Businesses should really welcome Amendment 2 A DIFFERENT PATH

People have been at the heart of Lakewood’s success since the beginning, when we sold fresh fruit and juices out of a small warehouse in Allapattah to hotels on Miami Beach. Now, we are the nation’s largest family-owned and operated organic juice company. We’re still following a people-centered business model.

We pay a living wage plus benefits to every employee, from our juice makers to janitorial staff. We’re proud to have multiple generations of families working here. Their dedication and loyalty help make our business what it is.

We support raising Florida’s minimum wage through Amendment 2 because all businesses should pay wages their employees can live on. Florida’s $8.56 minimum wage leaves too many people trying to live on paychecks that don’t even cover necessities.

Four years ago we implemented significant raises and saw an immediate impact on employee pride and productivity. Employee turnover dropped to near zero — sharply reducing the costs of onboarding and training. We also saved money because of a decrease in errors.

We’ve joined others in the Florida Business for a Fair Minimum Wage coalition supporting Amendment 2 because it makes good sense for workers, businesses and communities. It gives businesses time to adjust as the minimum wage increases to

$10 on Sept. 30, 2021, and then gradually to $15 in 2026. Each increase puts more money in workers’ pockets and their families will have more to spend at local businesses.

We want to come out of this pandemic stronger than when we went into it. Raising the minimum wage will help Florida do that. Like my grandfather and father before me, I’m invested in Florida’s future.

– Scott Fuhrman, owner and CEO, Lakewood Organic,

Miami

Herd immunity, really? In other words, let’s do nothing and wait for the herd to thin itself.

Well, this senior is going to wear a mask and wait for Dr. Fauci to announce a safe, effective vaccine, not an Operation Warp Speed vaccine.

I’m reminded of the sage lyrics of Jimmy Buffett’s song “Permanent Reminder of a Temporary Feeling:” “There’s no dumbass vaccine.”

– William Peters, Redland

MENTALLY FIT

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had to find creative ways to stay in touch with our loved ones. The internet and social media have become our lifelines to the outside world.

But are such media outlets wiring our brains for a mental-health decline?

Studies conducted throughout the years exhibit how healthy social interactions benefit our biology. These connections have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress — while also promoting holistic mental health.

Humans are wired for community and real connections, and our bodies yearn for eye contact, as well as verbal and nonverbal forms of attention.

Today I’m making a call to action: Let’s not ignore the global pandemic, but equally as important, let’s not forget our mental health. Strap on a face mask and social distance — but don’t socially isolate.

Miami-Dade is now in Phase 3, which means that parks, beaches and restaurants are open with restrictions. Take advantage of our new normal and engage your brain in conversation, visit a loved one and enjoy small group gatherings.

Once we’re on the other side of this pandemic, your social mind will thank you for making sure it stayed healthy, too.

– Merlyn Asencio,

– Hialeah