LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate. On Sept. 20, the Florida Legislature will meet again for its first of six committee weeks in advance of the 2022 session, which will convene on Jan. 11, 2022. Committee meetings also take place during the weeks of Oct. 11 and 18 and Nov. 1, 15 and 29. We have already heard rumblings about a Texas-style abortion ban to be proposed. Look for other key issues, including redistricting, possible legislation related to condos and new inspection and building codes in light of the Surfside tragedy this summer, as well as continued debate relating to vaccines and school mask mandates.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. Unfortunately — and dangerously — some self-appointed medical advisors are still recommending ivermectin for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. It’s not been demonstrated to be at all effective against the virus and for good reason. It was developed to treat heartworm and certain internal and external parasites in animals. There are formulations for human use only for elimination of intestinal parasitic worms and topical creams for the elimination of head lice and conditions like rosacea. Be aware: there are multiple reports of patients requiring medical attention, including hospitalization, for using this medication made for livestock. This is another reason to seek professional advice.

Marlon A. Hill, of counsel, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L. The fall season welcomes more large special events around South Florida. This should immediately click our alarm for more personal actions to stem the spread of COVID-19 as a more aware community. The local Caribbean-American community will celebrate its annual signature festival, Miami Carnival, at the Miami-Dade fairgrounds on Columbus Day weekend in October under a number of COVID measures. All attendees will be required to show proof of a negative PCR tests to enter, wear a mask, receive a temperature check and sanitizers. It will be a pilot to watch on how to produce a festival and enforce safety measures under these conditions.

Jason Hughes, executive director, ArtServe. Fort Lauderdale will soon be sailing in spirit with the U.S. Navy, which christened its newest ship as the “USS Fort Lauderdale” on Aug. 21, 2021. The new amphibious transport will be commissioned during Summer 2022 at Port Everglades. With its motto, “Together We Fight,” the ship’s symbolic shield alludes to the city’s longstanding relationship with the Navy by depicting three palms representing the original three forts that once stood as “Fort Lauderdale.” The first was at the fork of the New River, the second was near Tarpon Bend on the New River, and the third was by Bahia Mar Marina.

Tom Shea, chairman & founder, Right Management. With the rollout of the COVID19 vaccine earlier this year, businesses were building momentum and constructing plans to return to the office, but the delta variant has caused a pause. A recent GoodHire survey indicates that more workers prefer working remotely than not, and when faced with the decision to take a pay cut to continue full-time remote work, 60% of respondents have said they would take a cut. Meanwhile, the majority of employers plan to require their employees to return to office full-time when the pandemic ends. Those employers may be surprised at the number of resignations they get.

Kelly Skidmore, member, Florida House of Representatives. The 2022 state and federal redistricting begins this month. Redistricting determines the identity and political priorities of districts for the next decade and beyond. Redistricting affects whether or not our diverse communities are represented or even have a seat at the table. Critical to this process is the public’s input. A fair and legal redistricting process is open and transparent, allowing communities to ask questions and give input. Contact the Senate president and Speaker of the House to find out where public meetings are being held, how public testimony is to be collected, and ask for a statewide tour.

Quinn Smith, managing partner, GST LLP. El Salvador has now made Bitcoin legal tender and announced that it owns 400 coins. Some are calling this an “experiment,” but we should all be watching to see how this impacts El Salvador as well as other countries in the region with large flows of remittances. The continued adoption of Bitcoin could further cement the industry as a long-term player in the region’s economy, with investors who are ready to change government policy.

Matt Willhite, member, Florida House of Representatives. The lack of affordable housing has placed a tremendous burden on working families across Florida. And, until recently, the Florida Realtors had been looking to propose a constitutional amendment to constrain the Legislature from raiding the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund. However, this week, the Florida Realtors abandoned their campaign and are instead looking to work with legislative leaders to find a solution. Unfortunately, however, the Legislature has been raiding the Sadowski trust fund for years. Additionally, many in leadership opposed the Realtors’ ballot initiative, so it is unclear what kind of legislative solution we can expect.