South Florida 100 Forum July 3

Anthony Abbate, Florida Atlantic University, Associate Provost, Broward

Last week: Despite polling results, youth turnout in the recent Brexit referendum was low and proved a tricky situation for Universities UK, which instead of remaining neutral on the issue, opened themselves to perpetuating the idea that academics are biased. Of course the UK’s withdrawal means risking future research funding, currently over 14% of their total grant and contract funding. It’s likely that negotiations for future UK participation in European science programs will carry a price – as Swiss universities experienced – that any restriction on immigration and movement of people will limit access to economic and policy participation that they currently enjoy.

Looking ahead: County and municipal governments demonstrated they can work together to forge a penny sales tax initiative to fund transportation and infrastructure improvements. Let “The Peoples’s Transportation Plan” of 2002 in Miami-Dade County be a cautionary tale for all concerned. That plan promised to improve traffic, expand transit and extend rapid transit lines to far reaches of the county but left voters there with empty promises. Broward cities need to ramp up their work with the County to implement a transformative vision for how we will get around Broward and prepare for rising seas in the 21st century and beyond.

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, VP/community relations, Nova Southeastern

Last week: The opening of the new locks at the Panama Canal herald a new “HOV Lane” for shipping. It took 10 years, 40,000 workers, and $5.4 Billion to complete allowing ships carrying 14,000 containers to pass through, as compared to previous size constraint of 5000 containers. This expansion has direct impact on South Florida as we have seen upgrades at PortMiami and anticipate them for Port Everglades. Our economy is highly dependent on the cargo business and this opening is an important opportunity for our area to benefit greatly.

Looking ahead: The world lost a great person with the passing of Pat Summitt. She was a winner in every way, as a player and coach, as an advocate for women’s sports, and most importantly as a mother. She set an exceptional example of all of us to follow. She said it best, “whatever it is that you desire to do in life, have the courage and commitment to do it, and to do it to your absolute best.” Thank you Pat Summitt, for your courage; there are millions of women who owe you a debt of gratitude. You will be missed.

J. David Armstrong, Jr., president, Broward College

Looking ahead: Offering my SF 100 contributions has been rewarding due, in part, to the ease and deftness with which Daniel Vasquez coordinated our submissions. For over a decade he has curated the opinions of our community for the Sun Sentinel, and his brand of tongue-in-cheek humor will be missed as I read my paper, coffee in hand. It is an honor to be among the brightest minds in South Florida who shared their perspectives, and I am excited for our two new members – Adriana Fazzano Ficano and Jonathan Schwartz – to join the ranks and provide insight from the millennium generation.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group

Last week: The 21 Cuban migrants who reached a lighthouse south of the Florida Keys over a month ago must go back, ruled a federal judge. The ruling states that the lighthouse could not be considered dry land under the U.S. Wet Foot-Dry Foot policy. The underlying issue is the recent surge in the number of Cuban migrants fleeing the island, which is a direct result of the thawing of relations between both countries. This special immigration status only afforded to Cubans should be reevaluated. In the meantime, they must make sure they reach very dry land if they want to stay.

Looking ahead: SCOTUS ruled that Texas abortion restrictions were unconstitutional. The law required doctors performing abortions to obtain admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles which demonstrated that the rule created an undue burden on women and their clinics. Over 20 clinics closed in Texas due to this legislation. In Florida, a similar law takes effect soon requiring doctors and clinics to obtain admitting rights and transfer rights to nearby hospitals. Whether this law gets thrown out or not, one thing is certain; government will continue to meddle in women’s health issues.

Richard Barkett, CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale REALTORS

Looking ahead: ‘Brexit’ could give our real estate a brief boost. Britain’s vote Last week to exit the EU will likely have a long-term impact on the world economy, but in the short-term, U.S. real estate could be flooded with investors flocking to the U.S. as a safe haven, pushing up the dollar and sending down mortgage rates. The demand for Florida real estate could rise. Foreign households who might have looked to London to buy might turn to us instead. In the long run, though, the uncertainty could cause broad global weakening, which would hurt jobs, income and consumer confidence.

Mitchell W. Berger, founder and co-chair, Berger Singerman

Last week: We live in interesting times. Globalization, in various degrees is being fought throughout the world. Is the future an interdependent secure and trusting World or a world where each of us goes it alone. Human progress depends on interdependence .If each of us does our own farming and hunting there are no cities .Globalization is the ultimate interdependence. A benefit to most of us but not all of us. Let us work together to make sure the benefits of globalization benefit all of us and our children , as every step of modernization and interdependence has done in the past.

