Hurricane Matthew's insured losses a fraction of other storms

Insured losses on homes and commercial properties damaged by Hurricane Matthew are likely to be in the billions, but well short of the hefty costs caused by Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Katrina. Property data firm CoreLogic estimated Saturday that insured losses on residential and commercial properties will be between $4 billion and $6 billion. This estimate is for all states impacted by the storm, including Florida More from the AP, CNBC, and the Florida Times-Union.

See also:
» Gov. Scott's statement on Federal Disaster Declaration for Florida
» Hurricane Matthew leaves a mess in north Florida, but it could have been worse
» Repair scams a certainty after Hurricane Matthew, insurers warn
» Storm wipes out Florida sand crucial for protection, tourism
» Gas prices are up. Blame Hurricane Matthew
» Your turn: Your approval rating of how Gov. Rick Scott and his office handled flow of infomation re: Hurricane Matthew? (quick poll)

'Iron Man' writer wants to energize Florida's film industry

First he helped turn Iron Man into a pop culture sensation. Now Bob Layton hopes to energize Florida's fledgling film industry by infusing it with productions based on new characters he is creating. And he's doing it from Tampa. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Planned layoffs in Florida decrease 29 percent so far this year

Florida had 1,391 job cuts in September, up 25 percent from 1,109 a year ago, according to Chicago-based outsourcing firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. However, the small increase in layoffs over the month isn't considered significant by economists, especially taking into account Florida's trend of lower unemployment this year. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Florida Trend Exclusive
Tax tips for small businesses and high net worth Floridians

We interviewed financial advisors around the state and asked them the best financial moves for small-business owners and high net worth individuals to cut taxes. Access full story.

Florida Democrats sue Gov. Rick Scott over voter registration deadline

Florida Democrats filed a lawsuit Sunday against Gov. Rick Scott asking that the voter registration deadline be extended by a week because of disruptions caused by Hurricane Matthew. More from the Tampa Bay Times, Politico, and CNN.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Sarasota business spreads French pastry far and wide [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The Great Recession forced many Americans to start from scratch. But the owners of Le Macaron took that idea a bit more literally. As the economy tanked, they got baking.

› Silver Airways tries to address pilot shortage [Travel Pulse]
Silver Airways is trying to find solutions to a nationwide pilot shortage the old-fashioned way – by putting its money where its mouth is.

› Being scary has become big business at theme parks [Theme Park Insider]
The theme park industry’s biggest trick might be the way it earns so many treats for itself each year during the Halloween season.

› Florida Museum offers reduced admission to low-income visitors [Gainesville Sun]
The Florida Museum of Natural History has announced a new reduced admission price for low-income visitors as part of a nationwide program to encourage museum visitation and accessibility for families from all socioeconomic groups.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› On the frontlines in the fight against Zika in Florida [Newsweek]
But if a pregnant woman tests positive for Zika, there is nothing doctors can do but wait and hope for the best. That’s why women’s health care providers in Florida (and elsewhere) in the U.S. are now scrambling to educate patients.

› Potential pot-growing industry more subdued ahead of November vote [Florida Times-Union]
Florida voters will take another crack at legalizing medicinal marijuana with a referendum nearly identical to the one that failed two years ago. But this year’s run-up to the vote is much more subdued for would-be purveyors of the weed.

› Apopka to pay lobbying firm $90K a year [Orlando Sentinel]
Apopka has decided to hire a lobbying firm for $90,000 a year to push the city's agenda with state and federal lawmakers, taking on the duties of a former longtime city official who was arrested in a hit-and-run case.

› Sarasota BMX hosts World Cup racers at qualifying event [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
The World Cup event brought out more than 100 male riders and approximately 26 female riders, all hoping to secure a spot on their respective country's team roster.