A sign is displayed outside a DC Health monkeypox vaccine clinic, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in Washington. Three DC Health clinics began offering limited walk-up monkeypox vaccinations for eligible residents Friday, pending vaccine availability. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) (Patrick Semansky/AP)
Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.
Last week: As Fort Lauderdale adjusts to a recent growth spurt, a controversial proposal is being floated to increase the 300-foot height limitation outside the downtown area to 500 feet, roughly 50 stories. In design, there are many factors involved, and none should be singled out. Increased height without a reduction in the massing can lead to a canyon effect, blocking natural light, ventilation and views. However, increased height with limits to the mass, increased separation between towers and attention to what happens at ground level is another matter. This deserves careful study focused on the impact to quality of the urban environment.
Looking ahead: Home affordability is not only an issue of the cost of the existing inventory, but the minimum legal requirements for multi-family dwellings, beginning with the definitions of “dwelling” and “family” in municipal zoning codes. According to Fort Lauderdale’s code, no more than three unrelated persons can qualify as a single housekeeping unit. In New York City, the minimum size of an “affordable dwelling unit” is 300 square feet (325 square feet for “affordable senior units”). Fort Lauderdale has no provision for affordable units and the minimum dwelling unit size ranges from 400 square feet to 750 square feet.
Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County
Last week: Our community lost a true advocate who was loved by all who encountered him, Paul Daly. Our hearts are broken, but our spirits remain strong because of his gift of compassion that we will hold on to tightly. Paul was one of the founding fathers of our very own Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention, which was founded in 1988 and has been a supporter of United Way for about 50 years. He understood the importance of advocacy, public policy and philanthropy to produce community change. We are grateful for his commitment to serving those in need.
Angelo Castillo, commissioner, Pembroke Pines
Last week: The United States intelligence and military community has taken down Ayman al-Zawahiri, the former al-Qaida deputy to Osama Bin Laden, and now former head of that terrorist organization who had been in hiding for well over 20 years. Al-Zawahiri was one of the planners of the 9/11 attacks. At a time when disagreements among Americans are perhaps at an all time high, there's one thing we can all agree on. The removal of any terrorist threat to our nation is welcome news. There remains much work to do in our fight against terrorism, but in case anyone feels our blanket of support in uniform is not paying attention, here's proof that they are indeed doing the tough work required to keep the home of the free safe.
Looking ahead: Rather than focus on what brunch restaurants parents choose for their family, the state should instead pay attention to serious issues Floridians face, like a continued inability to get reasonably affordable homeowner insurance. Despite the Legislature having held a special session on the topic, homeowners statewide continue pulling their hair out in frustration over the homeowner insurance crisis. Where parents take their kids to brunch is not something we elect state officials to determine. Fixing homeowner insurance is part of Tallahassee's business. We don't need more of Tallahassee's culture wars in Florida. Parents know how to raise their own kids without a government nanny. Florida's state officials should instead focus on fixing homeowner insurance, reducing traffic, bringing more affordable housing to residents, and more high paying jobs into our state.
Jamie Cole, municipal attorney, various Broward County cities
Last week: Our political discourse has reached dangerously low levels. The governor repeatedly disrespects the office of the President of the United States by engaging in childish name calling (referring to the president as “Brandon,” which is known to be code for an expletive), taking a page from the Trump playbook. As a resident of Senate District 35, I have been inundated with blistering attack mailers from both candidates, so bad that they have resulted in litigation. This lack of professionalism and civility undermines confidence in our government and must be remedied.
Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.
Last week: James Webb may have captured an image of its first supernova due to the object’s brightness. The object appears much brighter than the rest of the galaxy and when Webb observed the galaxy five days apart, the object dimmed slightly. The galaxy is between three to four billion light years away, so we are seeing the slowly fading light of an explosion that occurred three to four billion years ago. The James Webb team says the object is in line with supernova behavior. The space telescope continues to exceed all expectations.
Looking ahead: August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an observance that highlights the importance of vaccination in protecting public health. The CDC recommends vaccinations throughout your life to protect against many infections. In skipping vaccines, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses such as shingles, pneumococcal disease, flu, HPV and Hepatitis B, both leading causes of cancer. Now is the time to get routine vaccines for back to school, COVID-19 and more. Vaccines keep you healthy and are as important to your overall health as diet and exercise to keep you safe. To learn more about the different vaccines available for preventative diseases visit cdc.gov/vaccines.
Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine
Last week: Recently I described one of the many devastating outcomes of the Ukraine/Russia conflict. The world depends heavily on grain shipments from these two countries, but mines placed in the waterways to prevent a Russian invasion by sea were restricting any vessels from providing this service. This week, however, representatives of the two countries along with Turkish and NATO assistance have agreed to resume service to other countries that rely on them. Imagine what a difference it would make if countries willingly sat down together, finding mutually acceptable solutions rather than viciously attack each other with destruction of people and entire communities.
Looking ahead: More than 200,000 men annually need to seek a cure for prostate cancer. Accurate imaging is critical for locating the tumor margins, staging the process, and detecting recurrences. Fortunately, the recognition of prostate cancer cells by using PET scans to detect the presence of a PSMA antigen (prostate-specific membrane antigen) on their surface has substantially increased accuracy over the former use of bone and CT scans. This has markedly improved the success rate. Good news!
Sarah Emmons, regional director, Anti-Defamation League Florida
Last week: According to a 2021 survey conducted by ADL and Hillel, one third of American Jewish college students reported personally observing or experiencing antisemitism. About 15% of students said they felt uncomfortable sharing their Jewish identity. And many students who experienced antisemitic activities on campus did not report them. We are working together to ensure greater reporting, equip campus administrations to recognize antisemitism and anti-Israel bias, and respond effectively and constructively to the variety of ways antisemitism manifests itself on campus — from insensitive or biased comments to hate-motivated harassment and vandalism.
Looking ahead: While children can echo the negativity they see in society, they can also echo kindness and allyship. We are excited for the thousands of students whose schools have signed up for our No Place for Hate (NPFH) initiative this upcoming school year. NPFH empowers schools to build learning communities of inclusivity. We have found that hatred is best challenged when schools create an atmosphere of allyship. ADL is here to assist with lesson plans, curricula, trainings and resources, all available at adl.org/education.
Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group
Last week: With the recent approval of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals who have been vaccine-hesitant may opt to get vaccinated. Novavax, expected to be widely available soon, is the first protein subunit vaccine for COVID-19. Unlike its mRNA counterparts, Novavax delivers harmless proteins of the coronavirus to help the body’s immune system fight the virus. Similar protein unit technology has been used safely for more than 30 years with vaccines for hepatitis B, influenza and whooping cough. If you have been concerned about the mRNA vaccines, Novavax provides an effective alternative.
Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union
Looking ahead: The renewal of the Secure the Next Generation Referendum on the Aug. 23 ballot is our opportunity to support public schools, including charters, for the next four years. Of the predicted $214 million for public schools and $53 million for charters annually, at least 75% will increase compensation for school employees, with up to 17% used to maintain and enhance school safety personnel and up to 8% used to preserve essential mental health services. This comes at a minimal increase to taxpayers of an estimated $13/month for homeowners and $7.50/month for condo owners. A great deal for the price!
Dan Gropper, dean, College of Business, Florida Atlantic University
Last week: With the passage of the “CHIPS bill” and the agreement announced between senators Schumer and Manchin on the Orwellian-named Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government will be adding nearly $1 trillion more in spending. This additional spending, along with the added tax and regulatory burdens, will slow down some sectors of our economy, while stimulating others in an ongoing effort to “reset” America. Altogether, this legislation, if passed, will most likely lead to continued inflation with stagnating economic growth — perhaps a return to the “stagflation” of the 1970-80s. Breaking out of that cycle was quite painful in dollar costs and human suffering. Welcome to stagflation 2.0
Looking ahead: The value of printed books is increasing as online websites and definitions start being re-worked. Redefining the word "recession" is the latest example, so I went to my bookshelves and opened a leading Economics textbook by Greg Mankiw. There I found (p.254) the "rule of thumb" that a recession was at least two consecutive quarters of declining real GDP. The formal decision by the National Bureau of Economic Research does not follow that fixed rule; their broader process can take months, even years, to decide when recessions began and ended. That's fine for historians, but not good for decision makers who need to act now.
Jason Hughes, executive director, ArtServe
Last week: As an outgrowth of the Affordable Care Act, beginning Oct. 1, 2022, state Medicaid programs can opt to offer a new health home services benefit for children with medically complex conditions requiring pediatric specialty and subspecialty medical services, including services from out-of-state providers as medically necessary. New federal guidance was issued this week that can help states connect children with care for cerebral palsy and other difficult-to-manage conditions. Currently, 34 states and the District of Columbia have successfully implemented health home programs for adult Medicaid beneficiaries with chronic conditions. Florida does not participate in the program.
