Dear Fellow Floridian:
Today marks the first day of the 2012 Hurricane Season. As Floridians, we know all too well the impact a storm can have on our homes or businesses, both structurally and financially. We’ve already seen two named storms before hurricane season has even begun, with one making landfall in Florida just last week.
As an avid baseball fan, I have found that baseball and hurricane safety have a lot in common. To be successful at either you have to prepare, plan and most importantly, execute the plan.
Doing so will help you protect your home base this hurricane season. The importance of preparing for hurricanes cannot be stressed enough. The top three reasons homeowners strike out when it comes to insurance claims are insufficient documentation, lack of adequate insurance coverage and failure to retain proof of damage. Failing to prepare financially could mean thousands of dollars of damage you will have to pay to repair from your own pocket.
Score a home run this hurricane season. Take the necessary steps to protect your family, home and business now. My Division of Consumer Services’ website,
www.myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers, offers videos, brochures, resources and tips, along with a
disaster preparedness section that includes a home inventory checklist.
Jeff Atwater
Chief Financial Officer
State of Florida
33rd Latin Hemispheric Congress in Miami
This week CFO Atwater had the opportunity to speak with members of the Latin Chambers of Commerce at their
Hemispheric Congress luncheon.
This 33rd annual Hemispheric Congress of Latin Chambers of Commerce and Industry provided a unique opportunity for attendees to meet with representatives from 22 different countries over four days. The Hemispheric Congress has helped create international partners for people and businesses in the Latin-American community. CFO Atwater champions all efforts for businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners, helping grow Florida’s economy and workforce. The Hemispheric Congress does just that, and CFO Atwater was honored to be part of this great event.
Ocala Man Charged with Vehicle Arson
Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater announced the arrest of Clay Antonio Davis Jr., of Ocala, after a joint investigation involving the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Marion County Sheriff’s Office determined that Davis burglarized and burned two vehicles and damaged a third one.
“Arson is a senseless and dangerous crime,” CFO Atwater said. “I’m proud of the work of investigators from my office and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to apprehend this criminal and protect the community. Their quick work sends the message that these crimes will not be tolerated.”
On May 25, 2012, the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to multiple vehicle fires on SE 66th Place in Ocala. The investigation revealed that the fires were intentionally set by Davis while the vehicles were parked in a residential driveway.
Davis was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of arson, burglary, criminal
mischief and theft. If convicted, Davis could face up to 40 years in prison and fines up to $30,500.
To report arson, call 1-877-No-Arson (1-877-662-7766). A reward of up to $5,000 may be paid for a tip that leads directly to an arrest and conviction.
A Roadmap for your Financial Future
The spring issue of Florida’s Bottom Line focuses on how Florida can attract
much-needed investors to support Florida’s entrepreneurs,
who can effectively grow health care, technology and manufacturing in our
state's burgeoning economy. Our companion website provides the most up-to-date
financial and economic statistics for Florida, serving as a roadmap for your
financial future.
Visit Florida's Bottom Line website at
http://www.myfloridacfo.com/floridasbottomline/.