Citizens Looks To Transfer Inland Insurance Policies
July 12, 2012
Citizens Property Insurance Corp.’s new CEO said Wednesday the state-backed insurer would try to transfer up to 500,000 inland policies to the private sector as its first order of business — including policies of North Escambia area Citizens customers.
Speaking to reporters a month after taking the reins, CEO Barry Gilway said he would like Citizens to shrink its exposure to under 1 million policies, in large part by reducing the number of policyholders in non-coastal areas who represent the fastest growing sector for Citizens. The corporation now insures about 1.5 million policyholders.
To do that, Gilway said he plans to tap into the network of private insurance agencies and woo potential carriers to pick up the less risky, non-coastal residential policies known as PLAs now being handled by Citizens.
“Step number one is getting the PLA policy counts down to where they were at least two-and-a-half or three years ago,” Gilway said. “That’s where the huge increase has occurred, and that provides the greatest opportunity to provide financially viable alternatives for our insured.”
Going forward, Gilway said Citizens rates need to be higher to more accurately reflect the risk, instead of relying on assessments to make up the difference in the event of a serious storm. Many Citizens policyholders don’t realize that they will be on the hook for hefty assessments if a major storm occurs.
But he also said that policyholders should not be required to immediately foot the bill for their entire insurance coverage, saying the spike in premiums would be too severe.
“Step two? You’ll probably have to talk to me after 90 days,” Gilway said.
Since its inception 10 years ago, Citizens has been transformed from the insurer of last resort to the state’s largest property insurer, with potential losses eclipsing $500 billion.
Despite the challenges facing the insurer, Gilway said Florida has led the nation in looking at ways to transfer some of the financial responsibility to private re-insurers, including the recent transfer of more than $750 million in risk to private, non-traditional investors.
While access to private capital is a positive step, Gilway said reducing the number of policyholders under the Citizens umbrella is the only way to provide long term savings.
The Citizens Board of Governors has scheduled a workshop next week to address rates and other changes to make private insurers more willing to return to the market.
“As an insurer of last resort, our basic objective should be to provide coverage and provide a solution for individuals where there simply isn’t any other choice in the marketplace,” Gilway said.
By The News Service of Florida
DirecTV Drops Viacom Networks Over Dispute
July 12, 2012
A dispute continues between DirecTV and Viacom, leaving DirecTV customers without 17 channels including Nickelodeon, TV Land, VH1, MTV and Comedy Central.
Both companies blame each other for the blackout, which started about 11:00 North Escambia time Tuesday night over a dispute regarding how much DirecTV pays Viacom for programming.
“We have been very willing to get a deal done, but Viacom is pushing DIRECTV customers to pay more than a 30 percent increase, which equates to an extra $1 billion, despite the fact that the ratings for many of their main networks have plummeted and much of Viacom’s programming can be seen for free online,” said Derek Chang, a DirecTV vice president.
Meanwhile, Viacom tosses the blame back at DirecTV.
“We proposed a fair deal that amounted to an increase of only a couple pennies per day, per subscriber, and we remained willing to negotiate that deal right up to this evening’s deadline,” according to a Viacom statement. “However, DirecTV refused to engage in meaningful conversation. We are hopeful that DirecTV will work with us toward a resolution and stop denying its subscribers access to the networks they watch most.”
About 20 million households — one-fifth of all cable or satellite subscribers in the country — are affected by the squabble.
Pictured top: This screen replaced Viacom programming on DirecTV Tuesday night.
Escambia Man Get Prison On Drug, Weapon Charges
July 12, 2012
An Escambia County man has been sentenced to prison on drug and weapons charges.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said Miguel Rios was sentenced by Judge Jan Shackelford to 25 years state prison as a habitual felony offender. After a two-day trial, a jury convicted Rios of trafficking in cocaine and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. On September 22, 2011, Rios sold a firearm and trafficking amount of narcotics to an undercover deputy with the intent to have the officer transport the drugs across state lines and distribute them. During the course of the investigation, Rios made claims that he was a member of the Zeta cartel, a Mexican drug cartel known for its violence, Eddins said.
Rios has previously been convicted of murder in Texas and was a convicted felon.
House of Representatives Votes to Repeal Health Care Reform
July 12, 2012
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
The vote came two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law ruling that the key part of the law – the requirement that all Americans carry health insurance or face a fine — was constitutional under Congress’s taxing authority.
“I’m here to tell you it’s going to cost someone and that someone is the middle-class taxpayer,” said Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Chumuckla). “We should give patients the power to own and control their own health care coverage by allowing for defined contributions in employer-sponsored plans. This would also give employers more flexibility in the benefits offered. We need to create pooling mechanisms, such as association health plans and individual membership accounts. Individuals should also be allowed to shop for health insurance across state lines, increasing competition in the marketplace.”
