LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group.

It was a week of firsts in Miami-Dade, as Daniella Levine-Cava officially took office as the first female mayor to lead the most populous county in the state. On the same day, the Miami Dade College Board of Trustees chose the first woman to lead the college in its 61-year history, Madeline Pumariega, an alumnus with a distinguished career in education. You’ll need to watch your step in Miami; there is lots of glass on the floor!

Lois Frankel, member, U.S. House of Representatives.

New COVID-19 cases are surging across the country, including here in South Florida. Public health experts are now warning that small gatherings are becoming a large source for COVID-19 outbreaks. So, as we look ahead to Thanksgiving and other holidays, please make your plans with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind. That means skipping large family gatherings. We must remain vigilant and take actions to slow the spread of the virus, including covering your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands regularly.

Chip LaMarca, member, Florida House of Representatives.

Manatee season is here and runs Nov. 15-March 31. During this season, hundreds of manatees move to the warm waters of Broward County. The average manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs close to

1,200 pounds and manatees can reach up to

13 feet long and weigh up to 3,500 pounds! Broward County launched the “I Spy a Manatee” app to report manatee sightings and notify residents about the manatee-protection and boating-safety zones in Broward. If you see a manatee, you can use the app or email manatee@broward.org to report a sighting to help protect the manatees.

Dan Lindblade, president, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.

Racial equity and prosperity for all remains a key part of the business community’s strategic agenda. A life sentence of poverty is unacceptable for our children. Our board of directors approved a racial equity agenda for both internal and external programs. Other organizations like the Community Foundation of Broward County, the Broward County Children’s Services Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance are partnering with us, too. We must refresh our corporate boardrooms to better reflect our communities, have uncomfortable conversations and heal relationships before we can make a dent in racial equity. Now is the time.

Tim Lonergan, former mayor, Oakland Park.

Dec. 7 is quickly approaching and is the final day of Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period. Now is the time for Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in a Prescription Drug (Part D) Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan to ensure that the plan they are currently enrolled in best meets their medical, financial and other personal needs. Individuals can learn about the Medicare plans at www.medicare.gov. In Florida, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE Program provides local Medicare counselors for free. For assistance, contact the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337, or visit www.floridashine.org.

Tina Polsky, member, Florida Senate.

We finally have a leader in President-elect Biden who is requesting a nationwide mask mandate. It is up to us as citizens to care enough about each other to wear masks, if not to protect ourselves then to protect others. I can’t tell you how disappointing and scary it was to see so many maskless candidates, electeds and surrogates campaigning and interacting with others during these past many weeks. All elected officials should set the example for our constituents. We are reaching a very dangerous peak in this disease. It’s not too much to do the one small thing that will help stop the spread.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate.

Congratulations to Steve Geller, the new mayor of Broward County. On a daily basis, the county is run by County Administrator Bertha Henry, while the mayor runs official meetings and attends important events. Mayor Geller will use his mayorship to strongly influence policy with support from his colleagues, using his wealth of talent, experience and political muscle in governing. Beginning in 1988 as a state representative, then a state senator, his legal expertise and strong character will now guide us through this pandemic, help the workers in Broward County, promote the arts and film industry, and encourage big corporate businesses to come to Broward.

Ghenete “G” Wright Muir, attorney, LGBTQ advocate.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum represents all Caribbean cultures. While the museum is off to a great start, more pertinent pieces are needed. You may have items in your closet or garage that could benefit a wider audience. I donated an original copy of the Gleaner newspaper from 1962 announcing Jamaica’s independence. My late father had kept it, and when I cleared his home, I kept it – in my closet. People have donated stamp and doll collections, sports and entertainment memorabilia, religious artifacts, even items from their kitchens. Visit islandspacefl.org/donate-items.