Saturday, December 31, 2022

December 31Prayer Pod

We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 31
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      

Friday, December 30, 2022

Untreated Crisis' as Concern Mounts Over Florida's Poor Oral Health

Florida News Connection

December 29, 2022

By: Trimmel Gomes

Florida leads the nation in the number of individuals, nearly 6 million, who are living in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Sixty-six of Florida's 67 counties lack the amount of professionals needed to provide care, according to U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration data. Advocates say the shortage is of crisis proportions leading to significant impacts on general health as they say poor oral health is linked to impaired school learning, heart disease and even death.

Dr. Frank Catalanotto, founder of Floridians for Dental Access, said part of the problem is the significant cost of dental care. He noted in Florida and nationally, thousands of people with toothaches take their problems to an emergency room.

"The physicians in the emergency rooms aren't prepared to deal with this, so the patient gets antibiotics and pain medication and then told to see a dentist tomorrow," Catalanotto pointed out. "Well, if they couldn't afford a dentist today, they are not going to afford one tomorrow."

Catalanotto reported of the 150,000 who went to the emergency room in 2019, 4,000 of them were admitted to the hospital because the dental infections were life-threatening. As of 2020 and 2021, there were 12,264 dentists in Florida, according to the state Department of Health, and not all of them take Medicaid, which provides coverage for low-income individuals.

Most dentists in Florida are concentrated in large urban counties, with very few dentists in many rural counties. Three counties -- Dixie, Glades and Lafayette -- have no dentists. State health data show three other counties -- Union, Gilchrist and Franklin -- each had just one.

Catalanotto noted more research is connecting the dots on how this disparity is impacting the health of school children and adults.

"If you're not learning, you're not going to get an education," Catalanotto emphasized. "And for adults it's way more serious because there is now very good strong scientific literature about the relationship, for example, between gum disease, periodontal disease and diabetes."

At last count in Florida, Catalanotto said fewer than one in five dentists, just 18%, participated in Medicaid in 2016. He added the scary part of the crisis to him is how little the public knows about how oral health impacts their everyday health so, his group's focus is to spread awareness and eventually land on concrete solutions which get to the root of the problems.

Content for this Post is provided by Florida News Connection, a Bureau of Public News Service.  Public News Service is a member of the The Trust Project.

December 30 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 30
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
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Thursday, December 29, 2022

BayPost Graphics 2022 -2






 

December 29 Prayer Pod

 
We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.
  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 29
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

December 28 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 28
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Psalm 34:4-5 I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.

Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM 

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

2022 Bay Post Graphics




 

December 27 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 27  
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Matthew 11:28-30 come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon me and learn from me, or I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM

Monday, December 26, 2022

What Will Bob Iger Do?


 

December 26 Prayer Pod

We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 26
Pray: Lord hear Your words:  1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM



Sunday, December 25, 2022

December 25 Prayer Pod


We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 25
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; Though they are red like Crimson, they shall be as wool.”


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM

Saturday, December 24, 2022

December 24 Prayer Pod

We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 24
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Psalm 127: 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.

Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM 

Friday, December 23, 2022

December 23 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 23
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Psalm 32: 5 I acknowledge my sin to you, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the inequity of my sin.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM


Thursday, December 22, 2022

December 22 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 22
Pray: Lord hear Your words: 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM


Wednesday, December 21, 2022

December 21 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 21
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

December 20 Prayer Pod

We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 20  
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Psalm 56:4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM 

Monday, December 19, 2022

December 19 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 19
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Luke 12:32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM 

Sunday, December 18, 2022

FL Child Uninsured Rate Stabilizes; Advocates Raise Future Concerns

Florida News Connection

Originally Posted:
December 12, 2022

By: Trimmel Gomes

While the Sunshine State ranks among the top 10 states with the highest rates of uninsured children, it did see more kids with health coverage during the pandemic, thanks to federal protections set to expire next year.

Florida's uninsured-child rate dropped from 7.6 % to 7.3 % in 2021, according to a new report from Georgetown University.

