Hurricane Irma: The takeaways after a statewide threat | South Florida 100

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

Last week: The most important lesson learned from Hurricane Irma is that there is no substitute for preparation, teamwork and support. Having the proper personnel, resources, and equipment in place and ready for deployment made Fort Lauderdale’s response organized, disciplined, and effective. Ensuring clear and consistent communication, cooperation, and coordination between Broward County and its municipalities, particularly on issues affecting multiple cities, is paramount to successful emergency operations. Finally, receiving immediate state and federal assistance and support is critical to ensuring a prompt recovery. Every level of government needs to embrace the idea that “We’re in this Together” before, during, and after the storm.

Looking ahead: Fort Lauderdale is proud to once again partner with a great corporate citizen, AutoNation, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the national “DRIVE PINK” campaign, which has raised more than $11 million in the fight against the disease. This year’s kickoff takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m. at A1A and Las Olas and features the unveiling of a larger-than-life pink ribbon that will stand as a visual reminder of the importance of raising awareness and funding for this most worthy cause. This month, we encourage everyone to participate in and support the many Breast Cancer Awareness events taking place throughout our community.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Looking ahead: What we learned from Irma spans from life-affirming to deeply disturbing. First, Florida still does not adequately protect its seniors, as we saw when 12 people in the care of a Hollywood nursing home died. We also learned that, while otherwise doing capable recovery work, FEMA and the state of Florida have abandoned many of our cities and left them to fend for themselves against broken clean-up contracts and price gouging to haul off storm debris. However, we also learned Floridians are strongest when we work together and help our neighbors. We must do that once again, to safeguard our seniors and dispose of Irma’s wreckage.

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

Last week: Hurricane Irma has taught me some critical lessons about “fake weather” reports. From TV to social media, we were given probable landfall projections that had most of the east coast terrified that we were going to be hit directly by a Category 5 storm. We evacuated as told and feared for the worst. Thank God we dodged another bullet. What concerns me is that many people say they won’t listen next time because this is what happened with Hurricane Matthew last year. We need to make sure that storm reporting is not sensationalized and is honest.

Peter Moore, President, Chen Moore and Associates

Last week: Upon reflection on Hurricane Irma, I’ve arrived at the conclusion that times of crisis bring out the best in people. Sure, there were reports on the news of price gouging and looters, along with the tragedy at a nursing home — but these were far outnumbered by stories about heroics and our outstanding first responders. Then there are the countless instances of amazing things, big and small, that don’t make the news. I hope that general good continues for the people of the Caribbean, and specifically Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria.

Looking ahead: Next week, I’ll be heading to New Orleans to participate in my first Board of Direction meeting for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The ASCE represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation’s oldest engineering society. ASCE stands at the forefront of a profession that plans, designs, constructs, and operates the built environment while protecting and restoring the natural environment. Best known for the Report Card on Infrastructure, made popular by Stephen Colbert and other late night hosts, ASCE’s objective tone provides perspective in Washington.

Linda B. Carter, president, Community Foundation of Broward

Last week: Lessons learned from Hurricane Irma — Strong coordination, effective collaboration and consistent communication are essential to a quicker recovery. In the aftermath of disaster, our community is strong — neighbors helped neighbors, strangers helped strangers. It is a humbling reminder of the importance of civility and community. We are better together.

Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Last week: There were many lessons to glean from Irma. However, three truly stood out for me: The importance of preparation, communications and, especially, collaboration. If only one of these was neglected, the results were not good. At MDC, our key to successfully recovering was prioritizing these three things. It allowed us get back on our feet quickly as a college community, and I’m forever grateful to our campus crisis and maintenance teams. I also continue encouraging everyone to support our friends in the Keys, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. May we all unite, setting differences aside, to support our neighbors.