Looking ahead: The Democratic Platform Committee meets in Orlando .Will the Democratic Party continue to unite or will dissension emerge.

Claudette Bruck, commissioner, Coral Springs

Last week: The 30 year fixed-rate mortgage is reported to be 3.46 percent, near
the lowest average since late 2012 as a result of Britain’s vote to leave
the EU. Lower rates equal lower mortgage payments providing buyer’s
greater buying power. Brexit may be the cause of spurring qualified
buyers in the U. S. to take the plunge and make that long desired
home purchase.

Looking ahead: Keep your eye on Brexit, not everyone in Britain is pleased with this decision.

Walter G. “Skip” Campbell, Jr., mayor, Coral Springs; former member, Florida Senate

Last week: Back in January of this year, the administrator of Broward County through one of her employees said that they needed an additional 30 days to go through a punch list before they could open our new courthouse. That must have been a heck of a long punch list because we still have not had it opened. The delay raises questions as to whether the county is capable to manage such a significant project. What concerns me is that no one seems to want to answer questions as to what went wrong with this construction. The public deserves answers.

Daniel Cane, President and CEO, Modernizing Medicine

Last week: This has been a busy week, but I think that Brexit is the story of the week. The vote for Britain to leave the European Union will have unknown and far-reaching implications across the globe for decades to come.

Looking ahead: From the healthcare perspective, the subject that’s most on my mind is how we share patient data across the continuum of care. For such a technologically advanced country, we are painfully behind others in our ability to get healthcare information into the right hands at the right time. It’s time to do something about that.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County

Last week: There are very few people that can make you laugh and think simply by sending an email. For the last three years, I have looked forward to receiving weekly emails from Sun Sentinel columnist and friend Daniel Vasquez. He’s one of the brains behind these columns you read each week, and Daniel’s humor, candor and impeccable writing skills have brought myself and the other 99-plus contributors so much joy. He’s leaving us for Hollywood, CA where he will no doubt brighten the lives of so many more. Thank you Danny for making this experience so rewarding for me.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul & Young Ron Show

Last week: Here’s a shocker: Miami is a worse place to live than Detroit. But not just Detroit, Birmingham, Alabama, Gary, Indiana and…pretty much every other city in America. I understand economic realities, median home prices and income, but before a survey is released perhaps someone should actually visit the city. Like I did. I was in Detroit 2 weeks ago. I believe the entire town is rusting and I’m not booking a return trip anytime soon. They also say that Miami isn’t the greatest place to raise children, falling behind places in Minnesota and Iowa. Please have those kids swing by sometime in February.

Looking ahead:
If you’re in the airport business, it’s time to figure something out. How will you protect your customers, now that terrorists know, that you don’t need to blow up a plane to create havoc? I was in multiple airports last week, and there’s one moment when we are the most vulnerable. Pulling up and walking inside with our bags. Everybody’s in a rush and people are going in every different direction. A perfect scenario for a terrorist. What’s the answer? A pre-check point with bomb sniffing dogs, before we arrive at the terminal? Hopefully, smarter people than are working on the answer.

Richard Clark, CEO, Clark Leadership Consulting

Last week:

Looking ahead:

Joy Cooper, mayor, Hallandale Beach

Looking ahead: The federal government has announced that they are looking to close tax loop holes’ exemptions to reduce the deficit. What is surprising is what they have on the table; your ability to deduct your property taxes and income taxes from your federal taxes, tax free exemptions on municipal bonds and largest federal deduction by far is the one employers get for their contributions to employee health insurance premiums and medical care. They are surely not listening. We need to cut corporate welfare not dip into every taxpayers pocket book.

Looking ahead: The most recent Supreme Court decision on abortion rights demonstrates the conviction of the court that the right to an abortion is guaranteed under the constitution. With Justice Kennedy joining the historically more liberal members of the court, the 5-3 vote ensured women in Texas the right to an abortion without the undue burden of new restrictions being put in place by Texas in an effort to discourage the accessibility of abortions. Other states, including Florida have put in place restrictions involving admitting privileges and it would appear that these restrictions could also soon come under scrutiny and be challenged as unconstitutional.

Pastor D.H. Dawkins Sr., Praise Tabernacle International

Last week: So much of humanity wants to rid the world of God. Suddenly, there’s a natural disaster, act of terrorism etc and there’s a rush to pray or acknowledge our hopelessness without God.

