Thursday, October 29, 2009
MARGE JARMAK
We are sad to report that long time resident, Marge Jarmak, of 9625-4 Estuary Way, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2009 after a long period of illness. Marge who was 85, is surived by her husband, Ed Jarmak. Services will not be held locally but rather up north. Your prayers for Marge and Ed will be appreciated.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
MATTHEW DE MUSIS OF PELICAN POINTE DRIVE HAS PASSED AWAY
WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED THIS INFORMATION
FROM PAT KENNEDY
DE MUSIS, MATTHEW "BABE"September 2, 2009
Matthew Charles “Babe” DeMusis, 79, of Harbour Village, Branford died peacefully Sept. 2, 2009 in his home surrounded by his family, losing his valiant battle with cancer. He was the husband of Ethel Vanacore Demusis. Born in New Haven Nov. 19, 1929, he was the son of the late Angelo Charles and Rose Magliaro DeMusis. He graduated from Admiral Billiard Academy in 1948 and went to work in the family business, Charlie’s Tire Repair. In 1953, he married his loving wife of 56 years, Ethel Vanacore. He entered the US Army , also in 1953, and served for several years, earning two service medals, before returning to the family business. He retired in 1991 and helped Ethel in her business, Lynn’s Deli in Branford until they both retired in 1995. He was a member of the Branford Elks Club. He enjoyed retirement, traveling with his wife and family, playing poker with his Friday night club, fishing, cooking, fine dining, and, most happily, spending many joyful moments with his family. He had a harmonious life and aged with perfection just like his favorite bottle of wine. Besides his wife, “Babe” is survived by three daughters, Roseann Pandolfi and Helen (Stephen) Borrelli, both of Branford and Lynn (Tim) DeMusis-Grady of North Branford; one brother, Anthony “Tony” DeMusis of Branford; one sister, Camille (Joseph) Paolillo of East Haven; a son in law, David Pandolfi; five grandchildren, Matthew (Gina) and Melissa Pandolfi, Nicholas and Maria Salatto, and Charles “Chuck” DeFilippo; many cousins, nieces and nephews, especially Peter, and a lifetime of friends. He was predeceased by his son, Charles “Charlie” DeMusis and a granddaughter, Nicole DeFilippo.Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of his life at St. Mary’s Church, 731 Main St., Branford Saturday, Sept. 5th at 2:00 PM. followed by Military Honors. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to Camp Rising Sun Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 310611, Newington, CT 06131-0611
ETHEL AND THE FAMILY WILL APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
BELOW IS A MESSAGE FROM THE UMBRELLA ASSOCIATION WHICH THEY ASKED PELICAN POINTE II TO POST FOR ALL UNIT OWNERS
September 1, 2009.
Pelican Pointe Umbrella Association,
The following is a brief note to inform residents re: certain matters that have been under negotiations for a considerable amount of time. Please communicate with winter residents who are not here right now of the contents of this message, if you have an opportunity to speak with them, before they return. A mailing at this point would be un-necessary and costly until we have more details. Further details win be posted as they become available.
1. As a result of some diligent research on the behalf of Larry Moritz, he was able to locate the paperwork (about 90 pages) of the past permit to dredge the marina. As a result of this Paul Gicola and I have had meaningful discussions with a number of companies and expect to have a contract for dredging and the proper permits shortly. Ellie Morgan and Larry Moritz are also part of the discussion process. I have been unable to contact Louis La Rose, if anyone has an active telephone number for him please let us know. There will be more on this.
2. After months of back and forth with numerous Irrigation and pump companies we believe we are close to signing a contract re: replacing the pumps. More to follow on this also.
3. The heavy brush along Estuary has been cut back.
4. All the potholes have been filled.
5. New electric outlets have been installed in the clubhouse.
6. The irrigation system along the west side of the tennis courts will be redesigned to keep water off the tennis court surface.