Looking ahead: No other product has epitomized America’s pandemic-driven supply chain, national security and inflation vulnerabilities more than semiconductor chips. Now, with a surprise bipartisan turnaround this week on the “CHIPS and Science Act,” the United States will make an urgently needed $52 billion investment to boost American manufacturing, research and development of semiconductors, which are increasingly critical components in consumer and military electronics, vehicles, health care equipment and other technologies. The new law was applauded by the Semiconductor Industry Association, which strongly recommended government action to ensure the long-term strength and resilience of America’s chip supply.
Christine Hunschofsky, member, Florida House of Representatives
Looking ahead: The past three weeks while watching the MSD penalty trial, I am continually stunned by the level of trauma that each victim, family member, and everyone impacted has to relive in this process. We often pay attention to the criminal and the crime, but the people who are victimized by the crime are continually victimized in the aftermath often with little or no support. While we work to reduce gun violence, we also need to do more to support victims of all violence — to minimize re-traumatization, provide trauma counseling, and give them all the support they need in the aftermath.
Marty Kiar, property appraiser, Broward County
Last week: South Florida is rife with title fraud as scammers will file fake deeds transferring ownership of real property and use those deeds to mortgage, rent or sell the stolen property. To combat this criminal activity, the Broward County State Attorney's Office and the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office have entered into an interlocal agreement to formally work together in building criminal cases against people engaging in title fraud. This written agreement lets criminals know that they are not welcome in Broward County and if they try to steal someone’s property, our offices will work together to put them in jail!
Charlotte Mather-Taylor, executive director, Area Agency on Aging of Broward County
Last week: A recent study by Realtor.com showed a 57.2% jump in South Florida rent prices from the previous year, one of the largest percentage increases in the nation. The inability to pay these exorbitant increases can lead to tenant evictions and leave South Florida residents potentially homeless. The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County provides housing information and legal assistance to seniors ages 60+ free of charge for situations like this and more. For more information, call our helpline at 954-745-9779. Our specialists are ready to assist you with information and referrals.
Looking ahead: August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance held to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Immunizations are not just for children. You may be at risk for vaccine-preventable disease due to your age, job, lifestyle, travel or health conditions. All adults need immunizations to help them prevent getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, missed work, medical billsband not being able to care for family. For a convenient reference, visit www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched for the CDC Vaccine Assessment Tool and find out what vaccines you may need.
Bob Mayersohn, city commissioner, Parkland; president, Broward League of Cities
Looking ahead: Aug. 8 is National Pickleball Day! The game was invented in 1965, and in 2021, the Sport and Fitness Association declared it the fastest-growing sport in the United States. This newly popular sport that combines the elements of tennis and ping pong is easy and fun to learn at any age. Nationally, there are more than 9,500 parks and sports complexes with pickleball courts. Here in Broward, many of our cities have installed pickleball courts in their parks. If you haven’t yet played, grab the kids, your friends or neighbors and give it a try — you won’t be disappointed.
Andrea Cristina Mercado, co-executive director, Florida Rising
Last week: Voters in Florida have a lot of reasons to cast their votes for candidates representing community needs and aspirations. As of Aug. 1, more than 460,000 vote-by-mail ballots had been cast. Democrats had cast 197,606 ballots, while Republicans had cast 183,005. Early voting in Broward county starts on Aug. 13, and that’s also the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot. We are fired up, organizing and taking action at the ballot box in response to Republican attacks on everyone and a refusal to move on the climate emergency. DeSantis insists on digging into a far-right agenda. In the last few days, he refused to declare a state of emergency in response to a nationwide outbreak of the monkeypox virus, won’t denounce Nazis, and has removed State Attorney Andrew Warren from his elected office for verbally expressing support for abortion rights and the LGBTQ community. “They want to restrict your freedom” is his hollow mantra. But voters do have the freedom to vote him out. And the energy is building to do so in November.
