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A three year Citizens Property Insurance rate freeze will be lifted in January and most customers will be paying more. Wednesday, the Citizens Insurance Board voted for a 10 percent rate hike but they also voted to allow some rates to drop 10 percent. As Whitney Ray tell us, thousands of Citizens customers have been paying too much for coverage.

State run Citizens Property Insurance is backing 415 billion dollars of the riskiest real estate in Florida, but Citizens collects only two billion dollars in premiums. Starting in January most customers will pay more in an attempt to lessen the state’s burden, but some could actually pay less.

Recent reports show that an estimated 80,000 Citizens policy holders are paying too much. The Citizens Property Insurance Board voted for a 10 percent rate reduction for those paying too much. And 10 percent more for everyone else. Deputy Insurance Commissioner Belinda Miller calls the rate changes fair.

“To get to an actuarial rate is going to go up and down all over the state, so phasing that in over a few years is not unreasonable,” said Miller.

Industry experts fear a rate decrease will only prolong Citizens problem of not having enough money to pay claims.

“When the wind blows we are going to be more on the hook for those losses than we are now if these rates are lowered,” said Bob Lotane, a spokesman with NAIFA.

If a major hurricane hits Florida all property insurance policy holders are likely to pay higher assessments. The state Office of Insurance Regulation will have to sign off on any rate increases or decreases. Citizens has until the 15th to file their request for a rate change.

Friends and family members of the 144th National Guard Transportation Company out of Marianna are counting the days until their loved ones return home.

The 66 guardsmen flew out of Tallahassee Wednesday morning. They’re headed to Indiana for a month of training before going to Iraq. Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp praised the troops for their courage.

“I hope as you go you have a enormous sense of pride in what you are doing, because what you are doing is historic, what you are doing is important, what you are doing will change the lives of people in another part of the world forever and ever,” said Kottkamp.

Private First Class Jessica Gates is leaving her two year old son behind.
“I’m hoping when I get done and come home it will all be worth it and I’ll be able to provide for him better and do better for myself,” said Gates.

The transportation company will join up with the 1218th out of West Palm Beach to help protect and move combat equipment across the desert.

Someone just dropped the F bomb on the Citizen’s Board Meeting Conference Call. Seems they are having phone troubles. Strange to hear none-the-less.

Facing billions of dollars in construction costs for new prisons, the state is trying to reduce recidivism at Wakulla Correctional Institute south of Tallahassee.  As Mike Vasilinda tells us, part of what makes this prison different is that every inmate volunteered to be here.

Among the 1800 inmates at Wakulla Correctional Institute, are men serving life and others just a few years. Each of them volunteered to be here.

This is one of four faith-based prisons in Florida. On this morning, several hundred inmates are participating in a bible study led by a volunteer minister.

Chaplain Stephen Fox says whether an inmate is serving life or just a few years, it’s never too late to change direction.

“My grandmother used to say years back, that if you throw enough mud on the walls, some of it’s bound to stick,” Fox said. “So we try to give them as much exposure to different classes, different programs. Because we never know what’s going to change a person.”

There is also a class on how to operate a construction company, or open a janitorial business. The class is as much about anger management as anything else.

“If you have a problem with someone else, you have to work on that,” Howard Pepper, inmate instructor, said.

These inmates are all instructors. They teach a core class on business. Jeff Botsford is a former bank president who is doing 7 years.

“What is a man going to do when he gets out of prison? Starting his own small business is something that is viable, that can be done,” Botsford said. “So we teach the inmates how to build a business plan.”

At any given time there are about 5,000 inmates on the waiting list, trying to get into one of four faith-based prisons in Florida.

All of the books, bibles and everything else that makes this prison different were all donated by volunteers who give not only money but their time.

Statistics are expected later this year on whether faith based prisons are actually reducing recidivism. If you are interested in helping donate money or materials, go to correctionsfoundation.org, click contribute, and specify your gift go to Wakulla CI.

All of the books, bibles and everything else that makes this prison different were all donated by volunteers who give not only money but their time.

Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp has been more visible in recent weeks, touring several state agencies, including the state agency for workforce innovation today. Kottkamp was expected to announce he would seek the Attorney General’s post by the fourth of July. Now that the holiday has come and gone, the Lt. Governor says a decision could still be two weeks away.

“Well we’ll find out. The governor and I were very focused on our post-session work,” Kottkamp said. “We wanted to make sure, I personally wanted to make sure, that we got done with the budget, all the bills that had landed on the governor’s desk, before going forward with an announcement. As you know, we’ve finally done that, I think last week we got the last bill off the governor’s desk. So you can expect an announcement in the next couple of weeks.”

The Attorney General’s job is becoming vacant because the current office holder, Bill McCollum, is running to replace Kottkamp’s boss, Governor Charlie Crist.

Florida’s Early Learning centers will start seeing 32 million federal stimulus dollars in the next few weeks. It’s part of a total 105 million to provide quality child care so people can go back to work. The funds target low income working families.Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp says the money will also keep child care workers employed.

“Sometimes the cost of childcare, without a program like this, would be so cost prohibitive that they would be better off financially for someone to just not work,” Kottkamp said. “But having programs like this allows people to get back in the workforce and at the same time the parent has the confidence knowing that their child is in a quality program.”

The money is enough to provide early learning for about 20 thousand kids. There are still 58 thousand children on the waiting list for early learning programs.

30 thousand unemployed Floridians will get a welcome surprise in their mailboxes this week. Checks for up to 3 hundred dollars a week for as many 20 weeks go in the mail to unemployed who have exhausted all of their benefits. But as Mike Vasilinda tells us, the extended benefits aren’t automatic, and recipients must apply.

The extended unemployment benefits are retroactive to February 22nd. For those who have already applied, checks totaling as much as 51 hundred dollars will be in the mail this week. As many as a quarter-million Floridians could be eligible.

Jessie Schrimsher is one of them. He says navigating the system is complicated.

“It’s kinda like, doing your income tax,” Schrimsher said. “Kinda the same thing. You’ve got to be an attorney almost.”

In addition to being complicated, both state unemployment hotlines are swamped. Especially at the beginning of the week.

The state says if you can’t get through on the phone, apply online. And unlike past extensions, doing nothing will get you nothing.

Applications can be found at FloridaJobs.org.

The up to 250 thousand people who are eligible for the benefits are also going to be hearing from the state.

“We’ve had two previous unemployment extensions where those people were taken into the system automatically,” Cynthia Lorenzo, director of the Agency for Workforce Innovation said. “This one is different in that applications need to be submitted. We have been doing a tremendous amount of outreach.”

An estimated 418 million dollars in extended benefits are expected to be paid out to Floridians by the end of the year.

Except for sparklers, most fireworks are illegal in Florida, but a loophole allows the sale of firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles at roadside stands. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, revelers beware.

If you’re looking for a bang, it’s easy to find.

Roadside stands like this one are popping up all over the state. The earlier they show up on the side of the road, the more likely they are to be licensed and complying with state law.

While sparklers are the only thing that’s legal in Florida, the law has a loophole so big, you can throw a stick of dynamite through it.

An agricultural exemption allows people to buy and sell just about anything, as long as they sign a waiver indicating the items are going to be used to scare birds or some other legitimate purpose.

CFO Alex Sink is urging people to attend sponsored fireworks, but if they must buy their own, to be careful.

“First and foremost, don’t buy any illegal fireworks,” Sink said. “There’s a reason why some fireworks are illegal and they need to be only be used by professionals.”

In 2007, at least 145 fires in Florida, costing almost a million dollars in damage, were caused by fireworks or sparklers.

“You can be liable for the damage caused by those structure fires, and God forbid anybody gets hurt in that process, but you can also be liable for any property damage that’s caused,” Cindy Dick, Tallahassee Fire Department Chief said.

The rule is that if it flies or explodes, it is illegal, and even if you sign a waiver, you can still be fined up to a thousand dollars for using fireworks illegally.