Looking ahead: Registration is now open for MDC’s 8- and 12-week Fall Mini-Terms, ideal for students with busy schedules, those who want to accelerate completion or others unable to register for the traditional Fall Semester. The 12-week session starts tomorrow, the 8-week on Oct. 25. Obtaining a college credential has never been more important. It’s the only true passport to lifelong professional and personal success. And just around the corner, this October, MDC’s hosting some major events including “Demand Solutions,” convening the world’s most creative minds to address issues in Latin America and our Miami Film Festival’s “GEMS” at our Tower Theater.

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

Last week: Puerto Rico is a place I travel a few times a year for work and for pleasure. It is a beautiful place filled with 3.5 million loving and hard working Americans who are suffering and struggling to survive. Many folks here on the mainland are struggling to get critical supplies and resources there. Florida once again is closest point to mobilize an effective response. I hope all the parties involved can determine impactful ways to respond quickly and alleviate suffering so that necessary long-term rebuilding can begin.

Looking ahead: This week I had the privilege of representing Broward County as part of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber’s Washington Summit. We had 75 business, government, and education leaders on site meet with members of the U.S. House and Senate to discuss issues of significance to the business community. We are fortunate to have a strong and united delegation in D.C. focused on our hurricane recovery, expansion of Port Everglades, a new federal courthouse and climate resiliency and preparation.

J. David Armstrong Jr., president, Broward College

Last week: Education and business partnership success in South Florida is becoming a model now in China. Last week I was honored to present on “Fostering Relationships Between Education & Economy” at the Global Partnership Week hosted by our BC partner, Shanghai Polytechnic University. More than 80 colleges and universities from 31 countries shared and presented best practices on aligning education to industry, something we and our partners in South Florida do very well. Together with Superintendent Robert Runcie’s leadership, we have created pathways for students from the first day of school through to placement in a high-demand job. As economies become globalized, we continue to form international partnerships and provide students world-class opportunities for education and careers.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group

Last week: After mounting pressure and pleas from Puerto Rican leaders, the president lifted the Jones Act; an archaic law that allows only American made and operated vessels to do business between local ports. The law often hinders relief and recovery efforts because of its exclusion and bias. The fact that the policy was immediately lifted for Hurricane Harvey and Irma relief for Florida and Texas coasts will not go unnoticed by the 3.4 million U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico who continue to suffer from the lack of food and water more than a week after Hurricane Maria decimated the island.

Looking ahead: An inspiring example of putting people before profits was the humanitarian mission made by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines this week. The company cancelled a planned cruise and instead sent donated supplies and brought evacuees from both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to South Florida. Many U.S. corporations, particularly those headquartered in Florida, should take cues from Royal Caribbean’s act of service and corporate selflessness. Now is the time to step up to do more for others.

Sandra Bernard-Bastien, chief communications officer, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

Last week: Thankfully we were spared the full wrath of recent hurricanes and the resulting devastation that other countries experienced. We did experience, however, a small taste of the kinds of hardship that devastation brings. That experience gave us the opportunity to empathize with people in those countries, where there was mass destruction of buildings. Poor, or non-existent, building code policy was a major factor in that destruction. Thanks to the strict building codes in Florida after Hurricane Andrew, there was less damage to buildings from recent hurricanes. We must not allow the powers that be to relax those codes.

Looking ahead:The horrors of the Hollywood nursing home have been well documented and getting the full attention of the media and regulators. But if you ask community activists who went door to door in our challenged neighborhoods after the storm, they’d tell you that too many of our elderly and disabled are locked-in, unable to leave their homes in a crisis, are often alone and feel forgotten. Kudos to Marie Huntley, aka Ms. Peaches, and Rep. Shevrin Jones who organized the door-to-door visits and provided much needed assistance in their respective neighborhoods.