Looking ahead: In the context of wickedness, influence excuses integrity. In the context of righteousness, influence demands integrity. It’s going to be very interesting to see how things pan out as the presidential race comes to a head. The nation that’s governed by wickedness will mourn. Only when the righteous rule, the people rejoice.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

Last week: Free Agency strikes again! The Heat while initially not paying Hassan Whiteside millions of dollars have certainly made every effort to increase his salary in order to keep him here in South Florida.
While providing an opportunity for players to continue to make millions and millions of dollars in salary increases, free agency leaves those of us who are fans, having to buy new jerseys every year. It is disheartening to hear players who we have followed as loyal fans, do not think that where they play has anything to do with loyalty either to their fans or their community.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chairman, Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine

Last week: The timing of the two events and the message they send could not be more discouraging. A brain-damaged, microcephalic newborn has been delivered in Florida this week to a woman known to carry the Zika virus. Simultaneously, Congress has once again failed to authorize funding in the range of $1.1 billion for measures to counteract this dreadful disease and appears comfortable going off to celebrate the July 4 Holiday. Governor Scott has wisely signed an executive order providing $26.2 million for mosquito control training and equipment, but this is a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed from the federal government for the states.

Looking ahead: It’s one thing to get astride a horse relaxing in the saddle with one’s feet comfortably in the stirrups. It’s quite another for a woman to put her feet in the stirrups and undergo a pelvic exam. Many women understandably dread the indignity of the annual process. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has suggested there is insufficient evidence to assess the efficacy of this procedure and recommends an exhaustive study. If asked to participate, please do so. These concerns don’t apply to women with existing conditions/symptoms nor do they nullify cervical cancer screening every 3 years for women 21-29 and every 5 years for those 30-65.

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Last week: This week we learned of the first baby born in Florida with microcephaly—a serious birth defect linked to incomplete fetal brain development—caused by Zika virus. On the same day, the GOP leadership in the U.S. Senate showed a disturbing callousness and lack of urgency by derailing a bipartisan funding proposal to help prepare for and prevent outbreaks of Zika when they added unnecessary amendments to the bill. I am disappointed that the Senate wasted time and put Florida families at risk, rather than passing emergency legislation that will help stop the spread of Zika.

Looking ahead: June was a difficult month, as we experienced the worst terrorist attack since 9/11. But our country’s response was unified. Individuals across the country sent prayers and support, and city halls lit up in rainbows. This Fourth of July, I’m reminded that our country has persevered for 240 years because, out of many, we are one. We stand united in the face of adversity and lend a helping hand when communities need it. After such a mournful month, this July 4th let’s proudly celebrate the unique strengths and accomplishments of our United States.

Andrew Duffell, president, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

Last week: The United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union, reminding policy-makers that the people are in charge at the end of the day, and they’d do well to heed complaint of disenfranchisement, both in Europe and here at home in Florida. Short-term volatility could well interrupt summer spending patterns by British and European tourists and even businesses with interests in Florida, but long-term the outlook for Britain is not negative as stated by Moody’s but rather strong.

Looking ahead: Contaminated water being discharged from Lake Okeechobee doesn’t just pollute the Indian River Lagoon, killing fisheries and tourism alike, now it’s making its way to the ocean and closing beaches along the Treasure Coast and into Palm Beach County as well. Our legislative delegation and local policy-makers are making the case to the Army Corps of Engineers that dumping toxic water into the estuaries is no longer an acceptable way to prevent the failure of the Hoover Dike, and we must add our voices to the call. People’s lives and livelihoods are at immediate risk if dumping continues.

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group

Looking ahead: In medicine, the brain seems to be the final frontier. A new study published in Science Translational Medicine is challenging our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. Until now, scientists believed that amyloid beta was a natural waste product that accumulated in the brain, killing nerve cells and leading to Alzheimer’s. A new study casts doubt on that theory. It shows evidence that amyloid beta may actually be produced to fight infection in the brain by encapsulating bacteria in plaque. It’s another indicator of how much there still is to learn about Alzheimer’s and brain science in general.

Adriana Fazzano Ficano, Chief of Staff, Broward College

Looking ahead: In Venezuela, the nation with the world’s largest oil reserves, people are starving, babies are dying, and the murder rate in Caracas is the highest in the world. To make matters worse, Maduro’s communist party continues to arrest members of the opposition who attempt to exercise freedom of speech. The latest political prisoner: Francisco Marquez, a 30-year-old graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and chief-of-staff for an anti-socialist mayor. Boy does that hit home. Venezuela is now a failed state and the United States needs to ask itself, if things get worse are we willing to watch our South American neighbors starve to death?