In addition to causing fires, illegal fireworks are also responsible for dozens of trips to emergency rooms each Fourth of July.

Ethics complaints are now pending against CFO Alex Sink and Attorney General Bill McCollum for their use of state planes. Both complaints were filed by people in the opposite political party as both Sink and McCollum vie to be the next Governor of Florida. Sink has ordered her office to investigate the use of state planes. She says the report could be ready soon.

“Well, I’m here to do the right thing,” Sink said. “I’m the one who called for the logs to be put on the web so that any Florida citizen could see how the state plane is being used, and certainly with this review that I’ve asked my office to do about our use of the state plane. My total intent is to absolutely do the right thing.”

Who’s using the state plane and what was paid is now posted on the internet for all to see. You can find the information here: http://dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/specialized_services/aircraft_operations/state_aircraft_flight_information

If you’re planning to visit a Florida state park, be prepared to pay more. In an effort to keep from shutting down some of the sites, park fees went up July 1st. As Whitney Ray tells us, the price is up, but that hasn’t changed the plans of thousands of Floridians who will hike, swim, and camp at Florida’s 160 state parks this weekend.

The Laudermilch Family is visiting 10 state parks over the holiday weekend.

“You get to see what nature is really like. The kids become interested in nature and preserving it and seeing what God has created for us,” said Von Laudermilch.

And at Wakulla Springs State Park there’s plenty to see.

“Seeing all the wildlife, in general is pretty fun,” said Jeffery, Von’s son.

Viewing Florida’s natural beauty at the state’s hottest sites just got more expensive. The price of admissions at Florida’s state parks is up. Entry per car increased between one and three dollars depending on the park. Camping will cost an extra four bucks.

Even though the price has gone up, you wouldn’t know it by the crowd at Wakulla Springs. Jennifer Darnell paid six dollars to bring three kids to the park.

“Six dollars is a bargain when it keeps them occupied. I can stay out here for hours with them and it keeps them busy,” said Jennifer.

The increase will help the state park system keep all of its sites open.

“During this year’s legislative session we had a few budget cutting exercises. One of them included the temporary closure of 19 state parks,” said Jessica Kemper, the Information Director of the Florida Parks Service.

Last year 20 million people visited Florida’s state parks. The price hike isn’t expected to curb attendance. To view a list of the new entry and camping fees at Florida’s 160 state parks go to http://www.floridastateparks.org/information/docs/DayUseEntranceFees.pdf

If you’re looking to buy your first home the state has 8-thousand dollars with your name on it. The state is advancing a federal tax credit for first time homebuyers. As Whitney Ray tells us, the move will help bridge the gap for people who can afford mortgage payments, but can’t find the money to get the ball rolling.

At the height of the foreclosure crisis, banks began to tighten their belts. No-money-down mortgages disappeared… closing the door for many Floridians looking to buy a house. Now the state is offering down payment assistance to first time homebuyers.

“With this added bonus of $8,000 up front to be used as down payment assistance, that’s going to increase the pool of people who can buy houses by quit a bit,” said John Sebree with the Florida Association of Realtors.

The state is setting aside 30 million dollars for the program. The money will be loaned to people who qualify for the federal 8-thousand dollar first time homebuyer tax credit.

To qualify you can’t make more than 75,000 dollars a year. Families with two household incomes can’t make more than 150,000.

The money will be available through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership, known as the SHIP program. SHIP has an office in every Florida county. The money won’t be available until early August, but the application process is already underway.

“These purchases need to close by November 30th of this year. So they really need to go out there find a home get a deal put together and close November 30th,” said General Council for the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Wellington Meffert.

People who receive an advance will have 18 months to pay it back. A list of offices to help you receive an advance on the money can be found at www.floridahousing.org

Good News For Home Builders

There are 300,000 empty houses in Florida. If the first time homebuyer program is successful, some of the excess inventory will be soaked up and provide hope for the state’s 175,000 construction workers looking for a job. David Hart, a spokesman for the Florida Home Builders Association, says if the housing market turns around the rest of the state will follow.