Lauren Book, Florida Senate member

Last week: Our nation is unique in many respects, but none more so than how we cherish our freedom to speak our minds. We stand and we fight to protect speech — even speech we find offensive. I for one would not choose to express my dissatisfaction by kneeling or sitting during a prayer or a pledge or a song to honor our nation. That is not how I would choose to express my outrage. But I will show my respect for those who have the courage to quietly and peacefully protest as they see fit. That is what truly makes America great.

Daniel Cane, president and CEO, Modernizing Medicine

Last week: The exposure of Boca Raton and our thriving business climate continues to expand with two recent transportation cues. First, the long-awaited I-95 exit onto Spanish River Boulevard opened across from the entrance to the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, home to Modernizing Medicine’s headquarters. This enhanced access has pros and cons, but it indicates Boca Raton and Florida Atlantic University’s growth, and I hope it will bring more attention to the Research Park and its innovative companies. Second, the city is closer to being officially on the international map as the new customs facility at Boca Raton Airport is underway.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County

Looking ahead: People. That is the fundamental pivotal factor when it comes to civic change. People. And yes we have disparities, similarities, uniquenesses, foibles, idiosyncrasies, distinct belief systems, biases and judgments, but it’s the willingness and openness to truly listen to each other and to others points of view and perceptions that brings true long-lasting civil cohesion. People. We are beautiful, we are flawed, we fail and we triumph. Let’s listen to each other and work together. People

Charles Caulkins, managing partner, Fisher & Phillips

Last week: This week the community officially mourned the loss of one of our giants, Terry Stiles. He certainly fostered a very successful business creating a multitude of good jobs. More than that, Terry was devoted to bettering many communities across the Southeast with his dogged determination and commitment in an unlimited number of activities over the years. His humility and dedication are truly inspirations to all of us to work together to do more for the good of the whole.

Dan Daley, Vice Mayor, Coral Springs; president, Broward League of Cities

Looking ahead: As more people look for news on their smartphones, tablets or computers, many residents are turning to their city’s social media accounts for the most updated information about their community. During Hurricane Irma, up-to-the-minute information about storm preparedness, local conditions, and now debris removal proved vital for planning and safety during the storm and recovery. Cities and elected officials should be commended for their use of social media to keep residents informed and safe. Social media affords cities an opportunity to engage with residents daily. We must continue to utilize and expand the use of this vital communication method.

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

Looking ahead: As Hurricane Irma hit South Florida, communities were warned and encouraged to prepare their properties and stock-up on supplies. Broward Regional Health Planning Council staff were reminded of our Emergency Preparedness Plan. A reverse telephone tree call-system is in place where staff contact their directors immediately after the storm letting them know they are safe. Each year we strive to improve the strategies of our Emergency Preparedness Plan for future natural disasters. Next year we will incorporate changes to our Emergency Preparedness Hotline, allowing staff to leave a message regarding their status in the event their supervisors cannot be reached.

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

Last week: Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem has certainly mushroomed into a contentious controversy affecting many elements of our population. But shouldn’t there be a focus on solving problems rather than exchanging angry tweets and quotes? What if these protesting players transformed into brave social-justice warriors who made contributions from their multi-million dollar salaries to fund programs that address lethal violence in inner-city communities like Baltimore and Chicago? Why not create projects that provide better educational opportunities for ethnically diverse regions. How about focusing on strengthening families so children have the advantage of two dedicated parents? That would be progress.

Looking ahead: It was literally an alphabetical “crash” course in hurricane survival. Harvey primarily in Texas. Irma focused on the Caribbean and Florida, Jose off the New England coast. Katia in Mexico. Lee fortunately lost at sea. And Maria back in Puerto Rico. Aerial photographs of the Keys emphasize the need for stronger building codes. Tall, fragile trees used to camouflage above-ground utility lines dramatically increase power outages. Critically endangered populations like assisted-living centers must update evacuation protocols. But the greatest message is the inestimable value of human and pet life encouraging everyone, as able, to share food, water, and shelter generously.