Looking ahead: What can Floridians expect from the still-in-the-making legislation called the Inflation Reduction Act? One of the most robust provisions is related to climate change. The bill contains these crucial elements: Incentivizes clean energy manufacturing with subsidies and tax credits, a tax credit for wind and solar energy production and usage, carbon capture for fossil fuels emissions, electric vehicle tax credits, and incentives to manufacture EVs in the U.S. and reshape transportation and electricity generation through the emphasis on electric vehicles and clean energy industry job creation. In Florida, we know we need to fight against the special interests that bribe politicians and want to hold us back from a clean energy future, as we’ve seen with the latest FPL political scandal. The Sunshine State needs to go beyond sea-level rise mitigation to build a solid clean energy alternative to deal with climate change seriously, a scientific fact considered “China hoax” by DeSantis’ allies.
Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward
Last week: The devastating Kentucky flooding is heartbreaking and scary. More than 30 people have died from flash flooding that followed an unrelenting line of thunderstorms, which overwhelmed outdated and inadequate drainage systems. As we mourn for those lost and send aid to help with recovery (donating to the Red Cross is a great way to help), we should recognize this as a warning of the dangers we face from climate change. Remember, South Florida relies on an aging system of canals and pumps to stay dry. They must be upgraded so we will be ready for rising seas and stronger storms.
Looking ahead: On Aug. 17 and 18, our community has an exciting opportunity to tackle big challenges facing the middle class and help more of our residents striving to move into the middle class. OIC of South Florida’s Middle Class Summit is a conference for business leaders, policymakers, nonprofits and other community leaders to come together and discuss attainable solutions for promoting more economic opportunity. This two-day gathering at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood is a chance to elevate dialogue and build consensus about job creation, health care, housing and much more. Visit OICSFL.org.
Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines
Last week: Almost on a daily basis, people complain about traffic, speeding, bicycle safety, busing, signage, congested areas and other issues regarding transportation. Our city, as many other cities, is in the process of conducting a citywide transportation master plan to address key transportation needs and issues to create a blueprint for improving the city’s transportation system. Cities everywhere are doing this because the need to identify and solve transportation issues is critical as we continue to grow. I urge residents to not only take our survey (link on our city website), but their own cities’ surveys to engage in this process.
Looking ahead: A just released school safety report by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission has pointed out the inconsistencies in school threat assessment reporting, and how active-assailant drills are conducted and incidents are reported. Failure here is not an option. Accurate reporting is critical so schools get the help and resources they need. The recent Uvalde school mass shooting demonstrated the crucial need to have very consistent guidelines in place to prevent and handle dangerous incidents. While the state commission’s duties have been extended through summer 2026, time is of the essence in protecting our children.
Roni Raab, host, Shalom South Florida on WWNN
Last week: In a strong message to terrorists worldwide, the United States military killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a drone strike in downtown Kabul. Al-Zawahiri wasn’t hiding in a cave somewhere; he was living in a residential neighborhood with his family. The strategic strike sends a clear message: Countries that believe in safety and security for their citizens, and who want to live in peace, will spare no effort to take out those who threaten those citizens.
Looking ahead: Aug. 14 marks the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. It is the fast of Tisha B’Av, marking many calamities befalling the Jewish people, including the destruction of its two Holy Temples in Jerusalem (23 BCE and 69 CE) and the expulsion of Jews from England (1290 CE) and Spain (1492 CE). A story is told of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was traveling through a Jewish town in Europe, seeing men and women in a synagogue crying, sitting on the floor by candlelight, reading from books. He was told the Jews were mourning something that happened 2,000 years ago. He said this people will merit to see the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Larry Rein, CEO and President, ChildNet
Last week: A New York Times report this week on research demonstrating improved economic outcomes for poorer children who developed friendships with wealthy peers was intriguing in many ways. Its analysis of 72 million Facebook friendships seemed both novel and astounding. The assertion that the relationships had to be natural and real, not imposed or perfunctory, was meaningful and insightful. The recognition that opportunities for such relationships are decreasing was disappointing but provocative. Perhaps the next step should be examining the inverse. Perhaps such relationships would be more prevalent if future research revealed the many ways that the wealthy friend likely benefits.
Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission
Last week: This week, abortion rights were on the ballot in Kansas. Voters in that red state overwhelmingly upheld reproductive freedom by defeating a harmful amendment to their state Constitution. This is the first time Roe v. Wade has been on the ballot since the Supreme Court overturned it. The result is clear. The issue galvanized voters who came out in droves, proving abortion access is strongly supported by Americans regardless of political affiliation. Roe is on the Florida ballot in August and November. Kansans voted to trust women over politicians. If that can happen in Kansas, it can happen in Florida!
