LARGO - Anyone frustrated by today's insurance crisis is invited to join Homeowners Against Citizens (H.A.C.) at a massive public meeting on Thursday, October 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Petersburg College's EpiCenter, located in Largo at 13805 58th St. N.
H.A.C. was formed by Nicole Deg In March '06 on the principle that Citizen's Property Insurance is out-of-control and doesn't act in the best interests of Florida residents and needs to be changed. H.A.C. members believe that rate increases are unfair and do not reflect the true cost of insurance in the state of Florida.
The group is a nonpartisan, not for profit, grassroots organization composed of concerned Floridians fighting the state's increases of insurance premiums.
At the rally, Florida residents and elected leaders from numerous counties intend to make known their collective ire with state-backed insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corp, known to the Florida Property and Casualty Insurance Reform Committee.
Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano, said, "To me it's the biggest economic issue the state faces. It's so critical that this insurance committee gets to hear how citizens feel."
Time is of the essence as it is expected that Governor Bush will call a special session of the Legislature soon, limiting chances for the public to speak out. In fact, this may be the last chance. "There's talk of a special session being set in October or November," said Mariano.
Mariano encourages Pinellas residents to get involved. "I would love to see all of the citizens from this area to come to the rally to let the insurance reform committee know how they feel."
Increasingly, property insurance has become so expensive that many Florida homeowners are unable to afford the new rates and are losing their homes.
Mariano has expressed concern that big business interests are trumping those of the homeowners at meetings.
He said from observing the meetings and listening to how some of the questions are worded, they aren't citizen friendly.
"We are very close to the end so we have to make a strong impact," said Mariano.