Florida Chamber of Commerce

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Withlacoochee Projects Single-Digit Rate Increase
Sep 7, 2008 — Hernando Today
The price of coal is up 120 percent. WREC serves more than 200,000 customers in six counties. It's one of 10 electric cooperatives that own Seminole Electric, a wholesale power supplier. Seminole had projected to pay $801 million for fuel sources this year, primarily natural gas, Lambert said.
School district set to approve $811.5M budget
Sep 6, 2008 — The Bradenton Herald
...revenue funds, which pay for specific district operations, such as food service. Manatee schools, like other public school districts in Florida, are also grappling with budget cuts. Not only will the Manatee school district see a decrease in local tax revenues, it will also see more losses in its health insurance funds than what was originally projected. In all, the operating and capital funds took up the largest portions of the budget -- about $342 million each. ...
With Hurricane Ike nearing, follow these steps to prepare With about 72 hours to go, a three-day action plan will ensure that you cover all of the bases.
Sep 6, 2008 — The Miami Herald
People start to worry about things they normally don't worry about," Henry says. Protect your mental health.
Florida Power & Light Co. gets approval for power projects
Sep 5, 2008 — Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
Florida Power & Light Co. got the green light Thursday for three natural gas projects estimated to cost $3.3 billion and prevent the release of 83,000 tons of greenhouse gases. FPL also will convert its Riviera Beach and Cape Canaveral power plants from oil to natural gas by 2014. The Riviera Beach plant conversion will cost $1.3 billion and the Cape Canaveral conversion will cost $1.1 billion.
Florida Power and Light Co. gets approval for power projects
Sep 5, 2008 — South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The plants will go from producing 680 megawatts to 2,426 megawatts and will need one-third less fuel to produce the same amount of energy, helping reduce customers' fuel fees, according to FPL.
Health Department's state grant to put $2M to work to help Orange County's uninsured
Sep 5, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
...health. "The goal is to keep them out of the emergency room and help them find a medical home." The Orange County Health Department is one of 11 statewide that was selected this week for the new funding, which is to be doled out during the next three years. Orange County's allotment is about $650,000 annually. Overall, the program's main objectives are to reach the uninsured and help them find care; to expand medical services that cater to the uninsured; and to help...
State OK's rates to encourage solar power State regulators gave the final go-ahead so businesses or homeowners with solar panels can sell electricity to the utilities' grid.
Sep 5, 2008 — The Miami Herald
Under a previous rule, only renewable systems of 10 kilowatts or smaller were eligible. At certain times, when the sun is hot and his usage is low, he doesn't need all the power his panels are producing, and he sends 100 kWh back to the grid.
PSC OK's deals on electricity fed back to grid
Sep 4, 2008 — The Miami Herald
...saving money for the customer and increasing grid capacity for the utility." The discussion about net metering has been taking place in PSC workshops and commission meetings for a year and a half. The new measure applies to customers of Florida Power and Light, Progress Energy Florida (NYSE:PGN) , Gulf Power (NYSE:GUQ) (NYSE:GUL) (NYSE:GUI) (OOTC:GLFPN) , Tampa Electric and Florida Public Utilities. (OTCBB:FPUUP) (AMEX:FPU) Under a previous rule, only renewable systems...
Study finds that workers will pay more for health care as employers pass on costs
Sep 4, 2008 — Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
The growth of health care costs has hovered at around 6 percent since 2005, according to Mercer. Deductibles are the amount workers pay for medical care out of pocket. Once workers spend that amount, they begin sharing costs with employers, with the company covering an average of 80 percent.
Compensated Absences Pay Off For Local Teachers, District Employees
Sep 3, 2008 — Hernando Today
Whatever is not used is then converted to sick days and accumulates. Any unused days can be cashed out when the employee leaves the district or retires, based on whatever their hourly rate is at that time. This can add up. For a new teacher that started at $12 an hour, those sick days could be worth $60 an hour by the time they retire.
FPL rates are likely to rise 7% The typical electric bill will rise to about $119 a month in January to pay for added fuel costs and advance costs to build nuclear and solar plants.
Sep 3, 2008 — The Miami Herald
...bills permitting utilities to recover costs for nuclear and renewable energy in advance. That includes FPL's plans for three solar plants, which will add 28 cents to the average monthly bill in January. The rest of the increase will come from other FPL environmental efforts, other capacity payments such as buying energy from other sources and energy conservation measures, which include's FPL's on-demand program, which allows the utility to regulate peak usage by turning off...
GOP touts disaster insurance Republicans gave a nod to Florida in their party platform, calling for a national catastrophe insurance fund.
