Thinking Out Loud

As an answer to an incredibly loud cry from Florida citizens, our State leaders made a brave attempt to address property insurance early this year. While I believe there is more to do to bring down cost, as well as balance the impact to insurance companies, I embrace the spirit of the outcome. I look for-ward to the follow-up legislation that is necessary to continue attacking the problems related to property insurance in our State. But now on to another big problem: Property Taxes. Local governments across the state are bracing themselves for the impact of sweeping reform as many rely on these funds for police, parks, transportation, recreation, neighborhood and other community services. Governor Crist rolled out his proposal for property tax reform while legislative leaders are touring the state for citizen input.

Florida, we have a problem. Our property insurance crisis is out of control! We’re getting beat and hammered with policy premiums jumping 200-400 percent from one year to the next. We have retirees who can no longer afford to live in Florida and business owners who are having to consider leaving the state. We hear mumblings of promised relief, and repetitious statements, “we’re working on it”, bouncing around. What we are not hearing are the echoes of a State that has tried its best to get this crisis under control.

We know the facts. Martin Lee Anderson’s death was caused by actions of professionals at the Bay County boot camp. We’ve seen the video. We’ve seen the community outrage at the absence of justice. Five months removed, no charges have been filed in connection with the 14 year-old’s death.