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

Last week: Last week I hosted local business and community leaders with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce for a Washington summit. We covered many topics important to South Floridians, including federal boating regulations, trade and border issues, Port Everglades expansion, and climate change resiliency plans. We also had the opportunity to hear from many members of Congress, and I’m grateful to both Florida senators and many members of the Florida delegation, both Democrats and Republicans, for sharing their thoughts. This bipartisan summit reminded us of the importance of working together to achieve real solutions to our nation’s most difficult problems.

Looking ahead: Puerto Rico is suffering from a dire humanitarian crisis. We need to do everything we can to help get people out of harm’s way, deliver supplies, and fast-track the recovery effort. I wrote to Attorney General Sessions, urging him to prevent price gouging, because companies shouldn’t be taking advantage of this disaster. Congress must also act to help our fellow Americans, and Speaker Ryan should bring an aid bill to the floor immediately. American citizens are suffering from this devastating natural disaster. This must be our foremost priority.

Andrew Duffell, president, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

Last week: Hurricane Irma showed the worst of us: I helped break-up two people fighting over a parking spot at Lowe’s for supplies. People yelled at each other in gas lines, we even saw looting during the storm. Importantly, it also brought out the best of us: a U.S. Army vet spent countless hours touring neighborhoods looking for people who needed help preparing for the storm until he was physically spent. Immediately after the storm he gathered together his veteran buddies and led a convoy to the Keys to aid in recovery efforts. Complete selflessness in the face of adversity and truly admirable.

Looking ahead:All our lives hinge on energy — both electricity and gasoline. Shipping gasoline into Port Everglades alone is inefficient and risky. We must invest in infrastructure to diversify how we transport gasoline to the consumer, via pipeline for example. We must continue work with FP&L and other utilities, continuing to harden the electricity grid, preventing as much outage as possible and ensuring business as usual can resume as soon as the storm passes and trees are cleared. Irma reminded us Florida’s economy is agriculture and tourism-centric and both took a big hit from Irma. We need to recover strong and quickly.

Gary Farmer, member, Florida Senate

Last week: With each passing day, our community learns more about the negligence that led to the premature deaths of 12 of our county residents after Hurricane Irma. Last week we learned that Gov. Rick Scott provided hundreds of nursing home owners with his personal cellphone number — seemingly in the name of providing a more streamlined access to state resources. Now, news sources report that his office deleted voicemails left by these nursing homes, including some left by the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills. This troubling act suggests that it is time to initiate legislative hearings, under oath, to find the answers the public deserves.

Looking ahead: On Tuesday, the Florida Senate got a little less lonely for myself and other Democrats, with the election of now State Sen. Annette Taddeo. In the aftermath of President Trump’s election, it is imperative that we unite as a nation to oppose the hateful and regressive rhetoric that has clawed its way into today’s political discourse. The efforts which led to Senator Taddeo’s victory are proof that when citizens like you and me get out and volunteer on behalf of a good cause or candidate, we can make a difference.

Howard Finkelstein, chief public defender, Broward County

Last week:The only statue in Broward’s criminal courthouse honors its namesake. Well after the Civil War ended, former governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward believed in two nations, one for blacks and one for whites. While shocking today, it’s not far from the truth. We have created separate justice systems — one for the poor and mostly minority and one for the wealthy. Police arrest people for walking, biking and driving while black, and judges sentence blacks more harshly than whites. We must end the inequality in our criminal justice system. We can begin by removing the separatist’s statue.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

Looking ahead: South Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Irma has been steady. Many of us have stories to tell of miserable days without air conditioning, lights, hot showers and internet access. While most of us are back to normal, imagine for a moment if those miserable days extended to six months or more. That horrific thought is a reality for our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The direct hit from Hurricane Maria devastated their infrastructure. They are in need of massive help. Efforts are springing up in local communities. Please help our fellow Americans in their time of need.