Kerry Ann Royes, CEO, YWCA South Florida
Last week: Reading the stories about the meaningful impact the nonprofit God's Gift organization is having on young Black women in our community caused me to stop and reflect on the fact that when we put prevailing issues that Black women face at the forefront of our collective organizations and businesses, we create solutions for everyone! Pipeline clearing is universally beneficial to all who use the same pathway and face a variety of equity challenges. This work is central to realizing women’s rights and gender equality, and advancing our South Florida. YWCA welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with organizations such as God's Gift. When nonprofits with like-minded missions work together, the power of that collision is unstoppable.
Maria Sachs, member, Palm Beach County Commission
Last week: Since being established over 20 years ago, the Agricultural Reserve has been the subject of numerous discussions and even heated arguments over what is allowed to be developed and what should be kept as preserve. Land classifications have been changed to allow for more density and affordable housing. Before valuable preserve land is paved over to make way for more housing, the public needs to know the impact to our delicate environmental lands and to our existing infrastructure from increased density of housing. For this reason, I requested the county commission direct staff to retain an expert to advise us of the consequences of our vote on Aug. 31. We owe it to our residents and to the future residents of Palm Beach County.
Alissa Jean Schafer, member, Broward Soil and Water Conservation District
Last week: It’s back-to-school season, an exciting time for many. Here in South Florida however, that excitement is juxtaposed by the harsh reality of gun violence in our schools, as teachers and school faculty members are trained for new safety measures and as the Parkland trial goes on. My thoughts are especially with the Parkland parents, who, instead of enjoying back-to-school memories or perhaps helping their children prepare for college, are currently living through a brutal trial, reliving the horrifying details of the MSD shooting. These parents, and all parents who have lost loved ones to gun violence, deserve more than our thoughts.
John "Jack" Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale
Last week: On Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, the Sunshine Health Orange Bowl Family Fun and Fit Day presented by PNC Bank will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Orange Bowl Field at Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale. The Orange Bowl Family Fun and Fit Day is a day of family fun and fitness for everyone in the community, and it is free to all participants. Bring the whole family to enjoy music, caricaturists, games, food trucks, water activities, sporting events and more. Your kids can also receive free haircuts and backpacks with school supplies at the event.
Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida
Last week: Last week, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian and Unitarian religious leaders filed a lawsuit challenging Florida’s abortion ban. A separate lawsuit argues that the ban violates the state constitutional guarantee of privacy, which should block the abortion ban if (and this is a big if) Florida courts honor state constitutional principles and precedents from previous court decisions. But the case by the religious leaders will also require the courts to decide whether Florida law can reflect only one religious point of view — and require those of a different religious faith to live their lives accordingly — despite our constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom.
Looking ahead: The Supreme Court’s decision by Justice Alito overturning Roe v. Wade has ignited a firestorm, especially among women voters. The full effect will not be known for some time, but last week’s action by Kansas voters overwhelmingly protecting the right to abortion gives us a glimpse. Turnout for the Kansas August primary doubled, almost equaling turnout for a November presidential election. But aside from igniting voters for a non-partisan constitutional amendment, we will need to see whether the shockwaves from the Court’s decision will also affect partisan races for legislators who make policies restricting abortion or defending women’s rights.
Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate
Last week: Kansas voters recently rejected an effort to strip abortion protections from the state’s Constitution. Support for the measure would have allowed Kansas politicians to restrict abortion or ban it completely in the legislature’s January session. Though Kansas is a traditionally conservative state, more than 500,000 individuals voted against potential abortion restrictions. Activists in Kansas had campaigned against such restrictions for months through door-to-door campaigning as well as get-out-the-vote postcards. Many pro-choice activists interpret the victory as evidence that the Supreme Court did not speak for the American people when overturning Roe v. Wade and severely limiting abortion access this June.
Looking ahead: Kamala Harris visited Florida International University to discuss the Biden administration’s efforts to combat global warming. While discussing the climate crisis, which she referred to as “urgent” and accelerating, Harris announced that the administration would provide states with more than $1 billion in grants to combat the flooding and extreme heat that are expected to increase in the coming years due to global warming. The funds will be administered through FEMA and will double the amount many states receive through the BRIC program, which gave Jacksonville, Florida more than $20 million last year to improve stormwater infrastructure and flood mitigation.