Patrick Franklin, president, Urban League of Palm Beach County

Last week:

Looking ahead:

Steven Geller, former member, Florida Senate

Looking ahead: The mosque which the Orlando shooter attended has been receiving threats and was recently circled by motorcyclists yelling threats at the worshippers. The motorcyclists may be trying to show their Americanism, but what they are doing is actually deeply un-American. Patriotic Americans don’t threaten others because of their race or religion. It is true that by definition 100% of Islamic Terrorism is committed by Muslims. It is equally true that 99.9%+ of all American Muslims are not terrorists, and should be treated with the same respect we all afford each other. What do you call an American that’s Muslim? An American!

Rabbi Sheldon Harr, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El

Looking ahead: A word rarely heard in casual conversation has now become commonplace. Xenophobia is defined as “fear and hatred of strangers or anything that is strange or foreign.” This isn’t just a word to be bandied about to impress others of the wide range of your vocabulary. Instead its use is a reality based on ignorance, utilized to terrorize others. Terrorism isn’t just a physical action by radicals. Terrorism exhibited through xenophobia plays to our fears. To have this exhibited time and again in our national, state-wide and local political contests is harmful, disgraceful, and fraught with danger.

Susan Haynie, mayor, Boca Raton

Last week: Governor Rick Scott met with Palm Beach County and City leaders to discuss Zika virus, a public health emergency. An infant was born in Florida with microcephaly, a severe birth defect caused by exposure to Zika virus. The Governor pledged State revenue to assist local governments in education and eradication efforts. Zika carrying mosquitos breed in small amounts of standing water around our homes. Check around your home and your neighbors’ homes to eliminate these breeding grounds. It is up to us to keep our communities safe.

Looking ahead: Add a new word to your vocabulary, Post-Panamax vessels. The $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal will accommodate these larger vessels which are as long as 1,200 feet (four football fields) and carry three times the cargo of a 965 feet Panamax vessel. Florida’s 15 seaports are our gateways for global waterborne trade. The FDOT has invested over $850 million in our ports to accept these larger ships, strengthening Florida’s position as a national leader for the movement of freight.

About Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel

Last week: Despite the unsettling news of terror attacks at home and abroad, we must find glimmers of hope to remind us of our purpose and existence. I found some comfort in celebrating the last remnants of June in commemorating National Caribbean American Heritage Month. South Florida is arguably the fastest growing Caribbean diaspora regional community in America today. With this changing demographic from countries, like Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahamas and others, South Florida’s political, business, social and culinary landscapes will increasingly reflect the myriad of hues, accents, religious traditions, taste buds, and cultural nuances. As such, it is incumbent on our local leadership to find more creative ways to incorporate and leverage the added value of these new immigrant communities. Happy Independence Day.

Hava Leipzig Holzhauer, regional director, Florida Anti-Defamation League

Last week: According to various sources, nearly 200 terror attacks occurred worldwide just this month – from Orlando to Istanbul. Too often, the names of Jews and Israelis who fall victim to terror are forgotten. This week, Hallel Yaffa Ariel, 13, was stabbed to death in her sleep by a Palestinian terrorist. As I write, news has broken of another stabbing in the Israeli city of Netanya. In a recent speech, Palestinian Authority President Abbas invoked a medieval anti-Semitic canard, falsely stating that Rabbis urged that Palestinian water be poisoned. We cannot combat terror without combating the hateful, violent propaganda that nurtures it.

Kevin Hull, Market Director, Brilliant

Last week: The ups and downs (let’s be honest, the downs) of the financial markets stole the headlines. With the impact to our economy uncertain and high confusion on how this happened, I found a bright spot in our local job growth which Economist Sean Snaith projects to outperform the U.S. national average over the next four years. Snaith expects Florida’s economy to grow to $1 trillion – not too shabby.

Looking ahead: With local job growth expected to outperform the U.S. average, local business leaders are going to be challenged finding qualified talent. Compensation and salary increases will become a large topic for discussion.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Last week: Victims of domestic abuse emerged victorious earlier this week with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to keep guns out of the hands of domestic batterers. Numerous studies show abusers, even those convicted of misdemeanors, are far more likely to reoffend—leading to a sickening cycle of abuse. In its decision, the Court also once again reaffirmed that while it solidly recognizes second amendment constitutional rights, those rights are not absolute. The Supreme Court’s decision was based on sound constitutional principles—and it should be applauded for its decision. If only today’s elected officials had the guts to do the same.

