‘Hurricane Tax’ On Florida Insurance Policies To End 18 Months Early
July 23, 2014
An extra charge on property-insurance and auto-insurance policies to cover claims paid for the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons will end January 1.
The Office of Insurance Regulation formally issued orders Tuesday for insurance companies to move up by 18 months the end of a 1.3 percent “emergency assessment” for the state-run Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, which provides backup coverage to insurers.
The assessment has hit policyholders for $2.9 billion, which has gone to reimburse insurance companies for claims from the eight hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004 and 2005, the last time a hurricane made landfall in Florida.
“It’s been nine years since (Hurricane) Wilma,” said Sam Miller, executive vice president of the Florida Insurance Council. “If anything, the assessment helps us remember how devastating these storms may be.”
Miller said the industry had been waiting for the orders so it could begin preparing for the new end date for the assessment, which previously had been set for July 1, 2016.
The orders make official a decision Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet made last month to end the assessment, Amy Bogner, a spokeswoman for the Office of Insurance Regulation, said in an email.
The assessment, which first appeared at 1 percent in 2007 and was raised to the current rate in 2011, collectively hits policyholders for between $350 million and $500 million a year.
In addition to the state’s near-decade luck at avoiding hurricanes, the early termination is due to claims for Hurricane Wilma coming in $498 million less than what had initially been thought. Wilma hit South Florida in October 2005.
Also, the fund has received more money than expected due to an increase in policies statewide.
The charge is imposed on most property and casualty policies other than medical malpractice and workers compensation.
The catastrophe fund, better known as the Cat Fund, currently has about $13 billion on hand and is expected to be able to raise an additional $4 billion, which is considered solid ground for covering most post-storm claims.
In addition to the Cat Fund assessment, the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. adds an extra 1 percent charge on most policies to cover losses from the 2005 storms. First imposed in 2007, the charge is expected to be paid off in June 2017.
Man Pleads Not Guilty To Shooting Fleeing Son On Riding Lawn Mower
July 23, 2014
A Walnut Hill man has pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing for allegedly shooting his son on a riding lawn mower.
Marshall H. Harmon, 71, was charged with aggravated battery using a deadly weapon for the June 27 incident on Breastworks Road about a mile west of North Pine Barren Road.
Harmon and his 32-year old son had become involved in a verbal altercation at a nearby home, deputies said. The son then fled on Breastworks Road on a riding lawn mower, the father following in his pickup truck.
When the elder Harmon pulled alongside his son on the riding mower, Harmon fired two shots in the son’s direction, according to Sgt. Andrew Hobbs, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. It did not immediately appear that Harmon intended to shoot his son, but may have instead accidentally hit him.
One of the shots hit the son in the neck, but the officials said the wound was not life threatening. The son was airlifted by Lifeguard helicopter to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Harmon was taken into custody without incident at the scene of the shooting. He was released from the Escambia County Jail June 30 on a $25,000 bond. He is due back in court in for a hearing in mid-October, and his jury trial is set to begin in late October.
Pictured top: Suspect Marshall Harmon stands against his truck (far left background) as an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy (center) checks a weapon Harmon allegedly used to shoot his son June 27 on Breastworks Road. Pictured bottom inset: A deputy explains charges to Harmon. Pictured bottom: The shooting victim was airlifted from a field on Breastworks Road to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.
Woman Cited In Accident For Turning In Front Of Deputy
July 23, 2014
A 74-year old Pensacola woman was charged after turning into the path of Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy Tuesday afternoon.
About 4:09 p.m., Bonnie Mack was traveling east on Mobile Highway when she attempted to turn left onto Klondike Road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Mack turned directly into the path of ECSO Lt. Alan Barton who was westbound on Mobile Highway. Barton was in an unmarked 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe that sustained about $8,500 in damage.
Barton, Mack, and Mack’s 49-year old passenger were all uninjured.
Mack was cited for an improper left turn in front of approaching traffic, according to the FHP.
Escambia Elections Ballots Are In The Mail
July 23, 2014
Tuesday afternoon, the office of Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford mailed more than 25,000 absentee ballots for the August 26 Primary Election. Voters will begin receiving their ballots as early as today.
Voters should receive their ballot within the next week, and can visit EscambiaVotes.com and click on “track my ballot” to monitor the status of their request. The deadline for voters to request a ballot to be delivered by mail is Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 5 p.m. After that date, voters may pick up a mail ballot at the Supervisor of Elections office.
Voters who have not requested a “vote by mail” ballot can do so in one of the following ways:
- On the web: EscambiaVotes.com
- By email: absentee@escambiavotes.com
- By phone: (850) 595-3900 or fax (850) 595-3914
- In person: 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, Pensacola, FL 32502
- By mail: PO Box 12601, Pensacola, FL 32591-2601
The deadline for voters to request a ballot to be delivered by mail is Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 5 p.m. After that date, voters may pick up a mail ballot at the Supervisor of Elections office.
