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Condominium hurricane hardening pilot could become more accessible

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6 months ago

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floridaphoenix.com – Jackie Llanos – 2025-03-03 14:24:00

Condominium hurricane hardening pilot could become more accessible

by Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix
March 3, 2025

Condominium associations would no longer need unanimous approval from unit owners to qualify for a pilot grant program intended to make the buildings more resistant against hurricanes under a bill from St. Augustine Republican Sen. Tom Leek.

The bill, SB 592, changes the requirements for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program lawmakers unanimously approved last year, devoting $30 million to it for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The senator’s proposal won bipartisan support in its first hearing Monday before the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

Although no condos have received the available matching grants of up to $175,000, the state has approved qualifying inspections for 165, according to a Jan. 30 report from the Florida Department of Financial Services. The pilot program pays for the inspections.

Leek’s bill would allow condos to apply for the grants with the approval of at least 75% of owners who live in the units.

Democratic Sen. Jason Pizzo, who co-introduced the pilot program in 2024, thanked Leek for his proposed changes.

“As you can imagine, it’s nearly impossible to get 100% approval from ownership in these associations, or even at your own family dinner table sometimes. So I think it’s a great start to go to 75%, but still be mindful that a lot of these associations’ boards can take out tens of millions of dollars in loans, larger amounts of money, with a lot less scrutiny and threshold,” Pizzo said.

Only condo buildings with at least three stories with at least one residential unit would be eligible under the changes for the wind mitigation pilot program, and the grants could only cover improvements that would result in an insurance rate or discount. Already, the pilot is limited to structures within 15 miles of the coast.

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Rudy Giuliani leaves the hospital after being injured in a car crash in New Hampshire

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2 hours ago

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September 2, 2025

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www.news4jax.com – Carolyn Thompson, Associated Press – 2025-09-02 10:32:00

SUMMARY: Rudy Giuliani, 81, was released from the hospital after a car accident in New Hampshire where the vehicle he was in was struck from behind on Interstate 93. Giuliani sustained a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations, contusions, and injuries to his left arm and leg. He and the driver, spokesman Ted Goodman, were helping a woman who reported a domestic violence incident when the crash occurred. Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The crash’s cause is under investigation, with no charges filed. Giuliani, known as “America’s mayor” for his 9/11 leadership, later served as Trump’s personal attorney, involved in controversial election fraud claims.

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Polls to open in Florida Senate, House special elections. How to find out if you should be voting

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8 hours ago

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September 2, 2025

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www.clickorlando.com – Christie Zizo, Emily McLeod – 2025-09-02 04:00:00

SUMMARY: Election Day in west Orange County, Florida, on Tuesday features special elections to fill two Florida Legislature vacancies in Senate District 15 and House District 40. Senate District 15 includes northwest Orange County areas like Winter Garden and College Park. The seat was vacated by the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson. Democratic State Rep. Bracy Davis faces Republican Willie J. Montague for the Senate seat. In House District 40, RaShon Young, Davis’ former chief of staff, won the Democratic primary and will compete against Republican Tuan Le and write-in Chris Hall in the Sept. 2 general election. Polls open 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; vote-by-mail ballots are due by 7 p.m.

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Here’s what we know about COVID shots in Florida

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21 hours ago

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September 1, 2025

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www.tampabay28.com – Katie LaGrone – 2025-09-01 14:54:00

SUMMARY: In Florida, confusion grows over COVID-19 vaccine access. Jen, a Tampa resident with an underlying condition, struggles to find vaccination sites despite consistent annual shots. Pharmacies like CVS now require prescriptions for vaccines in 16 states, including Florida, while Walgreens limits availability. The FDA approved the 2025/26 vaccine mainly for those 65+, requiring high-risk younger individuals to have prescriptions. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo opposes the vaccine, calling it unsafe. This hesitancy contrasts federal messages supporting choice, as CDC advisory meetings may soon clarify guidelines amid politicized debates. Many Floridians remain uncertain about vaccine availability and eligibility.

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