LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Anthony J. Abbate, architect. In the weeks ahead, the city of Fort Lauderdale will consider a controversial proposal to convert public property (the former city hall site) for private entertainment use instead of a park. Concerns from local residents surrounding the property about alcohol sales, noise and other negative impacts of indoor entertainment seem to be falling on deaf ears, just as Miami Beach is considering expanding their regulation of such venues. Far-reaching issues are at stake: suspension of First Amendment rights and public access to public property, and terms extending 150 years, circumventing the 50-year limit in the city charter.

Sarah Emmons, regional director, Anti-Defamation League Florida. As the Jewish community prepares for the High Holidays, we face myriad continued challenges including a continuation of antisemitic incidents and vitriol from multiple sectors of society, a resurgence of COVID-19, and a domination of extremism in the headlines. The High Holidays offer an opportunity for introspection. So — while we continue to socially distance ourselves, did we find new ways to connect? Did we denounce antisemitism, no matter where it emanated from? Did we stand as allies with others who experienced bigotry? We all can — and must — avail ourselves of every chance to work together to create a hate-free world.

Lamar Fisher, member, Broward County Commission. The 2021 king tides are anticipated to start next week, Sept. 9 through Sept. 11, with the following anticipated dates: Oct. 5-11, Oct. 20-21, Nov. 3-9, and Dec. 2-7. Residents are advised to be vigilant during king tides by first and foremost making sure you and your family stay safe. Additionally, residents should protect their property, reevaluate their property’s readiness, and review your flood insurance policy. Broward County also encourages residents who may be interested in helping document tidal flooding to please email resilience@broward.org and share your interest to “adopt” a site to monitor and report.

Dan Gropper, dean, College of Business, Florida Atlantic University. The ongoing tragedy in Afghanistan is heartbreaking. Meanwhile, the budget “framework” moving through Congress sets up massive expansion of federal government programs, while the details of spending, taxing, borrowing, immigration and other policies not yet fully understood are buried deep inside. Expanded spending creates further inflationary pressures and gives incentives for people to seek favors from government, while increased taxes diminish incentives to actually produce goods and services. Get ready to pay more for insurance, gasoline, cars, food and other goods, and for the economy to stagnate. And get ready for government officials to blame corporations, businesses — anyone but themselves.

Roni Raab, host, Shalom South Florida on WWNN. Sept. 6, marks 51 years since what might have been the most significant and spectacular terror attack before 9/11. Terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) daringly hijacked four airplanes on the same day, and a three-week hostage crisis followed. Just a little over four decades later, the same method of operation was employed as, once again, four planes were hijacked on the same day ending with a much more devastating conclusion. I was on one of the four hijacked planes in 1970, and I realize that the world has learned very little about hatred and extremism.

Gregory Stuart, executive director, Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization. South Florida residents and city officials alike have long shared a dream of commuter rail service connecting the region’s coastal communities. With the recent announcement of station locations and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) holding initial public meetings, a Broward commuter rail is closer to reality than ever before. The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization is working with member governments and the FDOT project team to help better guide the process to ensure this plan receives optimal federal funding. We continue to work through the tough challenges that come with such an important proposal. As a community, Broward can bring progress to our transportation system.

Calibe Thompson, executive director, Island SPACE. As the United States becomes overwhelmed with its own major challenges, including devastating weather events affecting New York, New Jersey and Louisiana, the issues facing the Caribbean will become decreasingly present in the public consciousness. With Haiti devastated by a recent earthquake and tropical storm in quick succession, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines still recovering from a volcanic eruption just five months ago, those of us with a regional connection must do what we can to keep our island neighbors top of mind.

Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P.A. With 20% to 30% of renters behind on their rent in our country, Congress must take action and come up with a plan to avoid a catastrophic number of evictions. This is especially urgent with the U.S. Supreme Court invalidating the latest eviction moratorium — putting millions of renters nationwide at risk of losing their homes during a coronavirus uptick. Thus far, Congress has been unable to come up with a plan to deal with the millions of people facing potential homelessness. It’s time to put aside politics and work together to prevent a potentially unprecedented wave of evictions.