Tentatively (until we actually approve and sign contracts regarding items 1 and 2) we estimate that we will be under budget on both the dredging and the Inigation pump due to some tenacious bargaining by your board members.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey T. Kracht
Paul Gicola
Ellie Morgan
Larry Moritz
Jeffrey T. Kracht
Paul Gicola
Ellie Morgan
Larry Moritz
Thursday, September 03, 2009
LONG TIME PELICAN POINTE RESIDENT
SARAH CHEEK HAS PASSED AWAY
ONE OF OUR ORIGINAL OWNERS AT PELICAN POINTE, WIFE OF
CALDWELL CHEEK, ONE OF THE DEVELOPERS OF PELICAN POINTE HAS GONE ON TO A MORE PEACEFUL PLACE.
BELOW IS THE OBITUARY FROM THE PRESS JOURNAL:
Cheek, Sarah
Sarah H. Cheek, 80, died Aug. 31, 2009, at The Place at Vero Beach. She was born in Winston Salem, N.C., and lived in Vero Beach for 26 years, coming from her birthplace She was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wabasso. Survivors include her son, Mark T. Cheek of Maryville, Tenn.; daughter, Susan C. Self of Fellsmere; sisters, Lottie Morgan of Sebastian, Jean Hudson of Pittsboro, N.C., and Lois Mustin of Belews Creek, N.C. She was preceded in death by her husband, Caldwell Cheek. SERVICES: Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 5 at the First Baptist Church, Wabasso, with Rev. Allen Yarbrough officiating. Burial will be at Sebastian Cemetery.
Published in the TC Palm on 9/2/2009
PLEASE PRAY FOR SARAH'S FAMILY WHICH INCLUDES DAUGHTER, SUSAN SELF, WHO TAKES SUCH GOOD CARE OF OUR GOLF COURSE WITH HUSBAND, GREG SELF AND HER SISTER LOTTIE MORGAN OF PELICAN POINTE DRIVE.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
PARTY ON SATURDAYDRINKS 4-5:00 PM, GRILL AT 5:00P.M.
(IT IS A NEW GRILL, COME TRY IT OUT!)
BYOB AND A DISH TO SHARE
COME JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS FOR SOME SUMMER FUN
Sunday, June 21, 2009
VOTE ON COLOR OF TRIM ON PP II BUILDINGS
FOR SOME TIME A NUMBER OF PPII OWNERS HAVE REQUESTED
THAT WE TRY TO MAKE OUR BUILDINGS MORE ATTRACTIVE.
AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN JANUARY THE BOARD AGREED TO
TRY A SAMPLE OF PAINTING THE TRIM ON 5700 MARINA DRIVE
WITH A PURE WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR UNIT OWNERS TO JUDGE
FIRSTHAND THE APPEARANCE OF THIS TRIM. WHILE SOME LIKED
THIS OTHERS THOUGHT IT WAS TOO BRIGHT AND SUGGESTED A
LIGHT GRAY FOR THE TRIM, SOME DID NOT WANT A CONTRASTING TRIM AND WISHED TO KEEP THE TRIM THE SAME COLOR AS
THE BUILDINGS AS IT HAS BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF PPII
SINCE THIS IS A BASIC CHANGE BEING CONSIDERED, THE BOARD HAS CHOSEN TO PUT THIS TO A VOTE
OF THE ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP OF PP II. THIS WILL BE A SECRET
BALLOT TO BE HANDLED BY MAIL BY OUR MANAGEMENT COMPANY, ELLIOTT MERRILL. YOU WILL RECEIVE A BALLOT AND
INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY WHICH WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VOTE ON AND MAIL IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,
AS WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF PAINTING THE BUILDINGS ON MARINA DRIVE THIS SUMMER. NOTE THE TRIM WE WOULD USE IF THE MEMBERSHIP VOTES FOR A DIFFERENT COLOR WOULD BE THE SAME RICHARD'S 100% ACRYLIC MADE FOR FLORIDA WEATHER AND SUN CONDITIONS AS IS BEING USED ON THE SIDING.
MANY OF YOU OBSERVED THE TRIM DIRECTLY ON 5700 MARINA DRIVE. ABOVE WE HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS OF 5700 WITH THE LIGHT GRAY TRIM AND OF 5685 MARINA WITH THE TRIM PAINTED THE SAME COLOR AS THE SIDING TO GIVE YOU SOME IDEA OF THE DIFFERENCE. THE BOARD WILL PROCEED AS DETERMINED BY THE MAJORITY VOTE OF THE MEMBERSHIP.