Erica Li, policy analyst at the Florida Policy Institute, said it is welcome news to see the number of kids without health insurance drop from 343,000 before the pandemic, to 332,000 in 2021, as it leads to longer-term benefits.

"We know that when children are covered for insurance, they have much better outcomes," Li pointed out. "They're more likely to succeed in school, graduate from high school, attend college, earn higher wages and things like that. So, that's all very good data to see."

The Florida Policy Institute, along with 40 other organizations, has asked the DeSantis administration for a statewide plan for how to keep those families and individuals insured after the federal protections expire next year. Florida is among 11 states that have yet to expand Medicaid, which insures many low-income residents.

Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, said the federal protections -- part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act -- are expected to lapse when the public health emergency officially ends next spring. And she predicted the national child uninsured rate could double.

"Three out of every four children that may lose Medicaid coverage will still be eligible," Alker pointed out. "Sometimes children lose coverage at Medicaid renewal, just because the letter gets lost in the mail. Families with limited English proficiency may have more trouble getting through the renewal process successfully."

Florida's rate of uninsured children is among the highest in the nation, coming in at 42nd out of 50 states and Washington, D.C.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also recommends states create a plan for when federal protections end, because it predicts states could take up to 12 months to return to pre-pandemic operations for Medicaid renewals.

Content for this Post is provided by Florida News Connection, a Bureau of Public News Service.  Public News Service is a member of the The Trust Project.

December 18 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 18
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM

Saturday, December 17, 2022

December 17 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 17
Pray: Lord hear Your words: 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM 

Friday, December 16, 2022

December 16 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 16
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM

Thursday, December 15, 2022

December 15 Prayer Pod

We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 15
Pray: Lord hear Your words: 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM  

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

December 14 Prayer Pod

We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 14
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM  




Tuesday, December 13, 2022

December 13 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 13  
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Romans 12:27 Repay no one evil for evil have regard for good things in the sight of all men.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM 

Monday, December 12, 2022

Who's The Real Culprit In The Florida Homeowners Insurance Debacle?

 

FLORIDA  

Opinion by:  
E. Eugene Webb PhD

For an insightful look at the Florida Home Owners Insurance problem check out this  Post from the Orlando News 6+ Weekly by Justin Warmoth: Florida lawmakers set to hold special session on property insurance
.

For a look at the other side of the issue from the Tampa Bay Times by: Lawrence Mower Times staff: Florida insurance company execs saw big payouts in years without hurricanes.

From the Times article this quote: “In 2015, State Farm’s CEO earned $13.3 million overseeing America’s largest property insurance company.

That same year at Tampa-based Heritage Insurance Holdings, one of numerous small Florida-based homeowners insurance companies, its CEO made $27.3 million — despite overseeing 0.3% of the number of policies and accounts of State Farm.”

You can see there's a lot of blame to throw around on both sides of the Florida homeowners' insurance crisis.

As you look into this issue, you're going to hear a lot of carping from the insurance industry about the number of lawsuits filed in Florida and the amount of money that is flowing to law firms for pursuing claim's settlements with homeowners’ insurance companies.

What is assigned benefits? For some insight from the Florida Office Of Insurance Regulation: Assignment of Benefits.

What are some of the political implications for the Florida legislature as it looks at Florida's homeowners’ insurance regulation?

From the Tallahassee Democrat by John Kennedy of the capital Bureau of USA TODAY network - Florida: New-look Florida Legislature tackles old problem — homeowners insurance.

From the John Kennedy report: “While little is known about why Florida insurers become troubled — some analysts say poor investments and bad management are to blame. Yet the industry blames the cost and financial risk of lawsuits, and soaring prices for reinsurance — basically, insurance for insurance companies — for its woes.”

If you currently have a mortgage on your home, the homeowners' insurance requirements are generally spelled out as part of the agreement for the mortgage, and you may have very little opportunity for adjusting those requirements.

If you not inherently risk averse, that is fearful for financial exposure due to storms or loss to your property, one of the ways you can manage your homeowners cost is by adjusting the deductibles.

