Thursday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/19/2015

Citizens Property Insurance shrinks to fewest policies ever

A multi-pronged approach to put more homeowner policies into the hands of private insurers has shrunk Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to its smallest size in more than 10 years. CEO Barry Gilway said the company, which insures property owners who cannot find coverage on the open market, had fallen to 598,408 policies as of March 13. Barring a major storm, Citizens could dwindle to 450,000 Florida policies, Gilway predicted. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Tampa Bay Times.

Foreclosures in U.S. nearing pre-crisis level

Foreclosure activity, which includes default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions, is on track to return to pre-crisis levels by the end of 2015, according to a new report from RealtyTrac. More from Reuters, HousingWire and Inman Select.

Business Profile
Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine

Finding reliable taxi service to and from northwest Florida airports was a recurring problem for Destin vacationer John Finch. So the Memphis businessman, who moved to Walton County in 2004, decided to take matters into his own hands, launching Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine in Santa Rosa Beach.

» Access full story, part of a regional news roundup for Northwest Florida.

Amazon.com introduces one-hour delivery to Miami

Amazon.com Inc. is expanding its one-hour delivery Prime Now service for household products to Baltimore and Miami. The service, which includes products such as paper towels, shampoo, books, toys and batteries, works through a mobile app and is already available in sections of New York City. More at the AP.

Could pot be a game changer in 2016?

Several battleground states are planning ballot measures that could force presidential contenders to take firm stances on marijuana legalization. Efforts to revive marijuana policy reform for next year’s elections have begun in a half-dozen states, including Nevada, Florida, Arizona and California. More at The Hill.

Why now is the best time to start your own business

Today’s opportunities have created a new lifestyle around employment. The emotional link that tethered workers to brand-name employers is dissipating as a new generation of entrepreneurs look to make their own brands -- from a one-person band to a startup looking to disrupt entire industries. More at Entrepreneur.

Technology
Hurricane Center upgrades

Not everyone faces the same hazards when a hurricane threatens. Those close to the shoreline may be vulnerable to storm surge flooding while inland areas may have to deal with torrential rains. The National Hurricane Center this year plans to customize its online products to display the specific perils residents face, depending on where they live.