Monday, May 25, 2009
SAD NEWS FROM PELICAN POINTE
OUR GOOD NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND FROM ESTUARY WAY,
HANS WILLADSEN, PASSED AWAY AFTER SEVERAL YEARS
OF ILLNESS. PLEASE PRAY FOR ANNE, HIS WIFE OF MANY YEARS, AND THEIR FAMILY. FOLLOWING IS THE OBITUARY FROM THE PRESS JOURNAL:
HANS WILHELM WILLADSEN JR.
Hans Wilhelm Willadsen Jr., 78, died May 16, 2009, at Sebastian River Medical Center,
Roseland. He was born in Meriden, Conn., and lived in Sebastian for 11 years, coming
from Seymour, Conn. He was a retired electrician. Survivors include his wife of 55 years,
Anne Willadsen of Sebastian; sons, David Willadsen of Beacon Falls, Conn., and Michael
Willadsen of South Windsor, Conn.; daughters, Karen Smith of Oxford, Conn., Marie
Radtke of Brookfield, Conn., and Nancy Willadsen of Torrington, Conn.; sister, Abby Bray
of Cheshire, Conn.; and eight grandchildren. SERVICES: Arrangements are by Seawinds
Funeral Home & Crematory. A guest book may be signed at seawindsfh.com/obit.php.
Published in the TC Palm on 5/20/2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY AT CLUBHOUSEALL WELCOME-JOIN YOUR FELLOW RESIDENTS
SATURDAY MAY 2ND-3:00 P.M. TIL?
BYOB & APPETIZERS
BEST HAT CONTEST...FUN...GAMES
BIG SCREEN VIEW OF RACE
ANY QUESTIONS CALL SANDY ROGERS AT
581-4079
Friday, January 16, 2009
2009 PELICAN POINTE DIRECTORIES
NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT
PP II AND UMBRELLA OFFICES, OR
FROM KITTY WHIDDEN OR SUE KEANE.
MANY THANKS TO BOTH KITTY AND SUE FOR THEIR
HARD WORK IN PREPARING AND ISSUING
THIS IMPORTANT REFERENCE BOOK USED
BY OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY!!!
ONLY $5 THIS YEAR FOR THE DIRECTORY.
Friday, November 14, 2008
NOTICE TO PP II UNIT OWNERS
Pelican Pointe of Sebastian II Condominium Association, Inc.
The Florida legislature has passed various changes to the Condominium Act, one of which is the requirement of the Board to inform the Unit Owners concerning Casualty Insurance, the Deductible and other sources for paying the Deductible in the event of a major casualty to the Association’s common property. At the upcoming Board Meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2008 we will be formally presenting this information as follows:
Insurance Deductible Preamble:
The proposed insurance deductible for the Association’s Hazard Policy with Citizens Insurance (State of Florida Organization) in the event of casualty from a major windstorm (hurricane, tornado or the like) is proposed to be 3% of the property’s valuation (coverage for full replacement under our policy with Citizens). The Property valuation, based on a recent Professional appraisal in September of 2008, is $15,644,299. The 3% Deductible for 2009 therefore totals $469,326.87. Available funds to meet the association’s deductible may come in part from Reserve funds and/or from our Contingency operating fund, but will come primarily from a Special Assessment. The Board will determine the amounts it considers available from the Reserve and Operating fund sources at the time of the major casualty and may choose to use this towards the satisfaction of our deductible.
In the event of a major casualty in 2009, the principal funds to meet the required deductible under our policy will be collected through a Special Assessment of the required shortfall to each Unit Owner on the basis of 1/180th per Unit Owner of the total remaining funds then required. The Board has the authority under 718.1265 – Association Emergency Powers, to levy a special assessment without a vote of the owners if a State of Emergency has been declared in the locale in which the condominium is located.
