State-run Citizens insurance had worst rate of paying Floridians’ claims. Half got zilch
Florida’s state-run insurer paid homeowners’ claims less often than any other insurer in the state last year, with over half of claimants receiving nothing, according to an analysis by a Palm Beach Gardens-based ratings agency. Nearly 17,000 claims, or 50.4%, filed with Citizens Property Insurance, were either denied for a variety of reasons or didn’t meet the policyholder’s deductible. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.
Median home prices across Gulf Coast region post largest declines in country
Median home prices are declining in every metro area on the west coast of Florida — even as home prices across 87% of the United States are on the rise, according to new data from the National Association of Realtors. Punta Gorda saw the steepest decline in the country, the NAR data shows, with a 6.5% drop in median sales price for single-family homes in the third quarter. More from the Business Observer.
Near-record hotel tax collection points to continued strength in Space Coast tourism sector
The Space Coast's tourism sector continues to show strength, as measured by tourist development tax revenue for the budget year that ended Sept. 30. Just-released final figures show that the tourist tax collection for the 2023-24 budget year totaled $25.26 million. That's about 1% below the record collection of $25.54 million in the 2022-23 budget year. More from Florida Today.
Orlando airport braces for heavy holiday travel as study ranks it high for flight cancellations, delays
Orlando International Airport expects more than 1.9 million passengers this holiday season, a surge of people for a facility that weathered a higher rate of flight cancellations and delays than almost all other airports nationwide during last year’s winter travel season. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
This Florida city ranks No. 1 in the nation for retirement. What makes it special?
A Florida city boasts a range of activities in a laid-back setting — making it an ideal place to retire, a new report finds. Naples ranks No. 1 on a list of the nation’s best places for retirees to live, according to U.S. News & World Report. But Naples wasn’t the only city in the Sunshine State to earn a high spot in the rankings. Sarasota landed at No. 4 and Jacksonville was No. 7. More from the Miami Heralld.
Dining
This high-energy rooftop restaurant from Argentina is opening first U.S. spot in Florida
Another vibrant South American restaurant is opening its first U.S. location in Miami. The luxurious La Ferneteria Restaurant & Lounge, which originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina and also has a location in Asuncion, Paraguay, is making its North American debut on 24th Street in Wynwood, just west of Panther Coffee and Coyo Taco.
» More from the Miami Herald.
Profile
Born to lead
Tianne Doyle, like others in charge at Bradenton- based retail chain Bealls, has read leadership bestsellers such as Jim Collins’ Good to Great. She’s clear, though, on the source of her “leadership DNA.” In her case the DNA is literal, not figurative. “My leadership was without a doubt inspired by my father, Billy Turner,” Doyle says. Turner was a sports star at Polk County’s Auburndale High School who had a legendary career as a Hillsborough County football coach.
» Read more from Florida Trend.