Sep 3, 2008 — The Miami Herald
Democrats set up a website, noting his stance put him at odds with Florida Gov. It also would make federal loans available to assist in the rebuilding of states hit by natural disasters. State Rep. Marcelo Llorente, a Miami Republican who served one of five vice-chairs of the platform committee, said he expects McCain to warm to the idea. "I think that Gov.
Eustis has its eye on mobile-home property near Ferran Park
Sep 2, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
Where are they going to go?" Jack Stearman, 69, said it would put him in a bind if he is forced to move.
Temp agencies are attracting professionals
Sep 2, 2008 — The Miami Herald
She spent 10 years as a staff accountant and manager at a Miami timeshare company before becoming a temp. They're often called "consultants" or "free-lancers" to distinguish them from traditional clerical temps. For many years, customers were squeezing the temp industry's profit margins for clerical and industrial help.
EDITORIAL To Get Factory Jobs Back, U.S. Must Solve Health-Care Crisis
Sep 1, 2008 — Tampa Tribune
Others have died much too young because they cannot afford access to care. Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama proposes subsidies to make insurance affordable. Republican John McCain proposes tax credits to help people buy their own coverage.
Mount Dora may try to put out city workers' cigarettes
Sep 1, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
Even so, Mount Dora plans to offer its employees smoke-cessation programs to help them quit, Bloom said.
No emergency aid for Charlton County individuals
Sep 1, 2008 — Florida Times Union
Marys River Bluff Road in Charlton County on Aug. 25, two days after the St. FOLKSTON - Rebuilding may not be easy for Charlton County residents flooded out of their homes when the St. Butch Kinerney, a Federal Emergency Management Agency spokesman, said federal flood insurance is available for both homeowners and renters living in flood-prone areas.
Some flood victims can expect tax relief
Aug 31, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
The retiree said the tax reduction will help make up for lost revenue from tenants moving out.
Wind, solar industries immediate future hinges on lawmakers' extending tax breaks
Aug 31, 2008 — Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
Some $500 million in investment and production tax credits will expire Dec. 31 unless Congress renews them. But the investment tax credit, company spokesman Brian Lynch said, is what makes solar power cost-competitive. The production tax credit would cost $7 billion and two solar investment credits would cost $2.7 billion over 10 years.
Concerned residents meet to discuss the future of dune lakes
Aug 30, 2008 — The Walton Sun
...the Huettel Center and presented by the Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Board in coordination with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, developed a strategy for future management of dune lakes in Walton County. The most important issues, as determined by attendees, include who would be in charge of managing the dune lakes, and their outlets, educating the public about the lakes and monitoring fish and wildlife. Attendees also determined any studies performed on the dune lakes should be...
Contractor says it was underpaid by Florida Power & Light
Aug 30, 2008 — Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
Green Mountain Energy, the contractor FPL hired to run the Sunshine Energy program, claims the utility underpaid it by $485,166. That's about $3 million more for renewable energy than FPL had thought, according to a Public Service Commission report. The company made 56,000 telemarketing calls, distributed 3.6 million direct mailers and sent 7.6 million bill inserts to publicize the FPL program early on, Markovich said.
Contractor says it was underpaid by Florida Power and Light
Aug 30, 2008 — South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Charlie Crist championed a sweeping energy law the Legislature passed this year. It allows utilities to pass the reasonable costs of renewable-energy projects to consumers.
FAMILY'S FLOOD ORDEAL The Roses of Pine Valley Court endured flooding from the 2004 hurricanes. For Fay, the city sent a pump -- but too late. So the water rushed into their
Aug 30, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
That's where we sent the pump." Pine Meadow was up the street and around the corner. Tina and Glenn knew contractors who could rebuild their five-bedroom home, and they had flood insurance to cover it. We look at why. Inside *Because of Fay's flooding, watercraft are barred on the St.
Fort Lauderdale police officer's pay per year for no work: $110,249
Aug 30, 2008 — Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
Masri's wife, Amy Kienast Masri, was the target of a criminal investigation into allegations she bilked the city police health insurance fund. Amy Masri, a dentist, was sentenced in May. The police department is still looking at Sharif Masri and could discipline him in the case.
Fort Lauderdale police officer's pay per year for no work: $110,249 State attorney cleared him but Lauderdale keeps him on leave
Aug 30, 2008 — South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Amy Masri, a dentist, was sentenced in May. The police department is still looking at Sharif Masri and could discipline him in the case. But it's not often that a police officer and his wife are under criminal investigation.
FPL says nuclear power should be considered a renewable energy supply
Aug 30, 2008 — The Miami Herald
No. 2: The Legislature mandated that nuclear power not be a renewable resource. They will produce 110 megawatts of power -- but that is less than a half-percent of FPL's total annual output.
FPL touts nuclear energy as a renewable source
Aug 30, 2008 — The Miami Herald
No. 2: The Legislature mandated that nuclear power not be a renewable resource. They will produce 110 megawatts of power -- but that is less than a half-percent of FPL's total annual output.
Okaloosa County to draw line in the sand
Aug 30, 2008 — The Destin Log
...new beach waterfront owners can claim for their own. Wednesday, Okaloosa County Beach Projects Coordinator Jim Trifilio told the county's Tourist Development Council that surveyors setting an "erosion control line" in Destin and Okaloosa County are scheduled to begin work Sept. 8. The line would mark a point along the beach roughly one foot above sea level. The rebuilt beach upland of the ECL is considered part of the property owners' private beach; sand added south of the line...
Bush expands disaster assistance for 4 counties
Aug 29, 2008 — The Palm Beach Post
Lucie County Administrator Doug Anderson said Wednesday. FEMA teams will open a disaster recovery center this morning at the St. Lucie County were flooded when Tropical Storm Fay slogged across the state last week. Some parts of the county received more than 15 inches of rain during the storm's deluge, which pushed standing water into homes and businesses from Port St.
For these med students, it's not all about cash
Aug 29, 2008 — The Miami Herald
He has since traveled to India with the Jay Weiss Center. You see patients with TB, patients with advanced HIV, patients with chronic diseases like diabetes who just don't have access to basic care. The Jay Weiss Center bought the equipment and Saint-Hilaire and Ashlock will examine patients in Haiti via video conferencing.
FPL green energy provider counters scathing state report A company that ran Florida Power and Light's green energy program said it lost money on the deal.
Aug 29, 2008 — The Miami Herald
...monthly FPL bills for the purchase of green power. Some customers, such as John Malpass of Merritt Island, have since petitioned the PSC to have FPL refund their money. "I will be sending this complaint to my local elected officials asking for legislative action," Malpass said in a letter to the PSC. "Additionally, I have deducted $9.75 from my FPL August bill." NECESSARY EXPENSES In its report, Green Mountain said 65 percent of the $11.3 million given it by FPL went for...
Reform legislation making Florida affordable again
Aug 29, 2008 — The Sun - Port Charlotte, Florida
He also explained that workers' compensation should be considered more a part of property and casualty insurance than health insurance. "The insurance markets are cyclical. In the current budget, workers' compensation costs about $899,000 out of a total property and casualty insurance bill of about $3.2 million. Last fiscal year, claims dropped to a more normal $791,000, with this year also looking favorable, Pryor said.
Bush expands disaster assistance for four Florida counties
Aug 28, 2008 — The Palm Beach Post
Lucie County Administrator Doug Anderson said Wednesday. FEMA teams will open a disaster recovery center this morning at the St. Lucie County were flooded when Tropical Storm Fay slogged across the state last week. Some parts of the county received more than 15 inches of rain during the storm's deluge, which pushed standing water into homes and businesses from Port St.
Dear Sen. Obama Republican-leaning small-business owner is ready for change
Aug 28, 2008 — The Orlando Sentinel
Jim Stratton Aug. 28, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Presidential candidates talk a lot. Obama. Look, I know you're gonna run the table with black voters and young voters. Do that, and we'll balance the budget.
Four Medicaid health plans withdrawing from county
Aug 28, 2008 — Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
United is dropping out in Broward and may drop out in the other counties. Health officials said the patients could be absorbed by 13 remaining plans in Broward. I fear people are going to get hurt," Swerlick said.
Oil prices break through $120 per barrel with Gustav expected to become a hurricane
Aug 28, 2008 — Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
United is dropping out in Broward and may drop out in the other counties. The reform covers 116,250 people in Broward, 57 percent of whom are in the four plans. Health officials said the patients could be absorbed by 13 remaining plans in Broward.
Panel recommends drop in rates for workers comp insurers
Aug 28, 2008 — Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
United is dropping out in Broward and may drop out in the other counties. Health officials said the patients could be absorbed by 13 remaining plans in Broward. I fear people are going to get hurt," Swerlick said.
Residents, officials solicit OK for FEMA aid for Fay
Aug 28, 2008 — The Palm Beach Post
Brevard County also was cleared for individual assistance Tuesday morning, but St. Lucie County -- which Fay struck before Brevard -- was still waiting. Robert Ives, director of the Florida recovery office for FEMA, said St. Lucie County, costing about $10 million. --150 homes and businesses flooded in Port St.

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