LOOKING AHEAD THIS WEEK
SPACE FORCE,
Central Florida has led the nation and world in space exploration from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. Florida also has a legacy of military veterans who make their home here, not to mention the many Army, naval and air bases that are spread around the state. Now, Gov. Ron DeSantis is making a bid for the United States Space Force to make its headquarters in the third-largest state in the country. Florida is easy to spot from space. And, in Orange County, we already have the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disney. The Space Force headquarters is a natural fit!
THEATERS GO DARK,
Due to the threat of COVID-19 and safety concerns with large gatherings, Broadway shows in New York have officially been canceled through the end of 2020. As an avid arts lover, I’m particularly saddened to know that theaters will remain dark till 2021. I worry that this announcement may also impact the Dr. Phillips Broadway schedule this fall. Our local arts groups are already suffering from the loss of concerts, performances and theater. I will just have to check out and contribute to local arts organizations like CFCArts to get my fix.
SET A BETTER EXAMPLE,
Whether we recognize it or not, our children are watching us and they’re learning some scary lessons. We expect students to value science as they watch politicians deny medical facts. We expect kids to tell the truth, when all around them leaders tell and stand by the most outrageous lies. We expect children to be kind, but everywhere they look adults are caught raging in endless cellphone videos. We want teenagers to problem solve, but they see adults they love standing in polarized opposition unwilling to find common ground. Let’s hope our children see us and do better.
STORMS’ LOW-INCOME IMPACT,
Hurricane season will be far more active and threatening than usual this year. COVID-19 cases are rising while our governor plays politics and blames migrant workers for his lack of leadership. Amid these challenges, we are in the midst of a revolution to stop police brutality and end systemic racism against the Black community. DeSantis continues to ignore communities of color and low-income households. Community hubs provide crucial supplies and support for preparing our vulnerable communities, which are often last to receive poststorm assistance and funding. The Disaster Resiliency Initiative (DRI) hubs help fill the equity gap.
SEA TURTLE HATCHLINGS,
Sea turtles are living dinosaurs; they’ve been doing their thing for millions of years. Among the sea turtles who call Central Florida’s coast home, many are completing another cycle in their long lives and returning to the area where they hatched to breed and lay nests along our beaches. This cycle is undeterred by pandemics and protests. Sea turtles unite us: thousands of citizens from around the state volunteer many hours each week to identify turtle tests, monitor their status, and ensure hatchlings’ safe entry into our beautiful coastal waters. There are many Floridians who cooperate in this incredible phenomenon.
CENSUS TIME,
The 2020 Census is still underway, coronavirus or not. In August, you may begin to see enumerators knocking on doors and safely visiting residents who have not yet responded to the 2020 Census. Between then and the end of October, census takers will be doing their best to ensure everyone is counted. Federal funding for so many needed areas; family services, healthcare, public safety, education, employment will help shape the future of our communities. An accurate count of our population is crucial, especially now. Take 10 minutes out of your day and make sure your household is counted!
PHILANTHROPY PRIORITIES,
When the pandemic hit, foundations and philanthropists set aside normal rules and swung into action — giving more faster. Then George Floyd was murdered and the world took to the streets to protest racism and police brutality. Again, philanthropy was challenged to shift. Not just in its giving, but in addressing institutional racism in philanthropy. There can be no more “lip service” and falling back into “business as usual.” Bringing about lasting change will require more than talking. It requires more listening, meaningful action, and taking a closer look at where the money is going.
WATCH THE BLACK VOTE,
If President Trump wants to come out on top in Florida in November in what will likely again be a razor-thin election, he should look no further than Ron DeSantis’ win in 2018. Trump received 8% of the Black vote in 2016. According to CNN exit polls, Gov. DeSantis received 14% of the African American vote — most notably, 18% of African American women. Why? DeSantis’s advocacy of school choice. The Democrats generally oppose school choice as a nod to teachers’ unions. If the president pulls similar numbers from the Black community, this could spell doom for Joe Biden.