“Obamacare is not the answer to our nation’s health care crisis. My belief is that it will increase the cost of delivery of care while expanding the size federal debt and increasing taxes on hard working families. This vote today is a step toward real reform and individual choice,” Miller continued.
The White House issued a statement this week saying repeal would amount to a “massive step backwards,” and urged lawmakers to focus their efforts on restoring the economy.
Poarch Creek Indians Plan New Wind Creek Resort, 600 Additional Jobs
July 12, 2012
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced plans Wednesday to turn Wetumpka’s Creek Casino into a deluxe resort that they say will attract tourists to the river town outside Montgomery.
The $246 million plans were announced at a press conference on the building site where construction has already started on Wind Creek Wetumpka. It is slated to open in May of next year.
“We have set very high standards for our Wind Creek Casino and Hotel brand,” noted Jay Dorris, president of the PCI Gaming Authority. “This is one of the most beautiful settings imaginable for this kind of first-class resort, and we want it to offer the same kind of quality experience that people have come to expect from Wind Creek in Atmore, which is one of the few hotels in our state with a Four Diamond rating.”
The new resort will include a 20-story hotel tower with 285 luxuriously-appointed rooms and suites, all of which will overlook the Coosa River. The property will feature a 90,000 square foot gaming floor with more than 2,500 electronic gaming machines, a resort pool, and entertainment rooms suitable for large parties and corporate events.
Wind Creek Wetumpka will also feature a number of dining choices including a grill, a coffee shop, a snack bar, a fine dining restaurant, and a buffet that overlooks the Coosa River.
Like its predecessor, Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore, the property is expected to be an economic engine in the surrounding area. It is estimated that 1,200 workers will be hired over the course of construction. Currently, Wetumpka’s Creek Casino employs 400 full-time employees with benefits. Once completed, the new resort will generate another 600 jobs with benefits bringing the total to 1,000 full-time employees.
“This project will provide much needed jobs to Tribal Members and our neighbors in Wetumpka,” said Poarch Tribal Chairman Buford L. Rolin. “We have seen Wind Creek in Atmore have a very positive ripple effect on the economy, and we look forward to seeing other businesses in the Wetumpka community grow and prosper because of this development.”
This Wind Creek project overlooks Alabama’s Coosa River. It is located on Highway 231 nine miles northeast of Montgomery.
Pictured: The current Wind Creek Casino in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Pensacola Wahoos Fall 5-1 In Chattanooga Series Opener
July 12, 2012
Pensacola dropped its series opener with the Chattanooga Lookouts 5-1 at AT&T Field in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Wednesday night. Despite the loss, the much anticipated arrival of speedy shortstop Billy Hamilton didn’t disappoint. Hamilton took off for second on the first opportunity he got after reaching on a fielder’s choice in the sixth inning.
He wasted no time stealing his first Double-A base of his career. Hamilton successfully took second immediately after he reached base for the first time on the night for his 105th steal of the season and his first with Pensacola. Hamilton also provided the Blue Wahoos only offense in the game with an RBI triple which plated David Vidal from first base in the eighth. Hamilton finished the game 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Chattanooga got on the board first in the bottom of the fourth when Griff Erickson doubled home Kyle Russell and Jake Lemmerman to give the Lookouts a 2-0 lead. They added two more in the fifth. Rafael Ynoa scored on a wild pitch before Luis Nunez singled home Nick Buss. Despite getting charged with all four Lookouts runs, Blue Wahoos starter Tim Crabbe still pitched out of trouble in the fifth as the Lookouts left the bases loaded. Chattanooga added one more run in the seventh on Nunez’s solo home run.
Josh Fellhauer was the only Wahoos with a multi-hit game going 2-for-4. Both hits were singles for the Wahoos left fielder. Bill Rhinehart also made his debut with Pensacola. He was added to the roster prior to the game from Triple-A Louisville. He went 0-for-4 in his first game with the Wahoos.
Crabbe (3-6) was tagged with the loss after working five innings. He struck out five and walked just three. Matt Magill (7-4) worked six shutout innings in the winning effort for the Lookouts. Pensacola only scattered three hits against him and he struck out seven without issuing a walk.
The series continues on Thursday at AT&T Field. First pitch is slated for 7:15 p.m. ET. LHP Tony Cingrani (4-1, 1.50) will take the mound for the Fish, while LHP Aaron Miller (4-5, 4.31) is slated to toe the rubber for the Lookouts.
By Thommy Thrall
Pictured top: Josh Fellhauer had the Wahoos only multi-hit game of the night Wednesday as Pensacola lost to Chattanooga. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Police Arrest Shooting Suspect And Attempted Murder Suspect
July 11, 2012
One person has been arrested in connection with a Monday night shooting at the Tom, Ann & Buddy’s liquor store in Pensacola, and another man has been charged with attempted murder for a a double shooting earlier this month.
