory towing places significant financial burdens on unsuspecting vehicle owners because hidden towing fees and charges can escalate quickly, leaving individuals with an unexpected and hefty expense.
  • De Campos recently testified before a Senate hearing that NICB is strongly supporting legislation ( SB 774 ) sponsored by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) and noted that the bill will implement critical consumer protections to help protect Floridians against predatory towing.
  • "We need decisive action to combat predatory towing practices and ensure fairness and transparency for Florida's residents," said Senator Perry.

Ramola Motwani, Chairwoman of South Florida-Based Merrimac Ventures, to Receive 2024 Horatio Alger Award

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that Ramola R. Motwani, chairwoman of Merrimac Ventures, a South Florida-based real estate development and investment firm, has been selected for membership in this prestigious organization. Ms. Motwani joins 10 other exceptional business, civic and cultural leaders from across North America in receiving 2024 honors. For more than 75 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon esteemed individuals who have succeeded despite facing adversities, and who have remained committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their communities. 

Key Points: 
  • When she was young, India gained independence from Great Britain and Ms. Motwani's home state became a part of Pakistan.
  • "It is our utmost honor to present the Horatio Alger Award to these 11 outstanding leaders who have exemplified perseverance, passion and a deep appreciation for higher education," said James F. Dicke II, chairman, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient.
  • Ms. Motwani and the Member Class of 2024 will be formally inducted into the Association on April 4-6, 2024, during the Association's annual Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
  • For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its Member Class of 2024, please visit www.horatioalger.org and follow the organization on Facebook , X , LinkedIn and Instagram .

Pace Center for Girls: Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders at the Florida Capitol

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 22, 2024

Jacksonville, Fl., Jan. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pace Center for Girls (Pace), a nationally recognized model that provides education, counseling, training and advocacy for girls and young women, hosted its annual Pace Day at the Capitol event on January 16-17, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Jacksonville, Fl., Jan. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pace Center for Girls (Pace), a nationally recognized model that provides education, counseling, training and advocacy for girls and young women, hosted its annual Pace Day at the Capitol event on January 16-17, 2024.
  • More than 100 Pace girls from across the state met with members of the Florida House, Florida Senate and other elected officials and leaders to share the impact of Pace’s model.
  • “I learned a lot about myself at Pace Day at the Capitol.
  • Eight out of 10 girls that attend Pace graduate from high school, pursue higher education or secure employment after the program.

Insurers Combat Predatory Towing Practices in Florida

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, December 6, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Predatory towing practices in Florida have long been a source of frustration and anger for residents and visitors alike. The state has gained notoriety for towing companies that seem to prey on unsuspecting vehicle owners, often engaging in questionable tactics to maximize their profits. This issue has prompted numerous complaints, legal battles, and calls for reform to protect consumers from the clutches of unscrupulous towing operators. The National Insurance Crime Bureau, the nation's leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime, is helping lead the way to combat these predatory towing practices in the Sunshine State and recently took part in a transportation committee hearing in the Florida House of Representatives focused on this issue.

Key Points: 
  • TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Predatory towing practices in Florida have long been a source of frustration and anger for residents and visitors alike.
  • The National Insurance Crime Bureau, the nation's leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime, is helping lead the way to combat these predatory towing practices in the Sunshine State and recently took part in a transportation committee hearing in the Florida House of Representatives focused on this issue.
  • Florida law requires property owners to display signs that provide clear information about parking restrictions and the potential for towing.
  • Advocates for consumer rights and fair business practices have called for stricter oversight, increased transparency, and clearer regulations regarding towing practices.