Our deductible is the lowest available and is consistent with or better than industry standards and prevailing practices for communities similar to ours in construction and location. Under the newly established change to Fl Statute 718.111(11) (c) we are required to inform you of the information stated in this notice. If the Association must have a Special Assessment to fully cover the deductible for a major casualty, each Unit’s Assessment would be $ 2,607.37.
Our budget for 2009 has $108,836 in Reserves at January 1 that could be considered for major casualty deduction uses. We have $ 3,500 in Contingency funds in our Operating funds. These figures are of course, the beginning figures for the year and will not be the amounts available if we experience a major casualty later in the year of 2009 since these reserve funds will be added to with quarterly assessments received and contrarily will be expended on major repairs and improvements to the Condominium Property during the year.
At the upcoming Board Meeting we will propose to the Board that the Association proceed to enter an Insurance Contract with
The Florida legislature has passed various changes to the Condominium Act, one of which is the requirement of the Board to inform the Unit Owners concerning Casualty Insurance, the Deductible and other sources for paying the Deductible in the event of a major casualty to the Association’s common property. At the upcoming Board Meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2008 we will be formally presenting this information as follows:
Insurance Deductible Preamble:
The proposed insurance deductible for the Association’s Hazard Policy with Citizens Insurance (State of Florida Organization) in the event of casualty from a major windstorm (hurricane, tornado or the like) is proposed to be 3% of the property’s valuation (coverage for full replacement under our policy with Citizens). The Property valuation, based on a recent Professional appraisal in September of 2008, is $15,644,299. The 3% Deductible for 2009 therefore totals $469,326.87. Available funds to meet the association’s deductible may come in part from Reserve funds and/or from our Contingency operating fund, but will come primarily from a Special Assessment. The Board will determine the amounts it considers available from the Reserve and Operating fund sources at the time of the major casualty and may choose to use this towards the satisfaction of our deductible.
In the event of a major casualty in 2009, the principal funds to meet the required deductible under our policy will be collected through a Special Assessment of the required shortfall to each Unit Owner on the basis of 1/180th per Unit Owner of the total remaining funds then required. The Board has the authority under 718.1265 – Association Emergency Powers, to levy a special assessment without a vote of the owners if a State of Emergency has been declared in the locale in which the condominium is located.
Our deductible is the lowest available and is consistent with or better than industry standards and prevailing practices for communities similar to ours in construction and location. Under the newly established change to Fl Statute 718.111(11) (c) we are required to inform you of the information stated in this notice. If the Association must have a Special Assessment to fully cover the deductible for a major casualty, each Unit’s Assessment would be $ 2,607.37.
Our budget for 2009 has $108,836 in Reserves at January 1 that could be considered for major casualty deduction uses. We have $ 3,500 in Contingency funds in our Operating funds. These figures are of course, the beginning figures for the year and will not be the amounts available if we experience a major casualty later in the year of 2009 since these reserve funds will be added to with quarterly assessments received and contrarily will be expended on major repairs and improvements to the Condominium Property during the year.
At the upcoming Board Meeting we will propose to the Board that the Association proceed to enter an Insurance Contract with
Florida's State owned Citizen's Insurance Co. for 100% Replacement cost of our Condominium Property based on the valuation of $15,644,299 established by professional Appraisers, Allied Appraisal Services, in September of this year. Such insurance contract is to have a maximum deductible for "wind" (hurricane, tornado, and the like) of 3% and a maximum deductible for "all other perils" of $5000.
PLEASE NOTE WE ARE NOT PROPOSING A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AT THIS TIME....WE ARE MERELY ADVISING YOU OF THE INSURANCE COVERAGE AND DEDUCTIBLES FOR THE YEAR 2009 SHOULD WE FACE A MAJOR CASUALTY.
Friday, October 24, 2008
ALERT TO PP II UNIT OWNERS WHO ARE DELINQUENT IN PAYING ASSESSMENTS!
WE ASK ALL UNIT OWNERS WHO ARE BEHIND
ON THEIR ASSESSMENTS TO PAY THESE FEES
TO WHICH
THEY COMMITTED
WHEN BECOMING OWNERS HERE.