Ballots must be received in the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, August 26, 2014. Ballots can be dropped off at the Elections Office
during regular business hours or mailed back in the official ballot envelope provided. Be sure to include first class postage ($0.49) on your return envelope. Mail ballots cannot be dropped off.
Voters who receive a mail ballot and decide to vote in person during Early Voting or at their assigned precinct on Election Day should bring their marked or unmarked mail ballot to the polls so it can be canceled. Early voting begins Saturday, August 16 and runs through Saturday, August 23. Election Day is August 26. For complete information, visit EscambiaVotes.com.
Nokomis Residents Receive Lower Fire Insurance Rating, Better Protection
July 23, 2014
The Nokomis (AL) Volunteer Fire Department has received an improved fire protection class rating which will translate to lower homeowner’s insurance premiums for hundreds of households.
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) recently notified the department that their new rating is a 5/5X, significant fire rating decrease from their previous 7/9. The new rating drops by two classifications for homes within 1,000 feet of a hydrant and drops fiyr classifications for homes outside the required distance from a hydrant.
Assistant Fire Chief Chris McGhee said many municipal, full-time fire departments are a Class 5. The lower ratings, he said, are based upon numerous factors, including water supply, equipment, number of firefighters and more.
The new ISO classification will take effect on October 1.
According to an example provided by the fire department, sample insurance premium on a $200,000 home would be $1,252 at a Class 9, but in the new Class 5X rating the premium would be $690, a savings for the homeowner of $562.
The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department responds to an average of 60 calls a year with 15 volunteer firefighters in a district that begins just west of the Atmore Country Club and continues to the Baldwin County line, north to Doyle Hadley Road and south to the Alabama/Florida line — and area with about 400 residences.
An agreement between Escambia County, FL, and Nokomis calls for the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department to automatically be dispatched to certain emergencies in a portion of the Walnut Hill fire district, and for Walnut Hill to be automatically dispatched to certain types of calls, such as structure fires, in Nokomis, AL.
The Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department’s “Squirt 24″ was formerly “Truck 5″ in Century. After the Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue received a refurbished 75-foot ladder truck that was formerly assigned to Ensley, “Truck 5″ was put up for auction and purchased by the Nokomis VFD for $5,000.
“We are completely volunteer and have to raise our own support,” Nokoms Fire Chief Eddie Odom said. “There is always a need for funds and we hope that homeowners will step up and
contribute to the fire department, especially with the extra savings they will enjoy as a result of our efforts. A fund raising effort is underway now to expand the small fire station so we can receive a much needed 1,250 gallon per minute pumper that was donated from the City of Atmore but we have no room to house the truck. It’s not just the building that we need financial assistance with. The cost of keeping our firefighters equipped and trained is expensive just as diesel, parts, maintenance and building upkeep are. Now more than ever, we need homeowners and property owners to support us financially.”
Board member and Nokomis Fire Captain Jerry Gehman says many departments across the America ask for $95 to $125 per household as a general rule of funding annually. Many communities pay a “fire tax” around the same amount.
Contributions can be mailed to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 727, Atmore, AL 36502.
Pictured: Operating under new mutual aid agreement, the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Nokomis (AL) Volunteer Fire Department held a combined training exercise last year in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Repeat Felon Gets 20 Years For Shooting Into Motel Room
July 23, 2014
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to two decades in state prison for shooting into a motel room.
Kendrell Maurice Sims entered a plea of no contest to the charges of shooting at, into or within a building, two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Following his plea, Circuit Judge Jan Shackelford sentenced Sims to 20 years in prison.
On October 23, 2013, at the Relax Inn on Mobile Highway, Kendrell Sims and Gregory Henderson were in a physical altercation. Once the physical altercation broke up, Sims got a gun from his motel room and went back to Henderson’s motel room and began firing multiple rounds at the door of Henderson’s room. At that time, Greg Henderson and Elaine Green were inside the room.
Kendrell Sims was previously convicted of six felony charges, including drug related offenses.
Five Busted In Undercover Escambia County Child Predator Sting
July 23, 2014
Five people have been arrested after an undercover child predator sting in Escambia County. Operation Blue Guardian focused on adults soliciting and traveling to meet minors to engage in sexual activity.
The five day operation concluded on July 20. Investigators will continue to follow up on leads and additional arrests may be forthcoming.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the following were arrested:
- Jerry Armes, 40. Traveled from Fort Walton Beach for the purpose of having sex with what he believed to be an 11-year old girl. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. His bond was set at $100,000.
- William Johnson, 49. Traveled from Pace for the purpose of having sex with what he believed to be a 12-year old girl. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. His bond was set at $100,000.
- Douglas Lee Shearer, 44. Traveled locally in order to have sex with what he believed to be a 14-year old boy. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. His bond was set at $150,000.
- David W. Slater, 52. Traveled locally in order to have sex with what he believed to be a 14-year old boy. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, obscene communication using a two-way device and possession of marijuana. His bond was set at $100,500.
- Taylor James Walker, 18. Traveled from Shalimar, for the purpose of having sex with what he believed to be an 11-year old girl. He was charged with obscene communication, using a computer to solicit/lure a child for sex, and obscene communication using a two-way device. His bond was set at $100,000.
The operation was conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Pensacola Police Department and additional local, state and federal agencies.
Century Adopts New Fee Schedule For Planning, Zoning, Development Review
July 23, 2014
The Town of Century has adopted a new fee schedule for planning, zoning and development review as part of the town’s land development code.
The new fee schedule items such as residential site renovation permits for $25, commercial site renovation permits for $50 and $50 demolition permits. In many cases, a portion of the fee is refunded once the applicant receives the required building permits from Escambia County.
The only fees greater than $50 are: $250 for a new commercial site or development, $500 for a small scale comprehensive plan amendment and $750 for large scale amendment to the comprehensive plan.
For a pdf copy of the fee schedule, click here.
Blue Angels Announce 2015 Team Members
July 23, 2014
The Blue Angels have announced the officers selected for the 2015. The squadron selected an executive officer, three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, an events coordination officer, two C-130 demonstration pilots, a flight surgeon, and a supply officer to join the 2015 team.
Many highly-qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year.
“We remain committed to selecting the most talented and qualified individuals to join the Blue Angels,” said Cmdr. Tom Frosch, flight leader and commanding officer for the team. “Once again, a significant number of extremely talented, experienced Sailors and Marines applied this year, and we are proud of those we have chosen to join the 2015 team. They are excellent representatives of the skilled service members defending our freedom around the world.”
The Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the Blue Angels’ home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The team makes selections at the conclusion of the interview week.
“All of our finalists this year are incredible examples of some of the finest officers in the Navy and Marine Corps, from both the aviation community and the fleet,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Hiltz, Right Wing pilot and the applications officer for the 2014 team. “What was most important for us — regardless of anything else — was to select the most qualified individuals for the team to represent the more than 540,000 Sailors and Marines deployed around the world, around the clock. And I’m happy to say that we’ve done that.”
The newly-selected 2015 team members include:
Executive officer:
Navy Cmdr. Bob Flynn, 45, of Moorestown, N.J., is a S-3B Viking naval flight officer and is currently assigned to the Naval War College. He is a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.
F/A-18 demonstration pilots:
Navy Lt. Matt Suyderhoud, 31, of Honolulu, is currently assigned to Training Squadron 22 (VT-22) at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. He is a 2005 graduate of Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.
Navy Lt. Andrew Talbott, 31, of Sedan, Kan., is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va. He is a 2005 graduate of Kansas State University, Salina, Kan.
Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss, 30, of Durango, Colo., is currently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312) Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. He is a 2006 graduate of Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colo.
Events coordination officer:
Marine Capt. Corrie Mays, 34, of Marstons Mills, Mass., is currently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather) 225 (VMFA(AW)-225) at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego. She is a 2003 graduate of the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.
C-130 demonstration pilots:
Marine Maj. Mark Hamilton, 36, of Becker, Minn., is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. He is a 2000 graduate of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.
Marine Capt. Katie Higgins, 27, of Annapolis, Md., is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. She is a 2008 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.
Flight surgeon:
Navy Lt. Joe Schwartz, 34, of Arlington, Va., is currently assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash. He is a 2002 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.
Supply officer:
Navy Lt. Gregory Bollinger, Jr., 31, of Carbondale, Ill., is currently assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 (VX-9) at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif. He is a 2006 graduate of the University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Md.
Expected to return for the 2015 season are:
F/A-18 demonstration pilots:
Navy Cmdr. Tom Frosch, 44, of Clinton Township, Mich.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Barton, 33, of Hummelstown, Pa.
Navy Lt. Mark Tedrow, 31, of Charleroi, Pa.
Navy Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, 29, of Bloomington, Ill.
C-130 demonstration pilots:
Marine Capt. Dusty Cook, 32, of East Bernard, Texas.
Maintenance officer:
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Declan Hartney, 44, of Limerick, Ireland.
Administration officer:
Navy Lt. j.g. Phillip Harper, 33, of Chicago.
Public affairs officer:
Navy Lt. j.g. Amber Lynn Daniel, 33, of Ramona, Calif.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.
Since its inception in 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 484 million fans.
Two Arrested For Torching Stolen Car In Century Ballpark
July 23, 2014
Two Century residents have been arrested for stealing a car from the Food Giant in Century and then torching it in a ballpark.
Michael Alexander Dubose, 20, and Aubrey Odom, 17, have been charged with arson in the second degree, criminal mischief and vehicle theft for the July 1 incident.
The fire was reported about 7:15 a.m. behind an concession stand at the Lloyd Barrow Field on Church Street. The 1993 Buick Century was in an area not normally accessible to vehicle traffic. A witness said the vehicle had no tag attached.
The ballpark’s concession stand, owned by the town of Century, suffered minor damage, with vinyl siding melted off the back of the building. Damage to the building was estimated at less than $2,000.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