Kristin Jacobs, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: After watching the Zika defense funding bill fall apart, I really feel absolutely dumbfounded. The Republican attempt at turning this public health crisis into an excuse to cut funding for Planned Parenthood is absolutely absurd, and a clear example of partisan politics intervening in the public’s best interest. Cutting funding for a leading source of contraceptive services while trying to combat the spread of a sexually transmitted disease is like selling your TV to pay your cable bill.

Looking ahead: After the federal government dropped the ball trying to pass common sense gun legislation, Democratic members of the Florida House & Senate have begun the push for a special session to address gun violence. Over 100 people were shot, 49 killed, and some legislators are still twiddling their thumbs and refusing to address the problem. Representative Moskowitz’s call for action has prompted a survey of all state legislators, and with 3/5th majority vote, we’ll get the opportunity to serve the citizens of our state the best way we know how.

Barry Johnson, president, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Last week: In another sign of change in relations between Cuba and U.S., Starwood Hotels & Resorts opened Four Points Havana this past week, the first new hotel opened and run by an American company since the Cuban Revolution in 1959. Although the hotel will continued to be owned by the Cuban government, it is one of three resorts that Starwood will run in Cuba. Next, scheduled airline travel from Miami and Fort Lauderdale in the months to come.

Looking ahead: In an election year when neither majority party’s presidential candidates are well liked by the majority of the voting public, the selection of the vice presidential running mate becomes more significant. Regardless of who either of them select, the running mate will perhaps be more popular candidate!

Marty Kiar, commissioner, Broward County

Last week: I want to say thank you and extend a big GOOD LUCK to Sun-Sentinel editorial board member Daniel Vasquez. Dan is leaving the Sun-Sentinel and is relocating to Hollywood, California. For a decade, he has been a stellar member of the Sun-Sentinel family and has worked tirelessly, informing South Florida residents about important issues affecting our communities. As a member of the editorial board he focused on issues relating to politics, justice, local and state government and education. I am especially going to miss his online video submissions and his witty informative columns. Best of luck Dan.

Looking ahead: Candidate qualifying for federal, state, county and municipal elected office ended on June 24th. Broward voters will have the opportunity to vote for the candidates of their choice in both the August 30th primary and the November 8th general election. For information about state and federal candidates, please visit the Florida Division of Elections at dos.myflorida.com/elections/. For information about county candidates, please visit the Broward Supervisor of Elections (SOE) at browardsoe.org. The SOE also has information available about absentee, early and election day voting. Finally, please contact your city for information about municipal candidates.

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: This week I joined national community leaders, including FEMA Director and Florida resident Craig Fugate, on the State of Resilience Leadership Forum in Washington D.C. We focused on the need for more resilient communities throughout the United States. Resilience is a strategy that translates easily to local government management by preparing and thinking strategically to build communities that are prepared to bend without breaking. Nearly 29% of Broward County is less than five feet above sea level, the increased frequency of King Tides and increasing storm intensity is causing increased coastal flooding. Thinking proactively and “Building a Better Broward” now can help save millions of dollars in emergency repair costs later.

Looking ahead: Broward County Commissioners are elected by the people and they are the only people that should “speak on behalf of Broward County government.” It is very concerning that a county employee would take a position that could tear down the goodwill and partnership that a company like FPL has worked to build. This is the same FPL that invested $1 billion to bring a cleaner-burning natural gas plant to Port Everglades; the same FPL that builds better communities by empowering people; the same FPL that the Florida Economic Development Council awarded for their innovation. This statement is even more troubling if it was indeed “endorsed by County Administrator Bertha Henry.”

Earl Maucker, commissioner, Lighthouse Point; former editor, Sun Sentinel

Last week: Two incidents this week once again demonstrate the utter failure of the revised Cuban Adjustment Act that provides a pathway to citizenship for any Cuban who reaches dry land in the United States. Desperate refugees just yards from shore threaten to stab themselves if they can’t reach the beach. In another case, a judge ruled that Cubans who scrambled onto a lighthouse platform seven miles from shore must be repatriated. The Wet Foot/Dry Foot policy does nothing other than encourage desperate, life-threatening acts by these poor souls. Why Congress continues to allow this absurdity is beyond understanding.

Andy Mitchell, CEO, Fairwinds Group

Last week: The homeless issue in Fort Lauderdale continues to bring the best out of us when those that care get involved. Our own Sandy Downs Keesling, Fort Lauderdale Police, is an expert in handling the homeless. She made a huge difference this week in Eleanor’s life by personally paying for an airline ticket to connect her to her family in Rhode Island. The family was thankful for her generosity. Just imagine the impact we could make if we supported people like Sandy to help solve this major issue facing our community. Thank you Sandy, we are proud of you for paying it forward.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week: Once again we watched another terrorist bombing unfold, this time at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Terrorist attacks, credited to ISIS, took place just days before Turkey in Jordan, Lebanon and Yemen, leaving hundreds dead and injured. While these places continue to seem far from our own backyards, we know that terror can hit closer to home as we recently experienced in Orlando. The reality is, the world is no longer as safe as it once was. However, I strongly believe that we must never, ever allow terrorism to become commonplace in our psyche. If that happens, the terrorists have won.