YOUR ASSOCIATION MUST CONTINUE TO PAY ITS BILLS
ON YOUR BEHALF
AND THE ASSESSMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO DO THAT.
WE CAN'T HAVE THE GARBAGE OVERFLOWING, THE GRASS FOUR
FEET HIGH, LIGHTS OUT, INSURANCE LAPSING, ETC. ETC. !!!
PLEASE BE FAIR TO YOUR OTHER UNIT OWNERS
AND PAY YOUR FEES TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY LIVABLE.
NOTE: IF YOU ARE DELINQUENT IN ASSESSMENT FEES, YOU
MAY NOT RENT OR SELL YOUR UNIT UNTIL SUCH FEES ARE PAID AND THE ASSOCIATION GIVES WRITTEN PERMISSION TO DO SO.
Monday, October 20, 2008
EARLY VOTING BEGINS TODAY IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY.
IF YOU ARE A REGISTERED FLORIDA VOTER
YOU MAY VOTE EARLY AT THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE, NEXT TO THE SEBASTIAN CITY HALL ON MAIN STREET.
HOURS FOR VOTING ARE 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00PM THROUGH NOVEMBER 1ST, EXCLUDING SUNDAYS.
Monday, September 01, 2008
TROPICAL STORM HANNA 5 DAY FORECASTED TRACK
ON MONDAY MORNING SEPT. 1, 2008
LET US ALL PRAY THAT THIS DOES NOT BECOME A HURRICANE!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
COME TO OUR PELICAN POINTE LABOR DAY LONDON BROIL DINNERMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2008 AT THE CLUBHOUSE.
FOR ONLY $5 PER PERSON- LONDON BROIL, BAKED POTATOES WITH TOPPINGS
COLESLAW/POTATO SALAD, ETC.
GOLF SCRAMBLE AT 3:00 P.M. $2 FOR COURTESY REFRESHMENT CART.
REFRESHMENTS AT 5:00 P.M. (BYOB)
DINNER AROUND 6:00 P.M. YOUR SIDE DISHES/DESSERTS WILL BE WELCOME
PLEASE PAY FOR DINNER/GOLF AT DOOR AND BRING SOME EXTRA
$$$ FOR 50/50 TO SUPPORT PLANTING PROGRAM AT PP
PLEASE SIGN UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT THE CLUBHOUSE SO THE LADIES CAN BUY THE
APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF LONDON BROIL AND VEGGIES
COME JOIN YOUR PELICAN POINTE NEIGHBORS TO WRAP UP THE SUMMER
WITH A FUN PARTY AND SOME MUSIC TOO!
Friday, August 22, 2008
TROPICAL STORM FAY DUMPS MUCH WATER
ON PELICAN POINTE BUT NO SERIOUS DAMAGE
NOTED THUSFAR.
WE FARED MUCH BETTER THAN SOME OF OUR NEIGHBORING CITIES THAT GOT AS MUCH AS
26 TO 30 INCHES OF RAIN AND HAVE FLOODED
STREETS. OUR PONDS SEEM TO HAVE HANDLED THE HEAVY RAINS, WHICH ARE STILL GOING ON, BUT ONLY THE GOLF COURSE HAS BEEN FLOODED.
LOTS OF LITTLE BRANCHES AND LEAVES DOWN AND ONE PALM TREE TOPPLED BY 5835 MARINA DRIVE. A FEW LEAKS REPORTED HERE AND THERE, BUT NOTHING MAJOR.
PLEASE REMEMBER IT IS THE UNIT OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK OR HAVE THEIR UNITS CHECKED BY A RESPONSIBLE PARTY TO INSURE YOU HAVE NO STORM DAMAGE TO YOUR UNIT.
THE ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER BOARD AND THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY EMPLOYEES CAN NOT DO THIS FOR YOU.
Friday, August 15, 2008
NEWS FROM NORTH CAROLINA
OUR GOOD NEIGHBOR AND GREAT FISHERWOMAN, HILDA VESTAL
ADVISES THAT ANN MILLER, AN ORIGINAL OWNER AT PELICAN POINTE,
SINCE 1985 AT PP I, HAS HAD A VERY SERIOUS OPEN HEART SURGERY
FOR A TRIPLE BYPASS AND IS NOW RECOVERING VERY SLOWLY
IN A NURSING HOME, WHERE SHE IS EXPECTED TO BE FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH.
