100 Central Florida
Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.
TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK
HOUSING-POLICY REINVENTION, Martha Are, CEO, Central Florida Commission on Homelessness: Let’s do the math: The worst affordable-housing shortage in the nation + the lowest median wage in the nation + biblical flooding from Hurricane Ian that left hundreds — possibly thousands — of homes and apartments unlivable. If we were in a housing crisis before, we’re now in a catastrophe. It won’t be nearly enough to revamp property insurance regulations or encourage developers to build apartment communities with small set-asides for the formerly homeless or low-income workforce families. We need to thoroughly reinvent our housing policy — now — to make it work for the people who make up the backbone of our economy.
UKRAINE BENEFIT, Dick Batchelor, president, Dick Batchelor Management Group: The National Ballet of Ukraine was a charity event that brought the Central Florida community together. The funds raised went to three beneficiary organizations: Razom for Ukraine, UNICEF and the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress which provided immediate humanitarian assistance and emergency medical aid to Ukrainian citizens, refugees, and veterans. The Orlando funds are being deployed in real time on the ground. Just recently, a shipment of medical supplies arrived in the Kharkiv region in the newly liberated cities in Eastern Ukraine. Way to go, Orlando!
THANK YOU, UTILITY WORKERS,
Clint Bullock, general manager and CEO, OUC: Post-Hurricane Ian, we’re grateful for our line technicians and water trouble technicians, and hundreds of OUC employees who worked behind the scenes to restore power and safe drinking water as quickly and safely as possible. These unsung heroes assessed damage, trimmed trees, repaired water mains and restored power when faced with a myriad of obstacles from nearly impassable flooded areas to a maze of downed poles and miles of wire. We also thank those who came from out of state to assist, and organizations like Heart of Florida United Way who continue to provide support.
SPACE PIONEER, Glenton Gilzean Jr., president/CEO, Central Florida Urban League:
I am proud to see the accomplishments of Col. Nicole Aunapu Mann, who will become the first Native American woman in space. Mann has served her country as a Marine and will be leading by example once again as she continues her service with NASA and SpaceX. Her bravery cannot be overstated. I believe that her story can inspire many others and her testimony showcases how structural impediments can be broken down if we are willing to work together. Her success is a culmination of her hard work alongside a community that supports her and an organization that values diversity.
OVERDEVELOPED IN THE EAST,
Jane Healy, former editorial page editor and managing editor, Orlando Sentinel: Unfortunately, there is little Seminole County commissioners can do to stop a proposed 300-home development in the county’s eastside rural area. The Pulte development meets the zoning requirements. The area is teeming with imperiled species and includes the treasured Econlockhatchee River. But there is one big thing that Hurricane Ian has taught us — there is way too much development on the east side of both Seminole and Orange counties. They had the most flooding. So one thing Seminole can do is reject Pulte’s request for its own water plant rather than wells. Nothing spells urban overdevelopment more than water lines that would give the next developer a justification to flood that area with homes.
IAN’S LEGACY, Viviana Janer, vice chairwoman, Osceola County Commission: Floridians are once again suffering from the effects of a devastating hurricane. For many Osceola County residents who survived the fury of Ian’s winds, it has been a reaction to floodwaters stoked by more than a foot of rainfall. For some the flooding came quickly, while for others it has been a torturous, slow-motion ordeal watching water creep closer and closer. Even as the water recedes, I’m proud of the way the Osceola County team immediately leapt into action and began working with local, state and federal partners to help people. Start the process at Disasterassistance.gov but know resources are now on the ground, too.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, Anna McPherson, past president, Junior League of Greater Orlando: The massive flooding in the Delaney Park section of town is a wake-up call to the residents in one of the oldest parts of the city. Rising waters caught all of us by surprise. There’s nothing like watching your neighbors load suitcases on a skiff to leave their house because there is no other way out. Old city of Orlando maps indicating underground waterways connecting lakes Cherokee, Davis, Lancaster and a number of others now has residents wondering — how does all of the stormwater work? How are the lakes connected? Delaney Park is just a microcosm in the water system. In the coming weeks, months and years ahead a focus on our stormwater management will be of great interest to all Central Floridian residents.
YOM KIPPUR, Nicole Wilson, Orange County commissioner, District 1: Jews everywhere observed Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year. It is a day of reflection, service, and betterment. I hope everyone had a meaningful fast!