Is Florida’s home insurance market improving?
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is highlighting a slight downward trend for property insurance rate filings, claiming it is a sign that Florida’s housing insurance issues are improving. Ten companies filed a 0% increase in 2024, and at least eight companies filed for a decreased rate this year, the OIR reported last week. More from WFLA, WBBH, and Artemis.
How much money do you need to make in Florida to be in the middle class? Take a look
The good news for people in Florida is that they don’t need to earn as much as many other states to be considered middle class. Mississippi has the lowest household income needed to be middle class at $35,323. Maryland has the highest at $65,641. Florida comes in at $45,278. What it takes to be considered middle class in Florida and other states jumped greatly between 2012 and 2022. [Source: Miami Herald]
More endangered Florida panthers have died in 2024 so far than all of last year: "These roadkills are heartbreaking"
The 2024 calendar is not even at its halfway point but more endangered Florida panthers have died this year than in all of 2023, according to state statistics. Experts say only between 120 and 230 adult panthers are left in Florida. Most live in South Florida, according to Elise Bennett, the Florida and Caribbean director at the Center for Biological Diversity. [Source: CBS News]
Florida city claims top spot on list of best places to live in America
A Florida city claimed the top spot on a list of the best places to live in America. The U.S. News & World Report released its “2024-2025 Best Places to Live” rankings Tuesday and gave Naples the title of the best spot to live in the U.S. U.S. News said it analyzed data related to the desirability, quality of life, job market and value of 150 major U.S. cities. More from WFLA and WTSP.
Cuban delegation visit to Miami International Airport causes uproar among officials
A Cuban government delegation toured Transportation Security Administration facilities at Miami International Airport on Monday as part of ongoing law-enforcement cooperation between the two countries, raising concerns from local politicians who said access to “sensitive” areas should not be granted to U.S. adversaries. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Construction, government adding the most jobs in Southwest Florida. Tourism not as robust in the region.
In Southwest Florida, the construction industry continues to sprout jobs. The sector gained the most jobs in April over the year. According to the Florida Department of Commerce's latest monthly report released Friday, the industry added 2,800 jobs in the three metros, made up of Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties.
› Spirit, Frontier eliminate fees for passengers who cancel or change their flights
South Florida-based Spirit Airlines and rival discounter Frontier Airlines of Denver have swept away an array of fees for passengers who change or cancel their flights. The two ultra-low-cost carriers, which came close to merging in 2022, made the moves effective last Friday.
› It’s not just magic – it’s AI! Meet the Miami startup turning conversations into content
Podcasts make for great content. You can cover so much ground in such an organic way, including multiple people feeding off each other’s energy. But translating this audio into a written format has traditionally been an arduous task – and using generic artificial intelligence tools can provide uneven results. Enter Miami startup Castmagic, a tool designed to streamline podcast production and content creation.
› Pensacola could raise stormwater fees on property owners as much as 70% to make up shortfalls
Pensacola property owners may see an up to 70% stormwater fee increase over the next two years as the city struggles with a $1.8 million shortfall in its stormwater fund in the next budget. For the last three years, the city has paid $3.8 million from its general fund to cover the shortfalls in its stormwater fund.
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› It’s the hottest May ever in Miami. Heat index ‘completely off the charts’
It’s already the hottest May in Miami, ever — at least judging by the heat index, a “feels like” measure that combines temperature and humidity. Last weekend’s record temps jacked up the average heat index into a record for May, according to Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science.
› NEFAR signs deal strengthening Northeast Florida's real estate relationship with India
The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors announced a memorandum of understanding with India in March. Currently, India has restrictions so only people who were born in the country can buy land or property in India, but NAR India is working to lift those restrictions. This could be the beginning of a trend for NEFAR’s relationships with other Realtors on a global scale.
› Red Lobster owes this Orlando businessman and 100K other people money, but will it ever come?
For 20 years, Red Lobster Seafood Corp. paid its bills on time, said Dan Charles of Affordable Discount Signs in Longwood and Sanford. The Seminole County business owner had the nation’s largest seafood restaurant chain as a steady client for two decades, but recently, things fell apart. Unpaid bills have lingered for three months.
› Brightline trains are headed for Brevard County: What to know about the Cocoa station
Brightline, the high-speed passenger rail company, has announced plans to construct a station in Cocoa as part of its Orlando-to-West Palm Beach route. But the timeline for just when that station will come to fruition remains unclear. The project, which will receive $15.5 million in federal grants and is eligible for up to $40 million more, aims to provide enhanced transit options for the Space Coast region.