Looking ahead: This Fourth of July, our “Independence Day,” how many of us truly know the Declaration of Independence and why our forefathers wrote what they did? We hear parts of it quoted and bantered about by political and news pundits, but once we’ve left our school history classes, memories fade and become blurred. We’re about to choose our 45th president. We are also facing a mountain of challenges as a country. This Fourth of July, it may be helpful to remind ourselves that freedoms are never free or permanent. Rights are questioned, definitions doubted and truths interpreted differently. Enjoy the holiday.

Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Last week: It’s been another week of major world and U.S. news including Brexit, the terror attack in Turkey and landmark rulings by the SCOTUS. Closer to home, at MDC, we hosted a dynamic conversation on the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme with special guest speaker Britain’s Consul General David Prodger on June 30. It was a very timely event.

Looking ahead: The big story in the coming days has to be Independence Day. More than ever, it is important that we reflect on the amazing vision of our founding fathers, and that we live in the greatest country on earth. We should also use July 4th to renew our American spirit of inclusion, tolerance, diversity and equality, for these are the pillars at the root of our nation’s strength. In related news, on July 6, MDC’s North Campus will unveil a new sculpture, Buddy Bear, donated by the German Consulate of Miami. Buddy Bear is part of a street art project that originated in Berlin and will be permanently housed at the North Campus’ Miami International Sculpture Park. The Buddy Bear was given to MDC painted plain white and visual arts students painted the sculpture over the course of a month. Buddy Bears can be seen around the world promoting tolerance and international understanding. We are honored to be part of this bridge-building project.

Philip Purcell, executive director, Marine Industries Association of South Florida

Looking ahead: The entrepreneurial spirit is one of the things that has made our country as great as it is. Our founders established a foundation that encourages big dreams, hard work, and the opportunity to successfully build something from nothing. The 136,000 people who comprise the marine industry workforce proudly exemplify that spirit within our diverse, global, and industrious community of visionaries, innovators, and laborers. As we celebrate and reflect on the true meaning of Independence Day, let’s also remember to salute the men and woman of the military who safeguard our freedoms and protect our ability to achieve that American Dream.

Mary Riedel, president, Women in Distress of Broward County

Last week: A number of us from South Florida attended the Leadership Florida annual meeting last week in Orlando. It was moving just to be in Orlando, to hear from Orlando Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Disney CEO George Kalogridis on the three tragedies that rocked that community in just one week. It brought the more than 400 leaders from around the state to tears when they listened to a representative from the Orlando Medical Center recount the amazing work that its team did in saving lives. The dialogue on rooting out inequality, racism, prejudice and fear must continue.

Looking ahead: Terrorism here in Florida and around the globe will continue to dominate our thoughts and the news cycle. The dialogue must continue or those 49 victims who were murdered in Orlando will not be fully honored and remembered. Let their legacy bring change.

Dr. Steven Ronik, CEO, Henderson Behavioral Health

Looking ahead: “What struck me most about Brexit is the reaction of Great Britain’s young people.
The Brexit result was heavily age-dependent. Those under 30 voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, while those over 60 voted overwhelmingly to leave. Young person after young person desperately exclaimed how the older generation’s anxiety and quest for closed borders, and consequent vote to leave, has given them comfort for the relatively short remainder of their lives, while severely compromising young people’s long-term future and prospects. The world has changed and is changing. Across the globe, we are all interdependent, like-it or not. Interdependent for our planet’s population health, financial markets, climate, and general well-being. The need for open, but safe and regulated travel, financial markets, cultural and scientific exchange is no longer an option. It’s required. All generations will need to embrace this–for the sake of all our futures.”