Anne M. Gannon, tax collector, Palm Beach County

Last week: The death of 12 people as a result of Irma and the lack of preparedness of the nursing home management companies. These issues surface every time we face a natural disaster. People die, governor issues order, the Legislature creates a Blue Ribbon Committee to find solutions. Lobbyists are hired and money is disbursed to campaigns and safeguarding our elderly loses. The industry whines they can’t afford appropriate generators and the Legislature compromises their safety. Same cycle, same result. The elderly lose.

Looking ahead: Irma was a landscape storm. Our communities face challenges cleaning up our neighborhoods. Estimates are it may take three to six months because of limited land fill space and limited trucks. Some companies have increased their fees and communities are challenged to find additional tax dollars to complete the clean-up. The bullet missed us and we have much to be thankful for, so patience would be a virtue during these difficult times.

Tracey Grossman, chairperson, Florida Anti-Defamation League

Last week: Jews the world over just finished observing Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement. We fasted, asked for forgiveness from others, from G-d, from ourselves, and prayed to be granted another year. There is a powerful chant that asks who will live and who will die; who will rest and who will wander, who will live in harmony and who will be harried, who will enjoy tranquility and who will suffer. In this new year, let’s work to ensure refugees can find shores to rest; children will not be bullied; and Jews and others can practice their faith in a world without hate.

Sheldon Harr, founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El

Last week: Friendliness, conviviality, selflessness, cooperation, kindness, helpfulness … these are but a few of the adjectives which I, and so many others, could use when we are able to describe neighbor helping neither during Hurricane Irma. Too often it takes a shared challenge to bring out the best, embedded deeply in our DNA. Natural tragic events apparently remind us as well of our natural instinct to extend our hands in friendship. It need not be that way, happening only when tragedy strikes. There are so very many wonderful non-profits that do so very much good throughout every day of the year. The number of “good causes” is formidable. Pick one or two and make every day a day to do a “mitzvah” — a good deed! Irma impelled us toward that goal.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Last week: The fight to end the deadly opioid epidemic gained a critical partner this week as CVS announced it will limit prescriptions of the often-abused pain drugs, while doubling its drug disposal service. CVS’s decision to put people before profits sends a powerful message to others in the industry that this deadly menace, which claimed roughly 64,000 lives last year nationwide, including more than 500 in Broward, can only be overcome through joint efforts from both public and private entities. As sheriff, I applaud CVS’s bold decision and hope others will join us in this important and life-saving endeavor.

Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser

Last week: A robust housing market is vital to South Florida’s economic success. The S&P Core-Logic Case-Schiller index, as reported by the Sun Sentinel, shows home prices have increased across South Florida by 5.1 percent in July from a year ago. Prices are increasing partly due to the scarcity of home listings. This lack of available inventory forces buyers to pay more for what they want. Although still a seller’s market, the Case-Shiller Index indicates that prices are beginning to rise at a slower rate. If this continues, the playing field may ultimately be leveled between the buyer and seller.

Looking ahead: Operation Blue Roof — the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has set up an application center at the Walmart Supercenter, 2500 W. Broward Blvd., from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Broward County residents and businesses can apply for free blue tarps to protect exposed areas of homes and buildings from the elements following Hurricane Irma. These blue tarps provide a temporary covering to help reduce further damage until repairs can be made. Property owners must sign a Right of Entry form to allow federal employees or contractors on the property to assess damage and install the temporary covering.

Keith Koenig, president, City Furniture

Last week: The Wall Street Journal had a recent article “How Florida Saved Taxpayers.” It explained that Citizens Insurance was originally started to be a “last resort” insurer, but it ballooned during prior state administrations without the financial strength to withstand a big hit as traditional property insurers fled Florida. Since 2012, with the support of Gov. Rick Scott, Citizens “bought reinsurance, built surpluses and aggressively shrank its footprint in the state.” That’s why Irma, as bad as it hurt us, will not impact Florida’s financial strength.