ANN, WHO WAS INVOLVED IN GOLF, SWIMMING AND FISHING IN EARLY
TIMES HERE, NEEDS ALL OF OUR PRAYERS FOR A FULL RECOVERY.
IF YOU WISH TO SEND A GET WELL CARD OR NOTE, SEND IT TO HER HOME AT:
P.O. BOX 40
EAST BEND, NORTH CAROLINA
27018
Thursday, July 17, 2008
STATE FARM PROPOSES BIG INCREASE IN HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE RATES
BELOW IS COPY OF ARTICLE FROM THE PRESS JOURNAL OF
JULY 17, 2998 AS SHOWN ON TCPALM WEBSITE
State Farm asks for 47% rate increase
BY JULIE PATEL Sun-SentinelThursday, July 17, 2008
State Farm, Florida's largest private property insurer, asked the state on Wednesday for an average rate increase of 47.1 percent on homeowner policies.
State Farm Florida Insurance Co. says it needs to increase premiums to have the cash to pay claims if major storms strike.
The planned increase flies in the face of the Legislature's efforts to curb property insurance prices that doubled or tripled in some cases after hurricanes in 2004 and 2005. The state Office of Insurance Regulation will conduct a hearing Aug. 12 to consider the increase, which would affect windstorm and contents coverage for home and condominium owners and renters.
If the rate boost is approved, State Farm's about 1 million Florida policyholders could start paying more as early as March. Since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the insurer has sold few new property policies in South Florida.
State Farm's proposed increase could be as high as 70 percent in parts of South Florida, according to its rate-adjustment request to the state. The company calculated rates to include a plan of raising $1 for its claims-paying reserves for every $1 in premiums collected.
State Farm has faced the reverse trend in recent years, company spokesman Justin Glover said. Since 2000, for every $1 in premiums collected the company spent $1.20 in claims and other expenses, including salaries and profits.
"I am deeply disappointed by the size and timing of State Farm's new rate hike request. I believe it is outrageously high," Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, said in a statement. Atwater, who co-wrote the insurance law passed this year, said rates "must conform with state-approved scientific and actuarial models, not State Farm's profit goals. No ratepayer should see an increase in their insurance premiums before the filing has been thoroughly examined and passes the strict new tests imposed by the legislature this year."
Legislation this year and last helped regulators reject rate hikes, bringing prices down last year by a statewide average of 16 percent. Whether the legislation has a long-term effect remains to be seen and the State Farm case is one test.
State Farm proposed lowering rates by a statewide average of 7 percent last year but cut rates by 9 percent, after pressure from regulators. In 2006, the state allowed the company to raise prices by a statewide average of 52 percent.
State Farm is dropping 50,000 policies in coastal areas prone to hurricanes and it isn't taking on new property insurance policies statewide, except for allowing some policy transfers, according to the company's rate filing.
"Even with these steps, further action is needed. At present rate levels, the company soon will not have the financial capital to support the risks it has underwritten. Rates will need to rise and/or risk will need to further decrease in order to operate the company in a responsible manner," State Farm's filing said.
While the State Farm companies' net income collectively increased last year by 3 percent — to $5.46 billion from $5.32 billion in — State Farm Florida's net income dropped about 19 percent, to $108 million from $134 million in 2006. Hurricanes in 2004 wiped out State Farm Florida's $600 million surplus and the insurer borrowed $750 million from its parent company, Glover said.
Bob Hunter, insurance director for the Consumer Federation of America, said it's no surprise State Farm collected less since 2000 because there were eight hurricanes. He said rate increases could be another blow for consumers already coping with the faltering economy.
"It's another very troubling cost for something that people to have to buy because banks require it," Hunter said. "They can't say 'Oh well, the price is too high, I'm not going to take it this year' like you can do with a car or TV."