If you do not have a mortgage on your home, then there may be a number of additional options for you regarding what insurance coverage you actually purchase.

Also, always remember the insurance agent is compensated on commission so the higher the premium the more he/she makes.

For example, while living in Pinellas County well back from the coast, I carried only fire and liability insurance on my home. No wind, no flood.

Now, I don't recommend this approach at all. However, when everyone around me was paying upwards of $4000 a year for homeowners’ insurance, my homeowner's insurance for over 10 years was less than $1000 annually. I banked a significant portion of the savings in an investment account and gradually built up an emergency fund. Interestingly I never had to use it

Granted it's a heavy risk, You can bear grave consequences if you suffer a major wind or water-related loss. However, it is an example of how you can mitigate your homeowner’s insurance cost if you are willing to manage and assume the expense of the risk for the long term. Check with your insurance agent.

The politicians have a lot to mull over and chew on during this special session. Not only the number of failing homeowners’ insurance companies in Florida and the number leaving, the almost certain increase in all insurance rates especially those for people insured with the states' citizens insurance provider; but also, the political ramifications of an insurance industry being upset with individual or specific legislators given the upcoming election.

So, keep an eye on Tallahassee this week. It will probably look like a cross between a 3-ring circus and a food fight.

E-mail Doc at mail to: dr.gwebb@yahoo.com or send me a Facebook (E. Eugene Webb) Friend request. Like or share on Facebook, follow me on TWITTER  @DOC ON THE BAY.

See Doc's Photo Gallery at Bay Post Photos.

Disclosures:

December 12 Prayer Pod

 We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

December 12
Pray: Lord hear Your words: Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.


Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

      
PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM 

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Should You Sell Your Florida Beach-Front Property Now?

 FLORIDA 

By: E. Eugene Webb PhD 

We have all seen the video from Florida’s Southwest coast to the East Coast where Volusia County suffered massive coastal erosion in the latest major storm.

 

The talk of climate change and its effects has, until recently, been a cross between science fiction movies and periodic streaks of reality such as, we have seen in central in southwestern Florida in 2022.

 

Frequently cast aside as environmental extremists the realities of predictions and warnings going all the way back to Al Gore are now becoming frightening realities for a growing number of people along the exposed coasts of the United states from Maine to Texas.

 

As damage in these low-lying coastal area's increases with each passing storm and homeowners’ insurance rates skyrocketed local, state, and county governments are trying to cope with the now very real issue of climate change.

 

Check out this article recently published by the Tampa Bay Times for some additional information.

Guest Column OPINION By: Robert F. Sanchez Former member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. To ease property insurance woes, Florida governments should buy damaged beachfront property

From the Times article: “This raises a question: Should all damaged or destroyed beachfront structures even be replaced? Is there an alternative that would benefit the public as well as Florida’s troubled property insurance marketplace? Perhaps.”

There is already some state funding in Florida to allow for local jurisdictions to purchase low lying properties from those who would prefer not to rebuild. Negotiations can be tedious, especially around establishing an acceptable price.

For some additional insight check out these articles:

New York Times: By Christopher Flavelle: Why Ian May Push Florida Real Estate Out of Reach for All but the Super Rich

From PEW Research: Property Buyouts Can Be an Effective Solution for Flood-Prone Communities.

As we have been warned for several decades, we have ignored climate change and the predicted sea-level rise at our own peril. Not only does this imminent threat to our coastline affect those who directly live on or near it, but it impacts all of us as, property insurance costs rise and the property values of beachfront and low-lying property's decrease threatening local government revenues.

Now as before, there are no quick fixes to this problem. The Florida State legislature, often more bound up in Republicanism than governing, will find this issue continually difficult to deal with given the economic impact to their political base.

For more of my posts on our Changing Environment Click here: Climate Change

E-mail Doc at mail to: dr.gwebb@yahoo.com or send me a Facebook (E. Eugene Webb) Friend request. Like or share on Facebook, follow me on TWITTER  @DOC ON THE BAY.

See Doc's Photo Gallery at Bay Post Photos.

Disclosures: