LOOKING AHEAD THIS WEEK
CHANGE, DON’T JUST PROTEST,
“Marching for change” and “just strolling” are two separate things. It is now time for our younger generations to pick up the mantle and enact the social changes they think are necessary. It’s not enough to tear down monuments without putting forth monumental change, and it is not enough to attack historical blemishes in our nation’s history without changing the makeup and complexion of those at the decision-making tables. So, who will be the ones who will pick up the mantle as our nation marches toward justice, and who will be the ones to simply continue on “the stroll”?
SPORTS CAPITAL,
On July 8, the MLS is Back tournament will start here at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Disney, featuring all 26 teams in Major League Soccer. The first game features Orlando City against the new Miami expansion team. Games will be played with no fans in attendance. However, ESPN will be covering the tournament. The NBA is also expected to resume the season around July 30 from Orlando and complete the playoffs from Disney as well. Orlando continues to be the center of the universe, as the kickoff (and tipoff!) location for the return of professional sports.
WRONG COVID-19 APPROACH,
Second wave? We aren’t through the first wave yet as numbers of infections continue to soar. I do not, and never have, advocated that we close the economy and instead do massive testing, contact tracing and surgical isolation, which has proved to work in other countries. Instead, we have a president who has done absolutely everything anathema to properly handling this pandemic. If Trump gets reelected, our democracy may not survive.
ELECTION FLEXIBILITY,
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order granting Florida’s 67 elections supervisors limited flexibility under state law just days before supervisors send their ballot designs to the printers. The order allows the processing of mail ballots earlier, addresses Election Day staffing shortages, asks officials to create protocols for keeping polling places sanitized and voters socially distanced, and encourages school districts to close schools on Aug. 18 and Nov. 3 to accommodate voters who use polling stations based in schools. After what happened recently in the Georgia elections, the governor should expand early voting to reduce Election Day lines.
Finally, a holiday weekend to look forward to. July 4th may not bring fireworks displays this year, but I am so excited about the premiere of “Hamilton” being shown on Disney+ with the original cast! What a gift to many people who didn’t have the opportunity to see its live performances in NYC or on tour. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton’s incredible journey from immigrant to founding father using rap, hip hop, R&B and Broadway melodies. Its message still resonates with all audiences and celebrates the birth of our country.
NO MORE GATOR BAIT,
University of Florida president Kent Fuchs has put an end to the school’s “Gator Bait” chant. Fuchs cited historical racist imagery for his decision. There are “bait alternatives.” Florida Gator fans could: throw marshmallows like a tourist ... wave a dead chicken a la the Jumparoo at Gatorland ... or (heaven forbid and tongue firmly in cheek) tease opponents with a toy poodle. Better yet, wait until there are nearly 100,000 fans at Florida Field for the much anticipated first football game of the season and hear what happens. The Swamp will not be silenced!
CREATIVE RENEWAL,
Lincoln Property’s decision to reposition the 110,000-square-foot office building in downtown Orlando it acquired in 2014 as a mixeduse structure with 143 residential units, a ground level occupied by Wahlburgers, a second floor dedicated to offices, and the balance designed for residential with a focus on micro-units, is what is known as creative renewal. The office building reflected what was needed when it was last renovated in 1988. However, COVID-19 has challenged and limited the future of office space. Lincoln’s decision has pivoted towards what may well be the post-COVID-19 new normal: less offices and more work from home environments.
FLORIDA FOR ALL,
The pathway to freedom and liberation needs a strong coalition. The new statewide Florida for All coalition, which Organize Florida is part of, reflects the values and standards of our communities. Black and brown lives continue to be devalued by police brutality; COVID-19 is increasing the gap between wealthy and poor; systemic racism and white supremacy plague our neighborhoods. But we achieve victory when we create a space for us to come together and feel our power. This coalition will lead us to a better world for our communities and create a better Florida for All.