Greg Ross, mayor, Cooper City; president, Broward League of Cities

Looking ahead: On the 4th of July, you may be one of thousands of residents who will enjoy the festivities, family-friendly activities and spectacular firework displays in your city. Behind the parades and barbecues, the concerts and car shows, cities have created plans and assembled teams to assure that your experience will be an enjoyable one. Fireworks must adhere to city safety standards; street closures and parking are planned to accommodate large crowds; law enforcement and traffic officers will help safeguard revelers. Check out your city’s website to find out what’s planned for your hometown festivities on the 4th.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: The last thing Florida needs on a holiday weekend is slimy blue-green algae covering beaches and waterways. Yet that is exactly what happened this week to our north, prompting Florida’s governor to declare a state of emergency in Martin and St. Lucie counties. Algae blooms are caused by phosphorous and nitrogen draining into our waterways primarily from fertilizer runoff. They kill wildlife and cause skin irritation and breathing problems in people – not to mention harm our economy by driving away tourists. Unfortunately, state leaders refuse to limit algae-causing nutrients in Florida waters, with catastrophic results as we saw this week.

Looking ahead: Floridians who want to vote in the August 30 Primary Election have until August 1 to register. While most people are focused on the November presidential election, many state legislative, local and judicial elections will effectively be decided in the August primary. August 1 is also the last day to change your party affiliation – if you’re not registered as a Democrat or Republican, you can’t vote in those parties’ primaries. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain. If you aren’t registered, you can’t vote. To find out how to register, visit browardsoe.org or call (954) 357-7050.

John “Jack” P. Seiler, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Impressive economic gains are highlighting our summer. Home prices are rising faster than the national average. Year-over-year single-family home prices rose 8% in May; their highest level since 2008. Unemployment has plunged to 4.1%; its lowest level in nine years. Rents are increasing in downtown’s most sought after buildings, and vacancies are down by more than 6% during the last 24 months. Plus, Fort Lauderdale’s property values are up nearly 8% over last year, and we led the county with more than $454 million in new construction. It’s clear our local economy is right on track!

Looking ahead: Come celebrate our 240 years of Independence at the City’s free Fourth of July Spectacular! The event takes place Monday from noon – 9:30 p.m. at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard with family activities, live bands, and a dazzling fireworks show at 9:00 p.m. Also, on this patriotic weekend, please pause to remember the heroic men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces who helped make our freedom possible. Today, these courageous soldiers continue to defend our democracy, safeguard our security, protect our liberty, and preserve our outstanding quality of life. If you have an opportunity, please thank them on behalf of all of us.

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

Last week: Last Friday marked a very important day for Floridians, as many of the laws passed during the 2016 Legislative Session took effect. Of particular importance to thousands of children and families, are new eligibility requirements for Florida KidCare, the health insurance program for children. After years of persistent efforts by health care advocates, the legislature lifted a 5-year waiting period that had precluded lawfully residing immigrant children from being covered. This makes it possible for these children to access medical serves at a doctor’s office rather than the much more expensive emergency rooms. For more information and to determine if your children are eligible, please call (954) 467-8737.

Looking ahead: By most standards, 2016 has been a very unusual political year. Most recently, the “Brexit” vote has thrown the international community for a loop. Through it all, one thing is constant: the importance of an educated and engaged voting population. In Broward County, young adults can pre-register to vote at 16 years old, and cast their first ballot at 18. Kids Voting Broward is an organization that helps young people become engaged in the political process. Lack of youth participation has broad consequences, as was demonstrated in the UK, where the overwhelming majority of youth who did vote elected to stay in the European Union, but they were outnumbered by the older voters (typically more likely to participate in elections) who chose to leave. Elections have generational consequences. Successfully engaging youth in the electoral process will help shape the world they and future generations will inherit.

Kelley Shanley, president, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Last week: In its coverage of Brexit, the Sun Sentinel reported that the United Kingdom is one of the top five international markets for visitors to Broward County and that British tourists generate a local economic impact of around $190 million. The Florida Chamber of Commerce is already predicting a decline in U.K. visitors following the Brexit vote. The U.K. gave us Shakespeare, Dickens and The Beatles. Let’s make sure that we give every U.K. tourist a reason to go back and tell others that South Florida is well worth the trip.

Barbara M. Sharief, mayor, Broward County

Looking ahead: I am thrilled that Governor Rick Scott ceremonially signed SB 1322 which establishes a 50-50 split of juvenile detention costs between the state of Florida and certain counties. This legislation ended years of bad billing, thick bureaucracy and lawsuits and will allow the counties and state to move forward as partners. Florida’s juvenile arrest rate is at a more than 30-year low thanks to important reforms at DJJ and investments we are making for youth prevention programs. These measures will ensure that Florida’s juvenile justice system remains a national leader and our children have the support they need.