Rate increases may come as a shock to consumers but they don't surprise Sam Miller, executive vice president of the Florida Insurance Council, an industry trade group. State Farm also saw a drop in premiums collected because of a state law that requires insurers to provide discounts for homes that are upgraded to be more hurricane-resistant.
Other insurers are concerned about the dip in premiums as more people upgrade homes, Miller said.
BY JULIE PATEL Sun-SentinelThursday, July 17, 2008
State Farm, Florida's largest private property insurer, asked the state on Wednesday for an average rate increase of 47.1 percent on homeowner policies.
State Farm Florida Insurance Co. says it needs to increase premiums to have the cash to pay claims if major storms strike.
The planned increase flies in the face of the Legislature's efforts to curb property insurance prices that doubled or tripled in some cases after hurricanes in 2004 and 2005. The state Office of Insurance Regulation will conduct a hearing Aug. 12 to consider the increase, which would affect windstorm and contents coverage for home and condominium owners and renters.
If the rate boost is approved, State Farm's about 1 million Florida policyholders could start paying more as early as March. Since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the insurer has sold few new property policies in South Florida.
State Farm's proposed increase could be as high as 70 percent in parts of South Florida, according to its rate-adjustment request to the state. The company calculated rates to include a plan of raising $1 for its claims-paying reserves for every $1 in premiums collected.
State Farm has faced the reverse trend in recent years, company spokesman Justin Glover said. Since 2000, for every $1 in premiums collected the company spent $1.20 in claims and other expenses, including salaries and profits.
"I am deeply disappointed by the size and timing of State Farm's new rate hike request. I believe it is outrageously high," Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, said in a statement. Atwater, who co-wrote the insurance law passed this year, said rates "must conform with state-approved scientific and actuarial models, not State Farm's profit goals. No ratepayer should see an increase in their insurance premiums before the filing has been thoroughly examined and passes the strict new tests imposed by the legislature this year."
Legislation this year and last helped regulators reject rate hikes, bringing prices down last year by a statewide average of 16 percent. Whether the legislation has a long-term effect remains to be seen and the State Farm case is one test.
State Farm proposed lowering rates by a statewide average of 7 percent last year but cut rates by 9 percent, after pressure from regulators. In 2006, the state allowed the company to raise prices by a statewide average of 52 percent.
State Farm is dropping 50,000 policies in coastal areas prone to hurricanes and it isn't taking on new property insurance policies statewide, except for allowing some policy transfers, according to the company's rate filing.
"Even with these steps, further action is needed. At present rate levels, the company soon will not have the financial capital to support the risks it has underwritten. Rates will need to rise and/or risk will need to further decrease in order to operate the company in a responsible manner," State Farm's filing said.
While the State Farm companies' net income collectively increased last year by 3 percent — to $5.46 billion from $5.32 billion in — State Farm Florida's net income dropped about 19 percent, to $108 million from $134 million in 2006. Hurricanes in 2004 wiped out State Farm Florida's $600 million surplus and the insurer borrowed $750 million from its parent company, Glover said.
Bob Hunter, insurance director for the Consumer Federation of America, said it's no surprise State Farm collected less since 2000 because there were eight hurricanes. He said rate increases could be another blow for consumers already coping with the faltering economy.
"It's another very troubling cost for something that people to have to buy because banks require it," Hunter said. "They can't say 'Oh well, the price is too high, I'm not going to take it this year' like you can do with a car or TV."
Rate increases may come as a shock to consumers but they don't surprise Sam Miller, executive vice president of the Florida Insurance Council, an industry trade group. State Farm also saw a drop in premiums collected because of a state law that requires insurers to provide discounts for homes that are upgraded to be more hurricane-resistant.
Other insurers are concerned about the dip in premiums as more people upgrade homes, Miller said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Most of our PP II Unit Owners have already been dropped by State Farm and have shifted to other insurers. It is probably a good thing that they were dropped with these higher rates in the future! Seems like these state "Farmers" aren't content to just milk their cows but also want to milk their clients as well.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
JOIN UNCLE SAM AND YOUR NEIGHBORSAT THE FRIDAY, FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS
3:00 P.M. GOLF STARTS: $2.00 FEE FOR REFRESHMENT CART WHILE PLAYING.