Frederick Lippman, interim executive vice president and chief operating officer, Nova Southeastern University.

Looking ahead: At NSU, we have learned that we must communicate with our core populations during any natural disaster. It’s important to acknowledge the details and effects of a disaster; and to help people normalize emotions that may be rapidly escaping their grasp. Finally, it is imperative to continually update organizational status messages — even if there is minimal or no change. Communicating regularly helps fend off fear and emotional paralysis. Communication should also include governmental and support communities to facilitate local and regional stability after disasters strike.

Gerry Litrento, senior executive vice president, BankUnited

Looking ahead: BankUnited employees will continue to be actively involved in relief efforts collecting goods for distribution on behalf of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at our branches and taking part in a program in which they can donate funds. As with other businesses, we did our best to be there for our employees, who deserve a shout out for their compassion and dedication to serving our customers, allowing us to be up and running even though they and their loved ones may also have been affected.

Clarence V. McKee, president, McKee Communications

Last week: Regarding the First Amendment rights of athletes refusing to stand for the national anthem, let them exercise it on their own time, not in their workplace! What if pilots, construction workers, surgeons and first responders decided to exercise their First Amendment rights and kneeled in their workplaces on their employers’ time for a particular cause? They would be fired — and rightly so! As to freedom of speech, would they say the same if a white player carried a confederate flag onto the field? If kneeling Miami Dolphins put the same commitment into playing football, they might win a few games!

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week:The war against opioid addiction cannot be swifter or strong enough, but the governor’s proposed legislation and more than $50 million in funding requests is going in the right direction. He wants to place a three-day limit on prescribed opioids, unless strict conditions are met for a seven-day supply; require all healthcare professionals who prescribe or dispense medication to participate in a statewide monitoring database; fight unlicensed pain management clinics; require continuing education courses and create federal grant funding opportunities. Unless we fight this epidemic from all fronts, the deaths will continue.

Looking ahead: We all know that Hurricane Irma was unlike any other hurricane to hit Florida. It damaged our entire state with one long path. That means many cities and counties are dealing with hurricane debris removal and will for weeks, which presents numerous challenges. For FEMA, this comes on the heels of Hurricane Harvey which adds to the situation. I encourage all residents of all cities to contact their state and federal representatives to have them push to set a uniform price for debris removal, and have FEMA’s reimbursement requirements reviewed and communicated. We are all frustrated.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Looking ahead: In the aftermath of Irma, it’s clear that we must evaluate how we prioritize relief efforts both during and immediately following a crisis. Our most vulnerable populations must be a top priority, with clear protocols in place to ensure tragedies like the one that occurred at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills never happen again. Regulatory requirements for assisted living facilities and nursing homes must be strengthened, and emergency planning must be improved. Utility companies must identify and more quickly respond to our most immobile communities. Our seniors and children can never again be left in the dark.

Mike Satz, Broward State Attorney

Looking ahead: Florida’s Legislature should embrace Gov. Rick Scott’s new call to help fight Florida’s opioid-abuse epidemic. More than 1,700 people died in South Florida last year from opioid overdoses, and the number this year is expected to rise. The governor wants the Legislature to allocate $50 million for substance abuse and recovery treatment for opioid abusers, and for increased illegal drug enforcement. Under the proposed legislation, pharmacies would be limited mostly to filling only three-day prescriptions. They also would be required to use the state’s prescription-drug database that keeps tabs on how often potential abusers try to buy drugs.

Ian S. Seitel, attorney, Ian Seitel P.A.

Last week: It’s been difficult for me to decide if Donald Trump is truly a racist. Are his vituperative tweets indicative of bigotry or merely aimed at appeasing his base? Now I contemplate his hesitancy to allow a waiver of the Jones Act which would allow international ships to provide aid to the desperate people of Puerto Rico, most of whom are people or color. I compare his lukewarm criticism of neo Nazis with the vitriol he tossed at black athletes who were exercising a non-violent constitutional right and I can only come to one conclusion. Donald Trump is a racist.

Barbara M. Sharief, mayor, Broward County

Looking ahead: After suffering from power outages for days after Hurricane Irma, we have all learned a good lesson: Keep trees trimmed away from power lines. I have directed our county attorney to research how we can assist property owners to be more responsible for maintaining their trees and where to plant new trees. By planting the “Right Tree in the Right Place,” you’re doing your part to prevent power outages. By keeping your trees pruned away from power lines, you are helping yourself and your neighbors avoid outages. Don’t try to trim vegetation growing on or near power lines. Tips: https://www.fpl.com/reliability/trees.html?cid=aliastrees

Chuck Shaw, chairman, Palm Beach County School Board

Last week: I am not even beginning to comment on the current crisis over the NFL. I am going to say the untold story is the total breakdown of our communities and the polarization of us as Americans. I have the U.S. flag I got the year (1970) I started teaching. That flag has followed me to every job I have had and remains in a local classroom. I am proud of the flag because it reminds me of what we have, what we are proud of, and what we must do to correct what we have not done. We must tell that story.

Looking ahead:The crisis in Puerto Rico will be the issue of the week. The lives of those on the island are going to change, obviously. I think the story may well be one about the people who will come to the U.S. mainland for a fresh start. The impact will be significant. Children entering school, people needing housing and jobs, health issues, and tolerance. How we respond will be our test and our story. I imagine North Korea will also occupy some of our attention ( if we have not bombed each other).

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

Looking ahead: Hurricane Irma showed area businesses it’s time to seriously up our game. Irma’s massive scope and intensity made clear that future business operations recovery — much like tomorrow’s jobs — demands constant learning. With seven offices from Jacksonville and Tampa to Miami and San Juan, our firm seemed a microcosm of the region as Irma’s uncertain path impacted Florida and the Caribbean, and Maria slammed Puerto Rico. As companies reach out to support our teams and customers in the aftermath, our region can’t be complacent. We must keep building deeper flexibility and agility into our strategy and systems on every level.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

Last week: President Trump is providing the country with a mini-seminar on freedom of speech — except that his is a lesson in hypocrisy and how to fan racial tensions. To him, white supremacists brandishing weapons and chanting racist and anti-Semitic slogans in Charlottesville, Va., are “fine people” but athletes kneeling in silent protest during the national anthem to express concern about police shootings of black men are shameful and disrespectful to our flag — and should be fired. As a candidate, Trump railed against political correctness. But now as president he only supports the right to express messages that meet his approval.

Looking ahead: Across the country, people are organizing to fight back against efforts to undermine the right to vote, especially combating the mischievous Mike Pence/Kris Kobach sham voter fraud commission launched by President Trump. Kobach, the king of voter suppression, has promoted hyper-partisan ID laws to prevent people from voting. But a grassroots backlash is organizing this weekend — not only to defend voting rights, but to spur local action to expand our right to vote. ACLU People Power events are happening across the country tonight, including here in Florida. Those who want to help save our democracy are encouraged to attend.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Last week: While Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Salman advances to some degree the lives of women — allowing them to drive starting next June, the USA is moving backward in health care equality for women. How is that possible in the greatest industrialized nation in the world? How can we deny insurance coverage for maternity and contraceptive benefits? Thankfully Trump 2/Graham-Cassidy is dead — probably not for long. Until the Republicans agree to sit down with the Democrats and fix some of the problems with Obamacare, we will continue to have women’s rights to health care on the chopping block.

Looking ahead: Slowly the negative anti-Trump effect on independent voters is growing. The win by Annette Taddeo is a victory for her strong democratic values and the hard work of her campaign but also a repudiation of Donald Trump’s ineffective, divisive presidency. The Republican primary win in Alabama’s senate race by Ray Moore is a direct slap to Trump’s candidate Luther Strange and Trump’s campaign words that set off the worldwide firestorm in professional sports concerning kneeling during the national anthem. Never before have we had a president who so blatantly distracts the media with antics designed to disguise his failing policies.