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

Last week: The expanded Panama Canal’s opening spurs high expectations and sharp competition at Florida’s east and west coast ports. The $5.25 billion project that now lets huge neo-Panamax ships carry three times the cargo through the canal has ports from Miami to New York scurrying to keep pace with potential opportunities. As experts predict that up to 10 percent of East Asia container traffic to the U.S. could land at East Coast instead of West Coast ports, keeping Port Everglades’ long-planned channel deepening and widening project on track is essential.

Looking ahead: With the Brexit decision’s impacts hanging in the air this July 4 weekend, we should take a cue from our nation’s founders. They thought long and hard about the consequences of every decision for future generations of Americans. With this election season creating its own emotional fireworks, we owe our children the same reasoned, forward-looking approach.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

Last week: The domestic story of the past week was the end of the U.S. Supreme Court term and the stunning and powerful reaffirmation of a woman’s right to access an abortion. The message to state legislators across the country was a simple one — Legislators need to be more honest than they have been. Claiming that abortion restrictions are enacted to “protect the health and safety of women” doesn’t make it so. Courts will evaluate these claims to ensure that they are not really enacted to deny women access to their constitutional right to an abortion by shutting down abortion providers.

Looking ahead: The Supreme Court’s decision, the strongest defense of a women’s right to an abortion in a generation, is likely to have nationwide effect. Within 48 hours it ended efforts by officials in Alabama and Wisconsin to justify their abortion restrictions. And there likely will be an impact on lawsuits here in Florida filed by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU challenging restrictions enacted by our own Legislature. After this decision, our Legislature will need to find actual medical evidence – facts, not anti-abortion rhetoric – showing that any restriction they impose on Florida women actually advances the state’s interest in protecting women’s health.

Eleanor Sobel, member, Florida Senate

Last week: This week, I stood with the Broward Teachers Union in their quest to get a modest 2.51% salary increase for Broward’s most experienced teachers. Also at issue was a $2,600 supplement payment for teachers who teach an extra class period. While the 2.51% raise was granted, the School Board balked at the supplement payment, which is both unfortunate and short-sighted. It’s time that the Board acknowledge what’s plain to see. Teaching is a profession, and teachers should be treated as professionals. Behaving any other way does teachers a disservice, shortchanges our children, and endangers the future of our state.

Looking ahead: A reasoned ruling! The Supreme Court rightly reaffirmed and strengthened constitutional protections for abortion rights this week, striking down portions of a Texas law designed to dramatically reduce the number of abortion clinics in the state. Florida has a similar law that is sure to garner more scrutiny in light of the ruling. The 5-to-3 decision found that requiring doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals constituted an “undue burden” on women seeking to obtain an abortion. Hundreds of medical procedures are far more dangerous to patients than abortions, so claims that this is about women’s health are disingenuous.

Robert Weinroth, Deputy Mayor, Boca Raton

Last week: The $5.4 billion renovation of the Panama Canal, albeit nearly $1 billion over-budget and two years behind schedule, was finally open for business this week. The renovation of the 102 year-old gateway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (originally built by the US) will, potentially, double the amount of cargo traveling along our east coast. With the US the biggest user of the canal, Florida’s economy, especially in an around the ports of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, will likely be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this growth in volume providing yet another employment stimulus in South Florida.

Looking ahead: The revolution which has overtaken American politics, as the process of electing our next president continues, pales in comparison to what is unfolding in Europe. The perceived lack of control over its own destiny (as a member of the European Union) drove a majority of the 30 million voters in a UK-wide referendum to approve Brexit. As a direct consequence, British Prime Minister David Cameron will step aside and allow his successor to trigger the 2-year exit process. The underlying force fueling this, on both sides of the pond, is a perceived lack of control over immigration and economic issues.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week: The Supreme Court ruling, Whole Women’s Health v. Hellerstedt is disappointing. The commonsense legislation had required abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital in case of an emergency, while also requiring that basic medical standards be met — including sanitary conditions for women patients. Planned Parenthood claims it can’t afford to upgrade facilities, but they spent almost $20 million on elections since 2012. As Justice Alito writes in dissent: “”The Court’s patent refusal to apply well-established law in a neutral way is indefensible and will undermine public confidence in the Court as a fair and neutral arbiter.”

Looking ahead: Florida’s laws allow payday lenders to continue to charge an average Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 278%, even though Florida’s criminal usury rate is 18% APR. The economic drain of payday lending is disproportionately concentrated in Florida’s minority communities, and has seen significant growth among senior citizens. In 2015, payday lenders charged over $311 million in fees and interest. Over 83% of Florida payday loans were to Floridians who borrowed seven or more loans per year in order to meet their monthly expenses. The oppression of the poor (Ex 2:23) is a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance.