State Punishes Companies For Misconduct During Hurricanes

(Tallahassee, FL) -- Two insurance companies are being fined for their conduct during hurricanes. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation announced yesterday Kin Interinsurance Network and Slide Insurance Company were fined 250-thousand dollars each. The companies violated the state's insurance code following hurricanes Ian and Idalia. Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky says his office takes consumer protection very seriously.

Gulf Breeze Looking to Tighten Right of Way Ordinances and Contractor Enforcement

Gulf Breeze, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Gulf Breeze officials say they've had a spike in negligent contractors hitting utility lines and causing disruptions -- and they're going to be tightening up their right of way ordinances as a result.

City Manager Sam Abel says one contractor recently hit both a water and natural gas main while digging, then another contractor hit the city's main water line just last night, and utility crews were working late into the night to keep water flowing to residents. Abel says the city will be looking at stricter enforcement for contractors who start digging without waiting for utility locators.

That issue is expected to come before the Gulf Breeze City Council in coming weeks.

Bay Minette Police Chief Resigns from Job

BAY MINETTE, Ala. (NBC 15) - Bay Minette Police chief Al Tolbert has resigned from his position. NBC 15 reports that Tolbert was informed by new Bay Minette Mayor Joshua Brown he wouldn't be reappointed. Tolbert has served as police chief since 2017. A new chief is expected to be appointed at Joshua Brown's swearing in ceremony.