Katy Sorenson, past president, Good Government Initiative, University of Miami

Last week: While Puerto Rico suffers from apocalyptic conditions after Hurricane Maria, Donald Trump tweets about how football players shouldn’t be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of speech. But why should Puerto Rico matter? They voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton, and besides, they’re Hispanic. Foreigners practically. Trump probably wasn’t even aware that they’re citizens. Will this become Trump’s Katrina? Probably not, since nothing seems to stick to him. Meanwhile, it’s time for Florida leaders to gear up for a mass immigration from Puerto Rico. People need to find jobs and children have to go to school.

Looking ahead: Shed no tears for the passing of Hugh Hefner, the man who gave us “Playboy” magazine, exploited women as Playmates and helped usher in the sexual revolution. For Hef, the sexual revolution was never about adults interacting as equals. It was about men joining in a suave and debonair brotherhood of objectifying and debasing women — all in the name of (wink, wink) good, clean fun. Licentiousness for men does not equal liberty for women.

Michael Udine, Broward County commissioner

Last week: There is no denying that social media is an essential tool in preparing for hurricanes and the recovery that follows. During Irma, social media served as a platform to communicate with constituents and share critical updates from Broward’s Emergency Operations Center, the school board, BSO, FPL, and state and local officials. When the power goes out during a storm, cellphones and social media become a lifeline for information. Leaders in the community have a responsibility to prepare, inform, and assure residents that we are in this together — and social media has become a key element in carrying out this responsibility.

Looking ahead: I learned early in life the saying, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” That’s why I recently reached out to Amazon.com to explain why Broward County would be an ideal location for their second worldwide headquarters. We have a world class airport and seaport, low tax rate, and amenities. Whether or not this opportunity works out we must continue to competitively position our area to attract businesses like this moving forward. That means focusing on building our affordable housing market, investing in infrastructure, supporting our growing workforce, and showcasing our unique cultural offerings to attract top businesses like Amazon to South Florida.

Robert Weinroth, council member, Boca Raton

Last week: We have truly lost our way! This week, as I watched the national news, the anchor opened with a tease about the devastation visited on Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria. So imagine my surprise when the news anchor, after introducing the story on Puerto Rico immediately pivoted, declaring, “but first this,” and went on to detail the response of the NFL players and owners to remarks made earlier in the week by President Trump relative to players declining to stand for the National Anthem. I cannot grasp how the latter story could become the lead item for the newscast.

Looking ahead: The cleanup from Hurricane Irma continues and our residents have, for the most part, returned to their normal routines. However, cleanup has been severely hampered by the contracted vendors, pre-selected to remove the piles of vegetation after a tropical storm, electing, instead to follow the money and go where they can extort the highest payment. These acts of price gouging have the two-fold result of drastically increasing costs and jeopardizing future FEMA reimbursement. These actions deserve the attention of Florida’s Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to protect taxpayers from having to foot the bill for these unethical business practices

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week: This week, Pope Francis launched “Share the Journey” campaign to bring attention to plight of migrants and refugees in the face of growing xenophobia throughout the world. There are now more people displaced from their homes than at any time since World War II — some 65 million in all. We all can do our part to encourage the government to protect migrants and welcome refugees. Despite our wealth and resources, US will admit less than 50,000 refugees this coming year. This is a scandal.

Looking ahead: Puerto Rico’s growing humanitarian crisis is keenly felt here in Florida with more than 1.2 million Puerto Rican residents. And like New Orleans after Katrina, the island will take years to recover. After Katrina, thousands from the Crescent City moved to Texas where most still reside. We should expect an exodus from Puerto Rico and an influx to Florida where relatives will take in many of their loved ones who have lost jobs and housing.