Tom, Ann, & Buddy’s Shooting Arrest
A Pensacola man was arrested Tuesday night in connection with a shooting that occurred Monday evening inside a liquor store.
George Lewayne Blount, 24, was arrested on charges of solicitation of attempted homicide.
Detective Jeff Brown said it is believed the shooting may have occurred over money.
Pensacola Police responded to Tom, Ann & Buddy’s, 1917 W. Cervantes St., around 9:40 p.m. Monday after dispatchers received a 911 call about the shooting. Upon arrival, police were told a man had been shot inside the establishment and been taken to a local hospital by private vehicle.
The man’s injuries were not considered life threatening.
Brown said it is believed the incident began when Preston Hines, 29 of Pensacola, and Blount argued over money. Meanwhile, Carissa Gilliams, 21, of Pensacola got involved in the argument, which escalated into a physical confrontation involving the three of them.
At that point, the victim – Ladarrius Adam Hines, 23 of Pensacola, – who is Preston Hines’ brother, tried to break up the fight, but Blount reportedly told another male to shoot Ladarrius, Brown said.
Ladarrius Hines told Brown he then ran toward a door but was shot a second time and fell to the floor. Blount and the other suspect ran out of the business and fled the scene.
The second suspect was described as a light-skinned black male, thin build with a heavy New York accent. He may go by the name of “L.A.” and may be trying to get back to New York, Brown said.
Murder Suspect Arrested
A man wanted in connection with a double shooting that occurred earlier this month in Pensacola has been arrested.
Vernon Stewart Polk, age 23 of Pensacola, was arrested around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. He was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Polk was wanted in connection with a double shooting that occurred around 4 p.m. on June 18 in the 2200 block of North Davis Highway. The victims – Antoinette Hunter, 28, and Alonzo Lindsey, 31, both of Pensacola – were sitting inside a vehicle outside the Chicago Store when Polk walked up to the passenger’s side of the vehicle. An investigation determined Polk fired multiple shots into the vehicle through an open window, striking Lindsey, who was sitting in the front passenger’s seat, three times. Hunter, who was sitting in the driver’s seat, was hit by a stray bullet.
It is believed the shooting occurred over money Lindsey may have owed Polk, according to Pensacola Police.
Local Elementary And Middle School Grades Fall
July 11, 2012
The number of elementary and middle schools in Florida with a grade of “A” dropped this year as the number of schools making a “D” of “F” in the state nearly doubled, according to numbers released by the Florida Department of Education Wednesday morning. Locally, school grades also slipped.
In Escambia County, just 11 elementary and middle schools earned an A down from 25 A schools last year. Last year there was only one D and one F school in Escambia County; this year there are seven D and three F elementary and middle schools.
There were 13 A schools in Santa Rosa counties, down from 19 last year. One Santa Rosa School fell to a C with none earning a D or F; last year there were no C, D or F schools.
The school grades for 2012 are the first that included students who are just learning English and students with disabilities in the school grade calculations.
Because of the inclusion of students with disabilities and English language learners, the State Board of Education approved a policy keeping all schools from dropping more than a letter grade.
In the North Escambia area, Byrneville Elementary School maintained a A grade. Bratt Elementary, Jim Allen Elementary, Molino Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle and Ransom Middle schools all fell from A schools to a B.
For a list of all school grades from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, click here.
High school grades are still pending and have not yet been released.
Shots Fired During Armed Robbery
July 11, 2012
Shots were fired during an armed robbery Tuesday night in Escambia County.
The robbery was reported at 10:19 at the U Save Foods convenience store at 7144 Mobile Highway. Two males, both armed with firearms, entered the store and demanded money from the clerk.
After the clerk complied, deputies said one of the suspects fire a shot inside the store, and then both suspects ran outside. Once outside the store, one of the suspects fire another shot. No one was hit by either gunshot.
The two suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle.
Further details, including any description of the vehicle or the suspects, were not released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Dispute Over $10 And Food Stamps Leads To Battery Of Elderly Woman
July 11, 2012
A Molino man is jailed, charged with the battery of an elderly woman over $10 and a food stamp card.
Alvin Richard Wallace, 47, was charged with one count of felony battery on a person 65 years or older and booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $1,000.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported armed disturbance in Molino where the victim, a female in her 70’s, told deputies that she wanted Wallace to pay the $10 he owed her before she gave him his food stamp card. She said Wallace became angry and came at her in an aggressive manner. The elderly woman said she grabbed a knife to defend herself.
He left the residence after claiming the woman cut him with the knife, but deputies found no injuries on his person, according to arrest report.
The victim reported that Wallace returned to the residence, spit at her and grabbed her hand with the knife. The elderly woman, according to the Sheriff’s Office report, then grabbed a beer bottle and hit Wallace in the head three times to defend herself.
Wallace first refused medical treatment but was later evaluated. The elderly woman was not injured.