Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. While we should honor America's heroes every day, on this day in particular we must take time to remember the service and sacrifice of those who were prisoners of war or are still missing in action today, along with their long-suffering families. 

After the devastation his district suffered when Hurricane Michael hit in October, a North Florida congressman has offered a proposal to help the federal government respond to disasters. 

Last week, U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., brought out the “Streamlining the Official Response and Monetary Aid for Disasters Act” (STORM Aid for Disasters Act). 

Dunn’s proposal would have federal agencies send reports to Congress and the Office of Management of Budget after the White House issues major disaster declarations. 

About 12 percent of claims, or 18,211, filed in the wake of Category 5 Hurricane Michael, which hammered the Panhandle last October causing more than $6.5 billion in insured losses, remain open, Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier told the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee earlier this week.

That’s the bad news. The good news, he said, is the state’s Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has not received many complaints from policyholders, an indication most are “satisfied” with attempts by insurers to resolve outstanding claims.

After a battle with spinal cancer, former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre, the first Hispanic to serve in that post, died at age 84.

“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our dear friend, former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez posted on Twitter. “He was a man of elegance, class, and grace who has inspired me to carry on his legacy of elevating Miami as a diverse world-class city. He will be greatly missed.”