More Than 40 Insurance Companies Lower Rates

More than 40 insurance companies have filed to lower Florida rates on home and auto policies as the market stabilizes after years of steep hikes.

AAA alone is cutting premiums up to 5%, saving Florida policyholders more than $28 million a year across home and auto.

Officials credit 2023 legal reforms that curbed lawsuit abuse and claim costs, drawing new carriers and competition. Auto insurer USAA filed an average 7% cut.

New auto rates took effect June 1, with renewals shifting to August 1. Experts urge drivers to shop around and call their agents.

Judge Denies Acquittal in Boat-Crash Trial

A Miami-Dade judge denied the defense’s motion to acquit developer George Pino on Tuesday, sending the boat-crash case toward the defense’s turn after prosecutors rested.

Pino, 55, faces manslaughter and vessel homicide charges in the 2022 Biscayne Bay crash that killed 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and gravely injured classmate Katy Puig.

An expert testified that the boat was going about 47 mph nine seconds before hitting a channel marker. Prosecutors said Pino had a clear view of it; the defense blamed high tide. Pino pleaded not guilty, calling it an accident.

Wildfires Flare Across Florida

Firefighters are battling brush fires on both ends of Florida as drought and lightning fuel an early fire season.

In Volusia County, the Rookery Fire has burned about 3,700 acres in the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge west of DeLand, though no structures are threatened.

In west Miami-Dade, a second blaze ignited Tuesday. The Well Fire (450 acres, 10% contained) joined the Quarry Fire (600 acres, 45% contained), which forced a business to evacuate and cut power.

Officials urge residents with respiratory conditions to stay indoors as crews work the lines.

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➤ Miami: Timothy Hudson, 16, charged as an adult in the cruise-ship killing of stepsister Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival ship, was ordered detained until his September trial. He has pleaded not guilty and faces up to life in prison. (More)

➤ Tallahassee: A bill headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis would cap e-bikes at 10 mph on sidewalks when pedestrians are within 50 feet, with a $30 fine. If signed, SB 382 will take effect July 1. (See Details)

➤ State economists project the property-tax cut on November’s ballot would cost cities, counties, and special districts nearly $5 billion in year one and almost $12 billion by year five. Backers call it Florida’s largest-ever tax cut; local officials warn about services. (See Details)

➤ Panhandle: The Atlantic season’s first system has formed and could become Tropical Storm Arthur by Wednesday. Florida’s Panhandle faces heavy rain, while tropical storm watches cover the Texas-Louisiana coast. (See Details)

➤ Miami-Dade: Two Florida Highway Patrol troopers were seriously hurt when an SUV veered into their parked cruiser on the Turnpike. The driver had a suspended license, and charges are pending. (More)

➤ Highlands County: Three people died after an airboat carrying seven capsized on the Istokpoga Canal while heading to the Kissimmee River. The other four reached shore safely. (More)

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➤ The Florida Everblades, a minor league hockey team based in Estero, beat the Kansas City Mavericks 5-4 in double overtime to win their fifth Kelly Cup. It’s the franchise’s fourth title in five years. (More) 

➤ Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero leads all American League third basemen in All-Star voting so far with 625,520 votes. (More)

➤ Florida prosecutors intend to subpoena Tiger Woods’ medical records after his March rollover car crash in Jupiter Island. The subpoena could reveal drug screen results and statements about substance use. (More)

➤ Florida State baseball picked up Florida A&M’s top hitter, Jackson McKenzie, through the transfer portal. McKenzie batted .397 with 12 home runs this season and now joins his sister Shelby, who plays softball for the Seminoles. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | College World Series | WNBA

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➤ Fort Lauderdale-based boating and fishing retailer West Marine will close 59 stores across 23 states, including some in Florida, after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company blamed supply-chain issues, extreme weather, and shifting consumer habits. (More)

➤ Publix, already nearing 900 Florida stores, will open four more this summer: Winter Haven (June 18), Davenport (June 25), and Fernandina Beach and Naples (both July 2). All include pharmacies. The Winter Haven and Davenport sites add liquor shops. (More)

➤ Florida home sales rose in May for a ninth straight month. Single-family closings hit 24,915 (up 0.6%) and condo/townhouse sales reached 8,897 (up 6.6%), the Realtors group said. (See Details)

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➤ Miami-Dade Animal Services is cutting adoption fees to $2.50 from June 20 to July 5, aiming to rehome 250 pets for America’s 250th birthday. Normal fees are $35 for cats and $65 for dogs. More than 800 animals are available. (More)

➤ The Food Doctor, a Jacksonville food truck, is serving free lunches to kids weekdays throughout the summer on North Myrtle Avenue, feeding about 60 children daily. Owner Tyrica Moore says daily costs near $1,200 and is seeking donations to expand. (More)

➤ Southern Living is spotlighting Stuart, the St. Lucie riverfront town of about 20,000 known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” The magazine features Stuart’s art-filled historic downtown, nature preserves, and waterfront dining among 18 activities. (See Details)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Days before leaving office, the U.S. intelligence director released evidence of American-funded biolabs in over 30 countries. (Hear Details)

➤ SpaceX has leapfrogged major Wall Street giants to rank among the world’s most valuable companies. (Hear Episode)

➤  An Arizona woman was clocked at 108 mph racing home to catch the latest episode of Love Island. (Listen Now)

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Yesterday’s Results:

Do you personally know anyone who has had an organ transplant?

1. Yes: 43%
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3. I had one!: 4%

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