Pulitzer Prize Winner to Speak About Florida Insurance Issues

The Key West Chamber of Commerce is eager to hear from journalist Paige St. John, who recently won the Pulitzer Prize for her reporting on the insurance industry in Florida.

Chamber officials have arranged for St. John to present her findings and answer questions at 6 pm June 15 at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West.

The Key West Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the presentation, which is open to the public. The event is also an opportunity for participants to show their support for FIRM (Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe), the local nonprofit that has campaigned successfully against crippling windstorm rate hikes in the Florida Keys.

St. John will discuss the intricacies of the industry as well as some of the underhanded practices that were revealed by her award-winning reporting for the Sarasota Herald Tribune.

“She’s going to display a typical windstorm insurance bill on the screen, and dissect it for everyone to understand,” said Chamber Executive Vice President Virginia Panico. “The Chamber coordinated this event for the benefit of FIRM and is expecting an overflow crowd. Please RSVP for arrangements to be made for appropriate seating as this will be open to the public. This is an opportunity for everyone to be educated and informed on the insurance industry and find out if they are being treated fairly.

Volunteer members of FIRM will be available for membership sign up. The Chamber is encouraging donations to FIRM in lieu of an admission fee.

The event takes place at 6 pm on June 15 at the Casa Marina Resort.

For more information, call the Key West Chamber of Commerce at (305) 294-2587.