Things To Do In SW Florida

TALLAHASSEE — With the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. continuing to see massive growth, regulators Thursday took up a proposal that would lead to double-digit rate increases for Citizens customers across Florida.

The proposed increases would vary based on factors such as types of policies. But Brian Donovan, the chief actuary for Citizens, said during a hearing held by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation that Citizens is recommending 12 percent increases for all homes that are primary residences and have what are known as multi-peril policies — the most-common type of coverage.

Increases could be dramatically higher for homes that are not primary residences. A new state law allows increases up to 50 percent for those properties.

“We take asking for a rate increase very seriously,” Citizens President and CEO Tim Cerio said during the hearing. “(For) homeowners’ insurance consumers, it’s a very difficult time right now.”

The Office of Insurance Regulation held a 2 ½-hour hearing on the proposal, with the office’s actuaries asking numerous detailed questions. Regulators typically take weeks to decide whether to approve such proposals. read more

Boards of directors

Stephen Salley was appointed to the board of directors of Lighthouse Central Florida, an Orlando-based nonprofit that provides vision rehabilitation services to individuals living with blindness and/or other visual impairments.

Facility management

Stella Miller was hired as business development manager at Orlando-based Berman.

Hospitality

Touria Ouaddahou was promoted to director of events and catering services at the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive.

Public relations

Elisa White was hired as a public relations specialist at Curley & Pynn Public Relations Management, Orlando.

Awards

Christina Pilkington, director of administration at The Osceola Chamber, was named the 2022 Florida Chamber Professional of the Year by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.

Submit professional appointments, management-level promotions and significant awards for individuals, along with photos as .jpg attachments, to peopleonmove@orlandosentinel.com.

Orlando joined Los Angeles and New York City on Thursday in testing a new vegan item on fast food giant Taco Bell’s menu.

A vegan Crunchwrap debuted Thursday at the Taco Bell at 11893 E. Colonial Drive, east of Orlando with University of Central Florida to the north and Waterford Lakes Town Center to the south.

It will be available while supplies last and costs $4.99. Taco Bell does add a disclaimer that vegan and animal products are handled “in common and cross-contact may occur.”

The Crunchwrap uses a “vegan seasoned beef,” a proprietary plant-based protein in development “for years,” a Taco Bell news release said. It also includes vegan blanco sauce and warm vegan nacho sauce.

“Such a large part of our fandom is vegan or vegetarian, and we’re as committed to them as they are to us and our menu,” said Liz Matthews, global chief food innovation officer at Taco Bell, in the release. “That’s why we took so long, months and years, to release something this special; we wanted and needed to get it exactly right, to get it mouth-watering.” read more