100 Central Florida
Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.
TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK
COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE! Glenton Gilzean Jr., president/CEO, Central Florida Urban League: Who doesn’t love coffee? Who doesn’t love to support a small business, a local nonprofit and have a delicious cup of coffee at the same time? That was the rationale for the Central Florida Urban League and Downtown Credo when we paired up recently to launch the Coffee for Impact collaboration. Two hundred limited edition Coffee for Impact bags are on sale at all their two locations and online, while $5 from each sale will go toward our ongoing efforts to empower our community through education, empowerment and entrepreneurship. This partnership is a win for the economy, our community and coffee lovers!
PLUS ONE, Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way: The U.S. Census results are in, and Florida will gain another seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as a result of more people having moved into the state. While there continues to be an influx of residents, the U.S. population only grew by 7.4% over the past decade, said to be the smallest increase since the 1930s. Childcare, education, labor, housing and lack of support for working families all play a part in the financial stability of U.S. residents. With the additional seat in Congress, let’s hope our representatives can garner the support families in our state — and country — need.
LET KIDS PLAY, David Kay, rabbi, Congregation Ohev Shalom: I learned the definition of a “good law” as one addressing an actual issue or problem in a society. The bill headed for the governor’s desk requiring transgender student athletes to participate only according to their biological sex at birth desk — originally thought to be dead but resurrected at the 11th hour — certainly does not meet that definition. The bill’s sponsor, who had originally expressed second thoughts, instead doubled down, saying that we “shouldn’t wait until it’s a problem.” That is terrifying logic for something that has precisely no evidence of being a problem — or of ever becoming one.
THE SPEAKER IS IN THE HOUSE, Ric Keller, lawyer, former member of Congress: John Boehner’s new memoir “On the House” hit No. 1 on the New York Times’ best-seller list — and deservedly so. I first met Boehner 10 years before he was elected speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. At the time, Boehner was the chairman of the House Education Committee and I was a freshman assigned to his committee. The Merlot-drinking, cigarette-smoking chairman impressed me as a straight-talking, likable guy. Because of my focus on Pell Grants, Boehner nicknamed me “Mr. Peller” and made me chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee. If you like “House of Cards,” you’ll love this book!
FOR THE KIDS, A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College: Leesburg just broke ground on a new 10,000-square-foot Teen Enrichment Center. The $2.75 million project is a collaborative effort between the city of Leesburg, Lake County and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. While nearly 13% of children nationwide live below the poverty line, it’s nearly double in Leesburg (25%). This new center will provide various opportunities for children to learn, grow and build the basic skills for leading a successful life. When communities and organizations band together to help others, we all win.
SPACEX-PLORATION, Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida: The world watched the second successful human launch of SpaceX as four astronauts blasted off to the International Space Station. I watched in the early-morning hours while walking my new puppy. Because it was still dark, I was able to see the first-stage separation, and not knowing quite what I was seeing, I ran inside the house to check the live coverage to make sure the white plumes of light were normal. It was an incredibly spectacular event to witness against the night sky. I am always astounded and thrilled to walk outside my home and witness the genius of space technology.
CONSTITUTIONAL CLIFF, Gloria Pickar, president, League of Women Voters of Orange County: Our elected officials need a course in U.S. and Florida constitutional law. Florida legislators are running roughshod over free speech, voting rights, civil rights and the right to assemble and protest. One bill threatens to fine a private company $250,000 a day for terminating a politician’s social media accounts; this treads on the First Amendment right to editorial discretion. Limits on ballot boxes and vote-by-mail equals voter suppression. Discriminatory legislation bans transgender student-athletes. And a new law threatens as few as three people who assemble and protest. At minimum, legislators should follow the law to make law.
SMALL BURGERS, BIG PLACE, Jen Vargas, producer/host, FilmSlam: Are you ready, Central Florida? The World’s Largest White Castle opens in Orlando (Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Parkway) on Monday at 8 a.m. Large crowds are anticipated, of course, so please be patient with traffic and all team members. As a heads-up to all, mobile app and online ordering will not be available (for now) due to increased demand. There will be separate traffic lines for those wishing to dine in or drive through, so be sure you’re in the right one. Welcome to Orlando and happy 100th birthday, White Castle!