LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK
PROTECTING SENIORS, Glenton Gilzean Jr., president/CEO, Central Florida Urban League: As each day passes, our community and state are getting closer to emerging from this terrible pandemic. Gov. Ron DeSantis has made it a priority to protect the most vulnerable in our community, our senior citizens, by ensuring that they are first in line to receive the vaccine. Furthermore, I would like to applaud Central Florida’s own Publix Supermarkets for partnering with the state to increase availability of the vaccine. In the coming days, the vaccine will be available at 105 locations across 12 counties, ensuring that everyone 65 and older who wants a vaccine will have access at no cost.
HONOR KING THROUGH GOOD WORKS, Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way: Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Orlando knows this. Our community laid bare its true character of caring in response to crisis such as the Pulse tragedy, hurricanes and COVID-19. In honor of MLK Day, Heart of Florida United Way is hosting a Week of Action. It’s an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and start off 2021 by making an impact through service. Both virtual and in-person, Week of Action offers opportunities throughout the week. Learn more at www.HFUW.org. So, how will you be great this year through service?
PANDEMIC DEPRESSION, A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College: In a national poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than half of Americans reported that the stress and worry over COVID-19 have had a negative impact on their mental health. Counselors in Central Florida reported that the impact here is likely worse, given the devastation that COVID has had on the tourism industry. During the first three months of the pandemic, drug overdose deaths spiked a whopping 70 percent across several counties. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed and it’s OK to reach out for help. If you need help, call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services’ (SAMHSA) national helpline at 1-800-622HELP.
DISNEY’S MOVE EAST? Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida: With the recent news that Florida lost out to Alabama for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters, there is still some possible positive spotlight on Central Florida with the news that Disney may consider relocating some of their corporate divisions from California to Florida. With hospitality and the theme parks one of the hardest-hit industries, the additional jobs and commerce this could bring to the region is encouraging. There are many perks to doing business in Florida such as weather and business climate (i.e., low or no taxes). Having more Disney corporate presence would also add to the region’s economy. Sounds like a win-win!
CITY EQUITY OFFICIAL, Cole NeSmith, executive director, Creative City Project: The City of Orlando hired Merchon Green as Orlando city government’s first equity official. According to the city’s communications, Green is tasked to “embed equity and inclusion into everything we do as a municipal government, supporting our continued work to ensure that Orlando is a place where every resident feels equally valued, equally protected and has equitable access to opportunity.” Following last summer’s protests, the city committed to exploring the deployment of mental-health counselors to relevant 911 calls. Green’s hiring seems to be another step in the effort to create a safer and more equitable community.
CDC FOLLOWS FLORIDA, Gloria Pickar, president, League of Women Voters of Orange County: The CDC, under the direction of Operation Warp Speed, recommended lowering the age to 65 for seniors next in line for vaccinations, along with all persons age 16-64 with co-morbidities, like diabetes. Gov. Ron DeSantis already went around the CDC’s initial age barrier of 75-plus to vaccinate age 65-plus seniors. For Florida, with 21% of the population age 65 or over, this may make sense. However, these new national guidelines mean 163 million vaccinations are needed right now. The demand far exceeds the supply and may add even more logistical stress to the overwhelmed distribution and administration systems. But for now, Florida is the leader.
FEDERAL RESURGENCE, Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president; World Cup Orlando 1994 Committee chairman: Trustworthy, dedicated public servants, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will restore dignity and safety to the We the People house and our country. In the U.S., governing is shared between federal, state and local governments. A lot is at stake for Central Florida. Federal matters will include a more significant organizational role in quelling the coronavirus, domestic terrorists, climate change effects, and jump-starting the economy. Federal policymaking, laws, money, and more, hopefully, will weigh in big for our Central Florida economy (technology, defense, tourism, big and small businesses), public schools, counties and municipalities, and more. Let’s support the common good.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE, Amy Mercado, property appraiser, Orange County: Help is on the way for renters in the region as Florida is set to receive $1.4 billion to help residents impacted by the pandemic. According to projections from the National Association of Counties, Orange County is expected to get $33.1 million, with an additional $8.6 million going to the City of Orlando. Stemming from Congress’ most recent stimulus package, the funds should arrive by the end of the month. Because of the concentration of theme park and service industry workers in our area, this relief could not come at a better time.