LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo

Show on Big 105.9. Super Bowl week is here and it’s time for South Florida to shine. Note to news people from around the globe: The game isn’t in South Beach, and neither are the majority of us that live here. Most of us go there for either the wine and food festival, to visit Joe’s Stone Crab or (God forbid), when relatives visit. Note to Ft. Lauderdale: This would be a good week to NOT have any sewer line “issues “.

But it’s not all bad, kudos to whoever lifted the alcohol ban on the beach for SB weekend. Can we make that permanent?

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate. Super Bowl LIV is fast approaching, and as the San Francisco 49ers battle the Kansas City Chiefs in Miami Gardens, federal and local law enforcement officials will be battling the scourge of sex trafficking. We know that major events often serve as hubs for sex trafficking, with Miami-Dade County ranking third in the nation for the number of cases. Cracking down on this abhorrent industry will take vigilance, and law enforcement officials will be relying on hotel workers and ride-hailing drivers for tips. If you see something suspicious, call 305-FIX-STOP.

Lamar Fisher, member, Broward County

Commission. Next week, Florida will observe Sever Weather Awareness Week and Broward County wants to remind everyone about the importance to be prepared year-round. Residents are encouraged to use this week to increase their knowledge of potential weather hazards, review their severe weather safety plans, and help make our community ready and resilient. For more information on Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week topics, visit FloridaDisaster.org. Additionally, Broward County is working with local faith-based organizations to create a unified and comprehensive recovery plan, which will include the assets of the local government, local businesses, and community/faith-based organizations.

Michael Ryan, mayor, Sunrise. We need a dedicated, equitable, and reliable funding source for the full-time School Resource Officer program. Full-time SROs are certified law enforcement officers with the dedicated training and equipment to protect schools while developing positive, long-lasting relationships with students. Because cities fund the majority of the costs, the scope of the SRO program depends on your zip code. A few cities have no schools and do not contribute; some cities take in students from other cities. Charter schools are often left out. The legislature must allow local funding control and decisions to guarantee SRO equity.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines. Bills during this year’s legislative session once again seem to be undermining home rule. One example: A House subcommittee passed a bill that would preempt short-term rental regulations. There are ways it can be amended to balance state and local control. As it stands now, it does not give cities the ability to have a local voice or make local choices about how short term rentals such as Airbnb, VRBO are zoned. Different locations require different solutions. I’m very concerned about the path this is taking.

Anthony Abbate, associate provost, Florida

Atlantic University, Broward. In the weeks ahead the deliberations concerning our transportation infrastructure, including important decisions about where to invest, are complicated by competing visions. With nearly 2 million inhabitants in Broward and over 6 million across three South Florida counties we need to leapfrog with a bold vision and a commitment of resources to expand rail and other forms of rapid transit. This will take political leadership with the stomach to take the helm and forge a path for improving mobility. This is fundamental for addressing myriad issues: providing access to housing affordability and employment centers.

Barbara Sharief, member, Broward County

Commission. Voting is your most important right that every US citizen has. Voting is a guaranteed way for your voice to be heard. Local elections (March 17, 2020) are more important to our everyday lives than national elections. If you don’t vote, your rights could be in jeopardy by your elected officials who may disagree with your points of view and beliefs. Broward County has 1.9 million residents, but only 1.18 million are registered to vote. That’s sad! There’s no excuse. It’s free and easy to get registered, do it now at https://registertovoteflorida.gov/

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union. The primary concern of our public school educators in Broward is that their students have a healthy and safe learning environment. When students get sick due to damp, moldy classrooms, teachers speak up. When overcrowded classrooms require some students to sit on the floor, teachers speak up. When water-damaged ceiling tiles fall, endangering students, teachers speak up. When hallways smell of mold and are streaked from water damage, teachers speak up. When violent students receive minimal punishment, teachers speak up. Too often they are ignored. When are school administrators going to listen? When is the district going to act?