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Talk of the bay: Aerosonic boss decides to turn in his wings

By Times staff
Published June 2, 2007

After nearly five years of leading Aerosonic Corp. as president and chief executive, David Baldini is bowing out. Baldini, 58, who became chairman two years ago, said he'll continue his role until the company finds a successor. The Clearwater-based manufacturer of aviation products has struggled recently. For the year ended Jan. 31, Aerosonic reported revenue of about $31.3-million, down 10 percent from a year ago. The company attributed its weak performance, in part, on weak spare parts sales.

Insurance relief is coming - honest
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty has said homeowners will likely feel the full force of rate relief - an average decrease of about 24 percent - later this year as insurance companies make their completed filings. The companies have until Sept. 30 to do that. Florida Farm Bureau Insurance, which insures about 105, 000 homes in Florida, including about 10, 000 in the Tampa Bay area, decided to be first out of the box. This week the company filed for a statewide average decrease of ... 3.8 percent.

High winds shutter insurers' doors
We can blame the sudden emergence of Tropical Storm Barry for bringing the housing market to its knees. At least for a day or two. It's nearly impossible to get a mortgage without hurricane insurance, and when a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning has been issued for any part of the state, many insurance companies, including state-run Citizens Property Insurance, stop writing policies.

[Last modified June 1, 2007, 23:00:36]