TS Isaac takes first hit to Florida: Monday's convention events cancelled

After consulting with Gov. Rick Scott, national weather forecasters and local emergency management officials, the heads of the Republican National Committee and the Republican National Convention cancelled Monday's events late Saturday to avoid endangering delegates as hurricane force winds continue to threaten Florida.

All scheduled speeches, including the roll call vote to officially nominate Mitt Romney as the Republican's nominee will now take plan on Tuesday, the second scheduled day of the convention, organizers said. Earlier Saturday, Scott had cancelled his Monday night speech as well as all other RNC-related activities through Monday.

“We prepare for storms like this every day in Florida and all visitors and residents can be assured that they will be safe in the Sunshine State,” Scott said in a statement. “As Governor of this great state, I am responsible for all 19 million residents and visitors and it is my duty to make sure we can quickly respond to the regions affected.”   

The delegate party continues as planned for Sunday night, the organizers said, and no delegations have cancelled travel plans. But fear of wind speeds that could reach 80 mph in a Category 1 hurricane, have convention organizers worried.

"We're not going to put a lot delegates on a bunch of buses over Tampa Bay when we don't know how severe the wind is going to be,'' said on RNC spokesman in a conference call.

“Our chief priority is the safety of the residents of Florida, of those visiting the Convention, and all those in Gulf Coast states who may be impacted by Tropical Storm Isaac,'' said Republican National Convention President and CEO Bill Harris in a statement.

"We have been working closely with the campaign, the party, and state and local officials for months to ensure a successful, enjoyable convention. Federal, state and local officials assure us that they are prepared to respond, if needed, and the scheduling changes we are announcing today will help ensure the continued safety of all participants – our foremost concern. We are also committed to keeping the delegates and guests of the convention well informed about the situation, and we will continue providing updates in the hours and days ahead.”
 
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said that the convention will recess until Tuesday afternoon at which time, he said, "we are optimistic that we will begin an exciting, robust convention that will nominate the Romney-Ryan ticket.”

Scott said he spoke to Romney Saturday and "briefed him on the storm and possible impact to the state."

He noted that because "storm forecasts can and do change,'' he encouraged everyone to be careful and wary. "Residents and visitors from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle need to make sure they have food and water for 72 hours and to check http://www.floridadisaster.org/  for up-to-date information,'' he said. “Experts at the local, state and federal level prepare for storms like this every day.  All visitors and residents can be assured every precaution will be taken to ensure their safety.”

From one former astronaut to another

Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson weighed in Saturday afternoon on the death of astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon.

"Neil Armstrong understood that we should reach beyond the stars. His 'one giant leap for mankind' was taken by a giant of a man," Nelson said in a press release.

The 82-year-old Armstrong was said to be recovering from heart surgery in early August. His death came as a surprise to many close to him, according to The New York Times.

Nelson was the second sitting member of Congress selected and trained by NASA for a space mission, and he's widely viewed as a supporter of Florida's space program.

@Britt_alana

Rick Scott to cancel Monday RNC speech due to TS Isaac. RNC cancels Monday events, too

**Update: RNC cancelled all of Monday's events.

With Tropical Storm Isaac threatening to become a hurricane as it heads for the Florida Keys, the last thing Gov. Rick Scott wants to do is give a political speech at the Republican National Convention. So he cancelled his Monday speech.

But what about the rest of the convention in Tampa? Chances are, Tampa won't get whacked with sustained tropical storm-force winds. But heavy winds and gusts could pose a serious problem. So could a storm surge -- especially if Isaac becomes a hurricane.

In that case, the storm could pose serious transportation problems that would snarl the transportation system and make it tough to move delegates.

And, as with Scott, there's the issue of optics. If Republican donors and delegates are seen whooping and partying it up as Floridians are left in the dark due to downed powerlines, it just might not look good. So don't be surprised if the first day of the convention is canceled Monday as well.

We'll know more at 6:45 p.m. when Mitt Romney consultant Russ Schriefer, who's handling RNC logistics, holds a conference call. Chances are, there are more cancellations coming.

Can Citizens Insurance handle another Andrew?

 It’s been 20 years since Hurricane Andrew ripped the roof off of Dr. Albert Zbik’s South Miami-Dade home, and flung it into his pool.

Zbik recalled that his insurer at the time, State Farm, reacted “superbly” in the chaotic hours after the storm, handing him a $10,000 check for his family’s immediate living expenses.

Now, he’s covered by Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which has been raising rates and slashing coverage under the premise that it is one storm away from financial collapse.

“I don’t think Citizens would treat me as well” as State Farm, he said. “They’re cutting back on coverage. It’s an impending nightmare.”

Though history and science indicate hurricanes like Andrew hit Florida about once every 50 years, its 20th anniversary and the latest approaching tropical storm — Isaac — have many asking a crucial question: What would happen to the state’s largest insurer this year if another super-storm slammed Florida?

Read more here: 

 @ToluseO

BONUS: Protest song by disgruntled Citizens' customer, Kevin Roth: "Cit-i-Sins"