Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
CHARLIE CRIST POSTPONES VISIT TO CUBA
Democratic candidate for governor Charlie Crist is postponing his visit to Cuba. Crist said earlier this year that the United States should scrap the 52-year-old embargo with the communist-run island. He also said he planned on visiting Cuba on a fact-finding trip.
SOME CITIZENS CUSTOMERS MAY SEE DROP IN RATES
Florida’s largest property insurer may be dropping its rates next year. Citizens Property Insurance is considering rate proposals for 2015 that would lower rates by about 3.2 percent for most homeowners. The state-created insurer says the proposal would apply to nearly 70 percent of those with homeowner policies. The Citizens board will vote Wednesday on the proposal. State regulators must approve the plan as well.
GULF POWER-SEA TURTLE
Gulf Power Co. is considering modifying light poles after a loggerhead sea turtle was fatally struck by a vehicle. The nesting turtle died Wednesday on Perdido Key near Pensacola. An initial report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission suggests the turtle was drawn to a light post.
FLORIDA PAYS NEARLY $250,000 TO SETTLE FIRING CASE
Florida is paying nearly $250,000 to settle a lawsuit with a former state employee who said she was fired for raising questions about the way the state treated people who received unemployment compensation payments. The state calls the lawsuit by Diane Parcell “meritless.” But a jury this spring sided with Parcell and her attorneys, concluding the state fired her in retaliation for her actions. The state later agreed to settle the case.
FLORIDA SIBLINGS TO BE RESENTENCED IN GEORGIA BANK ROBBERY
A federal appeals court has ordered a judge to resentence two of three Florida siblings for their roles in the robbery of a south Georgia bank during a cross-country crime spree. The three have also pleaded guilty to charges in Colorado and still face charges in Florida.
