TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK
SPOTLIGHTING HOMELESS CRISIS, Mary Lee Downey, CEO, Hope Partnership: Back in 2018, I began talking with a writer named Andrew Ross about our work with people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Osceola County and our dreams for affordable housing for our tourism workforce. Apparently, Andrew talked to a lot of us, and he’s turned those conversations (along with a lot of research) into “Sunbelt Blues,” a book about the housing crisis in Central Florida. Whether you agree with his assertions or not, I hope you’ll take the time to see what he has to say about how we can provide everyone with a safe place to
call home.
PULSE FIRE, Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way: The fire set to the Pulse Memorial caused a visceral reaction in many of us. Five years ago when the tragedy occurred, Heart of Florida United Way was tasked by our elected leaders to convene community partners from across the tri-county area to collectively support Pulse survivors, family members and friends. It became our top priority to establish the Orlando United Assistance Center, where we provided necessary health and human services and mental health counseling. We saw enough suffering among those who endured the tragedy and the loss of loved ones. Now this? It’s senseless.
FIRST SKYDIVE, Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard, Kissimmee economic development director: I had the pleasure of spending time with the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights in my first (and only) skydiving experience. I felt totally safe during my tandem jump because this elite team is the best of the best. Although this is an incredible Army community outreach activity, so close to Veterans Day, the experience for me was more of a reset in gratitude, to all the men and women who serve our country to protect our freedoms. Thank you to all our service members and their families … and Go Army!
SPENDING PRIORITIES, Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida:
Congress passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that includes $19 billion for Florida which will also require between 20-50% match of local funding. Over the years, many projects were proposed, and the instinct is to rush and dust off those old plans and use the money for that. However, politicians should research what Floridians really need today. Some regions like Central Florida have been expanding at a fast rate. Many new families are moving in daily, which increases pressure on local roads. What Florida lacks is a robust transit system designed to handle transportation needs in 2030 and beyond, not 2000.
HELP FOR NONPROFITS, Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising executive: The City of Orlando 2021-2022 Community Investment Program gifted $2,411,190 to area nonprofits. Dozens of charity recipients were on hand at the recent Orlando City Council meeting to hear the mayor and commissioners vote unanimously in favor of supporting the local organization. Not every city in the country does this. Orlando is unique in the number and amount they give to nonprofits. Kudos to Julie Tindall and Marcia Hope Goodwin for coordinating the massive grant system.
BELIEVE, Craig Ustler, owner/president, Ustler Development Inc.: Doubters doubt. Believers believe. Doubters criticize, complain and tell us why things cannot be done. They accomplish nothing and revel in the potential failure of others. Believers press on. They don’t quit. They persevere and endure, always focused on their heartfelt mission. Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is an audacious and stunning achievement. Chuck Steinmetz is a true believer. Doubters be damned.
VIDEO CROSSES THE LINE, Carol Wick, CEO, Sharity: There is no disagreement that violence against women is not only epidemic, it is on the rise globally. But are we really doing anything to stop it? Are we calling out those who encourage or perpetuate the violence? Recently, Rep. Paul Gosar tweeted out an anime video of him killing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This isn’t about politics. It’s about what line we are now willing to let people cross under that excuse. Encouraging violence against women is something we all should be condemning and loudly. Sadly, all I’m hearing from our delegation is crickets.
TOURIST TAX DIVERSITY, Nicole Wilson, Orange County commissioner, District 1: I am hopeful that Rep. Anna Eskamani’s new bill, HB 6075, will begin moving through the legislative process. This bill removes some restrictions for usage of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) dollars. Currently, TDT money is strictly to be spent on advertising for things like stadiums, amusement parks, aquariums and beaches. However, in order to make all of those experiences worthwhile, the people operating these attractions must have safe transportation and affordable shelter. I am hopeful that we can remove state government overreach and allow local governments to use their revenue as they see fit.