Bureau site backs 'Idol' contestant

SARASOTA -

The Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched a campaign on its Web site in support of Syesha Mercado, the Sarasota native attempting to be the next winner of TV's "American Idol."

The organization has launched a campaign on www.sarasotafl.org, the official Web site for visitor information for Sarasota County in an effort to raise awareness of Mercado's talent and to encourage the public to vote for her, a press release said Tuesday.

"We hope that by sharing this message with our industry and visitors on our Web site and through an e-mail campaign that we'll increase the number of votes that Syesha receives and catapult her into the final rounds," said Virginia Haley, president of Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Allstate complaint filed

TALLAHASSEE - The Office of Insurance Regulation has filed a formal complaint against Allstate Floridian Insurance and nine sister companies, asking to suspend the insurer's license to write new business in Florida.

The state agency filed an emergency order Jan. 16. Allstate appealed that order to the state Court of Appeals, which granted the insurer a temporary stay. The emergency order is now in the hands of a district court judge.

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty took action Tuesday because Allstate hadn't fully complied with a subpoena for documents that was issued in mid-October.

This complaint will go before the Division of Administrative Hearings and will be decided by an administrative judge.

A spokesman for the Office of Insurance Regulation said these proceedings could move along faster. Allstate's appeal in the Court of Appeals could take up to 18 months to resolve.

SRQ chief bound for Israel

MANATEE - Rick Piccolo, president and chief executive officer at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, is planning a May trip to Israel, where officials will be discussing airport security.

Piccolo has been invited as part of a delegation affiliated with Airports Council International-World, representing 1,650 airports worldwide. Piccolo sits on the group's board and is a past chairman of its North American region.

Steakhouse to open

SARASOTA - Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is set to open its new home March 18 at the corner of Lemon Avenue and State Street.

The Ohio-based prime steakhouse is part of the Pineapple Square project and represents the chain's second Florida location.

On the menu are classic steak dishes such as Steak au Poivre, featuring a skillet-seared New York strip steak with fresh peppercorns and Cognac bordelaise sauce.

- Herald staff, wire reports