“Housing and construction have always been one of the foundations one of the strongest pillars of Florida’s economy. It has suffered quite a bit in the last two years, but I’m positive it will comeback strong,” said Hart.

The construction industry continues to be the hardest sector hit when it comes to the state’s 10.2 percent unemployment rate.

The Florida Realtors Association wants to know what forced so many Floridians into foreclosure.

The association has launched a website with a survey for people who have lost their homes. Spokesman John Sebree said the association wants to put a face on foreclosure in the state.

“We find out that most of them have just been a lone number or a case number and no one has really asked them what their problems are; Did they lose a job, was there a divorce, was their child sick and in the hospital? There are so many things that lead to a foreclosure and no one has taken the opportunity to ask those questions,” said Sebree.

To share your story got to www.floridafaceofforeclosure.com

Protesters will be at the state capitol on the 4th of July to rally against wasteful government spending.

Federal Stimulus spending will be one of the key rallying points for the anti-tax protesters. A controversial plan to spend 3.4 million federal stimulus dollars to build an animal-crossing underneath a highway near Tallahassee has many of the protesters livid. Organizer Pace Allen said government spending has gotten out of control.

“We are concerned about the spending, bailouts, handouts, entitlements. These are not values that will make our country successful in the long run,” said Allen.

The protesters will rally at noon in Tallahassee in front of the historic state capitol.

Legislation deregulating phone companies went into effect today. The legislation allows your landline bill to go up by as much as 20 percent every year. As Whitney Ray tells us, while most people will be paying more, some will actually get a break on their bills.

For decades people trying to reach Sarah Simmons have dialed the same seven numbers. Sarah has a landline phone, but worries an increase in the amount she pays for service could force her to nix the line.

“That wouldn’t help me none, not with my income. I just have one income. I’m a senior citizen,” said Simmons.

New legislation removes state oversight of companies providing traditional landline service. Deregulating phone companies will allow rates to increase up to 20 percent every year.

Mary Jefferson says if her bill goes up she’s cancelling her service.

“I like my cell phone, I love my landline to, but if you can’t afford both of them you make a choice and that choice would be to take the cell phone,” said Mary.

Quality control and billing problems will also be out the state’s control. Until Wednesday the State Public Service Commissioner handled customer complaints about landline problems.

“We are now regulating basic service only, single line service,” said Cindy Muir.

While the changes may cost most customers more, Floridians with basic service are exempt from any increases. The legislation also expanses eligibility for Lifeline service, a program providing discounts for low income families.

Three of the state’s top elected officials have racked up 51-thousand dollars in questionable travel expenses. Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Attorney General Bill McCollum and Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp are under fire for their use of the state planes. As Whitney Ray tells us, Sink has flown family members on the state planes, and McCollum has ordered empty planes from Tallahassee to pick him up near Orlando for state business.

No one has used the state planes this week. Both planes are undergoing maintenance in Tallahassee.

It’s a Tuesday in Tallahassee and three of the state’s top elected officials aren’t at the capitol. The Attorney General, The Chief Financial Officer and the Governor are all in South Florida raising campaign money. The only elected officials in the capitol Tuesday were the ones not running for office.

Their absence raises questions about the use of state planes. CFO Alex Sink has asked her office to review her travel expenses. She also reimbursed the state for flying family members. Republican Party contributor Jose Lorenzo filed an ethics complaint against Sink.

“Some of the stops had no state work purpose whatsoever. It really concerned me,” said Lorenzo.

Sink has called for all state plane use to be listed on the internet. No one from Sink’s office would talk on camera about her travel expenses.

Attorney General Bill McCollum is also catching heat for his travel. Spokeswoman Sandi Copes says money McCollum spent ordering empty planes to pick him up near Orlando is justified.

“It’s tough to travel throughout Florida. There are only a few flights in and out of Tallahassee, so that’s why he makes sure when he needs the state plane he uses it effectively and again he only uses the state plane for official state work,” said Copes.

Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp was the first to catch heat over his use of the planes. Kottkamp cut the state a 10,000 dollar reimbursement check to make amends.