TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Michael DeLucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc. Drug overdose deaths increased by70% in Central Florida compared to last year and are continuing toward a deadly trend projected through

2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to a newly released analysis,

COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented mental health collapse in Central Florida, in Florida as a whole and nationally across the country. The study, from Florida Department of Health data and information fromthe state’s two dozen medical examiners, shows Floridians ages 25-44 accounted for more than half of the overdose deaths, despite representing only a quarter of the overall population. Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission. Broward County has conducted a study that detects COVID-19 samples in raw waste water in Broward County. The study measures COVID-19 in waste water as a proxy to measuring the community spread of the virus. This allows us to determine what neighborhoods and cities COVID-19 is concentrated in and take appropriate actions. The study does showan alarming increase of400% since the sample began in August. This data is obviously concerning on the surface, but it provides invaluable information that will help us prepare our response andmake better decisions within vulnerable communities.

Sarah Leonardi, member, Broward County School Board. Thisweek brought the exciting announcement that Broward technical colleges are No. 1 in the state of Florida for industry certifications earned. Our students at Sheridan Technical College, Mc Fatter Technical College and Atlantic Technical College earned 595 credentials this year (during a global pandemic). These schools not only prepare students for essential jobs that have a high workforce demand, but they equip students with the skills, knowledge and certifications necessary to do those jobs successfully. Business and community leaders often mention the need for our public schools to properly prepare and train students for the workforce, and I’m thankful that our technical colleges are getting recognition for fulfilling that important task.

Alex Price, national director of community involvement, Office Depot. On Wednesday, I joined leaders from South Florida-based companies on the panel “How COVID-19 Has Changed Community Engagement.” We discussed recently published data indicating nearly 60% of companies are cutting charitable budgets in this current climate. This won’t surprise Floridians, where much of our strong, involved corporate community is in particularly hard-hit sectors like hospitality and tourism. With historically successful businesses trying tomake it through 2020, tightening the belt is imperative. But for companies experiencing increased demand during this unprecedented time, I hope this success inspires increased giving. We’ll need their generosity to supplement pervasive cuts from those not able to do what they once did.

Alissa Jean Schafer, member, Broward Soil and Water Conservation District. An extra vagant “gender reveal” party on the beach made a huge mess lastweek, as partygoers shot cannons of confetti, littering the sand, and helicopters flew overhead dropping colored powder. The Miami Dade Police Department supported the event and put out a statement saying theywere happy to share the day with one of their officers, the host of the party. Littering is illegal; it’s in our Florida statutes as the “Florida Litter Law.” Gender reveal or not, police officer or not, people who blatantly disrespect our laws, public space and environment by littering should be held accountable.

Ann Marie Sorrell, founder and CEO, Mosaic Group. Cannabis has an opportunity to become a great economic equalizer and the U.S. House of Representatives took a major step in the right direction with their vote in favor on the Marijuana Opportunity Re investment and Expungement Act( MORE Act ), which decriminalizes cannabis and clears the way to erase nonviolent federal marijuana convictions. The MORE Act also creates pathways for ownership opportunities in the emerging industry and establishes funding sources to reinvest in communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. The U.S. Senate must now act and put an end to this form of systemic racism and restore justice to Black and brown communities thatwere harmed.

Gregory Tony, Broward Sheriff. As online shopping increases in popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Broward Sheriff’s Office is creating new ways to keep holiday packages safe from thieves. Recently, BSO’s Cooper City and Parkland districts launched Operation Front Porch. This exciting new service ensures residents’ packages will be secure by shipping them directly to their local BSO district office. This innovative program allows residents to shop online without worry and is one of the many ways BSO is safeguarding our communities this holiday season. For more information, visitwww.sheriff.org.

Gordon Weekes, public defender, 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County. K-9 apprehension dogs should never be used as weapons. The Washington Post recently revealed a nationwide problem with police using apprehension dogs. Unlike contraband sniffing dogs, apprehension K-9s detain people by attacking and biting them. The dogs track and locate suspects, without necessarily discerning between innocence or guilt. On command, a K-9 will attack and cause significant injury and terrible pain. AK-9 in the wrong hands can injure as badly as a handgun. Given the minimal oversight, some officers have abused their power and weaponized their K-9s. Like all police brutality, the misuse of K-9 dogs must end.