THE TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Bryan Beyer, community relations manager, Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital: I had the pleasure to return to the classrooms of UCP of Central Florida for their annual “Book Buds” event. UCP serves children with and without disabilities across Central Florida. Their event allows members of the community to spend time with the students. I encourage everyone to attend the next Book Buds. Your one hour with the kids will change your life forever — not to mention, there is something incredibly therapeutic about creating a hand turkey with kindergarteners.

Chris Carmody, shareholder, GrayRobinson: Maryanne Morse, Seminole County clerk of court, announced she was not seeking re-election to the post she has held the past 26 years. This is the second constitutional officer from Seminole County this year to announce retirement (Sheriff Don Eslinger is the other). These community staples are well-known around the state. Both have provided stability within Seminole County during good times and bad. This time next year, both will ride off into the sunset. There are plenty looking to replace Morse, and many are names we have heard before. Forget presidential politics. Seminole County will have its own fun next November.

Earnest DeLoach, lawyer, Gunster: Saturday marked the 37th Florida Classic — the annual meeting of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s Rattlers and the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats. Known for the football rivalry, half-time show pageantry and HBCU camaraderie — it’s much more than that. The game, celebrating its 18th year in Orlando, is an important celebration of the long legacies of success and contributions of these institutions and their alums to Florida, the nation and the world. Further, it evidences the economic power of minority communities and how smart cities and public agencies can respectfully harness that financial energy for the benefit of all.

Rogue Gallart, president, Central Florida Disability Chamber: Orlando announced it would host next summer’s Copa América Centenario, so soccer fans can start getting ready to prepare for which teams they would like to see at the Citrus Bowl. One of the country’s fastest-growing soccer markets, and the “Soccer Capital of the South,” Orlando provides the tournament with a host city just a short plane ride away for many Caribbean and South American soccer fans. From the international tourism, to the significant impact for our local economy and the excitement for the love of soccer — fútbol — this announcement is another GOAL for Orlando.

Andy Gardiner, president, Florida Senate: Senate committees advanced components of our cradle-to-career pathway to economic independence for people with unique abilities as well as legislation to implement a statewide water and natural resources policy. The full Senate will consider these key legislative priorities during the first week of the 2016 legislative session, which begins on Jan. 12.

Linda Landman Gonzalez, vice president philanthropy, Orlando Magic; chairman of the board, Early Learning Coalition of Orange County: Families with very young children received an early holiday gift when the Florida Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee breathed new life into the Early Steps program. Early Steps provides diagnostic and treatment services for children under the age of 3 who have developmental disabilities and delays. Research is very clear that the earlier delays are addressed, the greater the chance for resolution.

Walt Griffin, superintendent, Seminole County Schools: Last Friday, Seminole County Public Schools’ graduate and fourth-year Tulane Medical School student Peter Gold was shot in New Orleans. Peter saw a women being dragged on the street to an SUV and intervened. The abductor turned his gun on Peter, demanded money, then shot Peter in the stomach and attempted to shoot him again, but his gun jammed. I know all of Seminole County is hoping for a complete and speedy recovery for Peter and praise him for his heroics. The event was caught on a security camera with a clear depiction of the horrific event. Peter risked his life to defend an unknown victim. Peter Gold is a hero!

Joel C. Hunter, senior pastor, Northland, A Church Distributed: Gov. Rick Scott to Congress: Florida wants no Syrian refugees. Security precautions? Yes. Shutting down our borders to people in need? No. This is a great season to discuss how Americans help those fleeing from religious persecution to get resettled in this country. We’ve even made a national holiday to celebrate it: Thanksgiving. This week’s celebration is, in part, a continuing thank you to the original Americans for helping the Pilgrims, and it’s a great tradition of mercy for us to continue.

Eric Jackson, president/CEO, Total Roof Services Corp.: The Children, Families and Seniors Subcommittee of the Florida House heard presentations on improving the foster-care system. We have a public-health crisis in Central Florida that has been overlooked for too long. There has been a tremendous influx of children entering foster care because they aren’t safe at home — we haven’t done enough to address the underlying issues that interfere with the safety of thousands of local children. As a state and a society, we must invest more resources into battling the root causes of these issues: extreme poverty, substance abuse and mental-health challenges, for starters.

Teresa Jacobs, mayor, Orange County: Orange County government announced the award of a $1.5 million contract to Homeless Services Network of Central Florida to help homeless families in our community. The funding will be used for rapid re-housing, which includes housing placement, financial support, and case management for up to 150 Orange County families in critical need. Rapid re-housing is recognized nationally as a solution for homeless families when time-limited, tailored support is needed to help them stabilize and avoid returning to homelessness.

Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard, Kissimmee economic development director: Osceola County has seen a preview of a new development on West U.S. Highway 192, to be created by the Magic Development group. This mixed-use development will yield 2,000 luxury condo resort residents and more than 250,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. The project launches in early 2016, great news for Osceola County’s touristm corridor. Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida: A conference of imams in Tampa last weekend discussed ways to prevent the radicalization of Muslim youth in America. More than 150 imams from around the country reiterated their denunciations of ISIS as a terrorist group, and condemned the terrorist attacks in Ankara, Beirut, and Paris. The imams discussed the antiMuslim backlash, and the role of some politicians and media outlets in promoting Islamophobia. Imams also met with members of the FBI to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation. The imams pledged that, “As Americans, we will not stay silent on attacks by ISIS in the name of our faith.”

Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president: The resignation of Philharmonic executive director David Schillhammer is a good time to think seriously about how the community should help local arts and cultural organizations advance to a new level. We now have a beautiful performing-arts center, but what is our long-range strategy to prosper? Pittsburgh uses a permanent half-cent sales and use tax to provide operational support to nine high-profile cultural assets. Cleveland uses a 10-year, renewable 30-cent-a-pack cigarette tax to supplement public and private arts organizations. Denver uses a one-tenth-of-a-cent sales that voters renew periodically. What should we consider?

Rick Singh, property appraiser, Orange County: Were you one of the Orange County residents who received a flyer in the mail with a photo of the downtown SunTrust building, where my office is located, compared to the height of a potential roller coaster? If so, you may still be scratching your head about Skyplex. As property appraiser, I am well aware of the balance that our community wants in terms of commercial and residential property. Some say it’s just Universal-Orlando trying to keep competition away. Others say it will be an eyesore. Orange County commissioners will vote on the issue on Dec. 1.

Diane Velazquez, commissioner, Apopka: Apopka is gearing up for next year’s local election cycle. Vice Mayor Bill Arrowsmith, in his 39th year on the City Council, announced he will be seek a 10th four-year term. Arrowsmith, who has made it no secret he disagrees with Apopka Mayor Joe Kilsheimer, said, “That the last election was people just wanting something new and fresh ideas, and they had somebody, as far I’m concerned, who over promised and under delivered.” Kilsheimer has been in office 19 months. Commissioner Sam Ruth has also filed for re-election.