Gregory Stuart, executive director, Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization
Looking ahead: The Sunshine State can no longer wait to invest in the clean electrification of our transportation system. The Inflation Reduction Act will boost America’s solar energy industry and bring large increases in incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles. It’s the federal government’s first serious effort to reduce carbon emissions. The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization is already investing in sustainable forms of transportation, which include EVs, and building out a robust multimodal system that is accessible to all of our residents. The sunshine that brings tourists can also bring new technologies and create an even more vibrant economy.
Last week: Congratulations to the 66 Broward County youth who just wrapped up their participation in the 2022 Broward Sheriff's Office Youth L.E.A.D. Camp (Learning, Educating and Developing). During the eight-week summer program, these students learned critical life skills and today are better prepared to handle uncertainties, overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. The program's success is made possible thanks to our incredible volunteers, including many BSO employees, who dedicated their time to serving as mentors and furthering our mission of encouraging and enriching the lives of Broward’s youth. To learn more about the program and important future dates, visit sheriff.org/lead.
Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale
Last week: The city of Fort Lauderdale is closely monitoring the monkeypox outbreak that’s occurring in South Florida. We've gathered the latest statistics, vaccination information and a list of frequently asked questions at fortlauderdale.gov/monkeypox. The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox. Currently, this outbreak is largely affecting gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men. Talk to your health care provider if you think you have been exposed to monkeypox or are at high risk for exposure.
Looking ahead: Get ready to meet the LauderGO! Micro Mover, a new option that makes it easy for residents and visitors to get around downtown, Las Olas, and the beach. Launching at the end of this month, the free and eco-friendly service is powered by an all-electric fleet of nimble shuttles that aim to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to ease traffic congestion in the city. The LauderGO! Micro Mover provides an efficient solution to the first- and last-mile transportation challenge that so many face. The vehicles connect to Brightline, Broward County Transit, and LauderGo! Community Shuttles. The pilot program offers two different options for free rides around parts of Fort Lauderdale — the Downtown Service Area and the Beach Service Area. Learn more at fortlauderdale.gov.
Michael Udine, mayor, Broward County
Looking ahead: Are you in the market for a job? Get ready to reach for the skies as Broward County hosts the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Job Fair at the FLA Live Arena on Aug. 17. Vendors, airlines, government agencies, and other aviation affiliated industries will be present. Part-time and full-time jobs are available, and positions range from frontline to senior level staff. Attendees can apply on the spot, interview and potentially receive an offer. Remember to bring copies of your resume, two forms of identification, and dress appropriately. Parking and admission are free. Pre-register at FLLJobFair.eventbrite.com. The sky is the limit!
Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P.A.
Last week: Two trailblazing Black Americans passed away last week, both of whom stood against racism with their words and celebrity. Nichelle Nichols played Star Trek’s Lt. Uhura, a rare position of authority for a Black woman on 1960s television. Martin Luther King Jr. reportedly said Nichols “changed the face of television forever.” Bill Russell, a Boston Celtics great, collected 11 titles in 13 seasons with the team. His lifelong fight against racism was based on his insistence that he was a complete human being: “a man, nothing more.” Both of these individuals should be applauded for shattering stereotypes and standing against racism.
Looking ahead: With energy costs up and groceries more expensive, more Americans are watching their pennies. In fact, The Wall Street Journal reports that many families are skipping vacations and restaurant meals, but these cost-cutting measures are not doing enough to stretch skimpy finances. Families now are seeking out dollar and discount stores for essentials, including groceries. Let’s hope the Federal Reserve’s measures will dampen inflation, now hovering at 9%, without pushing us further into a recession. Families and lower-income households have enough difficulty making ends meet.
Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of Miami
Last week: Aug. 6 marked the 77th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The U.S. was the first, and hopefully the last, nation to use nuclear weapons in war. That we did so is still a reason for much soul searching. The indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on Hiroshima and then Nagasaki violated basic moral norms, namely, that good ends do not justify evil means. We do have a right to defend ourselves. But it is a right that, as always, must be exercised with respect for moral and legal limits in the choice of ends and means.
Looking ahead: The Associated Press, once considered the most objective mainstream news, proclaims: “A person’s sex and gender are usually assigned at birth by parents or attendants and can turn out to be inaccurate.” AP thereby settles the question in favor of gender theorists and adds that journalists should not be “giving a platform to unqualified claims” that might challenge that ideology — even in “the guise of balancing a story by including all views.” Rather than objective reporting, the AP substitutes editorializing on the news page. This Orwellian Newspeak explains why the public has lost trust in news reporting from “woke” sources.