BARBECUE BEGINS AFTER GOLF AT ABOUT 5:00 P.M.
BYOB, BRING SOMETHING TO GRILL FOR YOURSELF,
AND A DISH OR DESSERT TO SHARE WITH OTHERS.
BRING $$$ FOR 50/50 DRAWING (TO GATHER
FUNDS FOR PLANTINGS/FLOWERS AT
PELICAN POINTE TO BE PLANTED BY OUR
BEAUTIFUL FLOWER LADIES.) PLEASE PARTICIPATE!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
NOTICE OF GABLE END REBUILDING
YOUR ASSOCIATION WILL BEGIN WORK ON
PELICAN POINTE DRIVE NEXT WEEK TO REBUILD
GABLE ENDS ON 5780-WEST GABLE, 5765-BOTH GABLES,
5755-WEST GABLE, 5740-WEST GABLE, 5725-WEST GABLE
AND 5715-EAST GABLE.
ALL BUILDINGS ON PELICAN POINTE DRIVE WILL BE PAINTED
STARTING WITH 5700 & 5720 AND CONTINUING WITH THE
BUILDINGS WHOSE GABLE ENDS HAVE BEEN REBUILT AS ABOVE.
THIS WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY WINDSTAR BUILDERS, INC.
--------------------------------
FOLLOWING THIS START, LATER NEXT WEEK, WE WILL BEGIN WORK ON
MARINA DRIVE AND PELICAN POINTE DRIVE REBUILDING GABLE ENDS
AS FOLLOWS: 5725 M.D.-BOTH GABLES, 5730 M.D.-WEST END,
5825 M.D.-WEST END, & 9626 R.D.-EAST END. THESE GABLE ENDS WILL
BE PAINTED FOLLOWING REPLACEMENT OF THE SIDING
WITH HARDIE LAP BOARD. THIS WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY
SCS CUSTOM BUILDERS.
---------------------------------------
PLEASE REMOVE OR HAVE SOMEONE HERE REMOVE ANY
PICTURES, MIRRORS, WALL HANGINGS, & DECORATIONS THAT
MIGHT BE KNOCKED OFF DUE TO HAMMERING OF THE GABLE END WALL OR THE FRONT AND BACK
BEDROOM WALLS NEAR THE GABLE END WHERE THE HARDIE LAP
WILL BE BROUGHT AROUND THE CORNERS OF THE BUILDING
TO STRENGHTEN THE GABLE END. THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING
YOUR OWN PROPERTY FROM ANY DAMAGE.
---------------------------------------------------
TO MINIMIZE DELAYS DUE TO AFTERNOON THUNDER STORMS WORK
WILL BEGIN AT 7:30 A.M. WE WISH TO COMPLETE THESE PROJECTS
BEFORE WE GET INTO THE REAL HURRICANE PERIOD OF LATE AUGUST
THRU EARLY OCTOBER.
FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, AND THAT OF THE WORKERS, PLEASE STAY
CLEAR OF THE WORK AREAS WHILE WORK IS GOING ON.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
FOUND ITEMS
SET OF KEYS WITH CLICKER FOR TOYOTA
PLUS CONDO KEY, MAILBOX KEY AND
OTHERS. FOUND AT SOUTH END OF
ESTUARY WAY PARKING LOT THURSDAY
AFTERNOON, MAY 1, 2008. CALL FRANK MARSHALL
AT 772-388-9485 IF THEY ARE YOURS
SMALL BOX WITH COSTUME JEWELRY
(NECKLACE AND EARRINGS) BY EMPLOYEE
OF CREATIVE LANDSCAPING. CONTACT SUE KEANE
AT PELICAN POINTE II OFFICE IF IT IS YOURS.
NEEDED ITEM
RESIDENTS OF PELICAN POINTE
IF YOU PLAN TO GET RID OF A FUNCTIONING REFRIGERATOR
OR FREEZER PLEASE CONTACT MARION CONLEY
AT 772-589-9415
THANK YOU!
