TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Joseph Cox, president and CEO, Museum of Discovery and Science. Scientists around the world have worked collaboratively for months, using innovative technology to create vaccines to give us our best chance at defeating COVID-19. As the first rounds of vaccine are being delivered, challenges remain beyond the significant logistics of distribution. One crucial obstacle is public skepticism. Science centers, like the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), play a critical role in public education, to ensure that no one is denied the benefits of scientific advancement based on misinformation. To promote equitable access, MODS is continuing our “Museums for All” program that offers $2 admission to all EBT card holders.

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives. The Constitution grants Congress the power to impeach as a guard against a president who threatens our security and the integrity of our democracy. For months, President Trump inflamed his followers with baseless conspiracy theories, knowing that his words had tremendous power. He is responsible for inciting the violent, deadly insurrection, and he continues to pose a grave and imminent threat. I joined a bipartisan majority of the House to impeach President Trump. Now, senators Rubio and Scott should fulfill their oath of office by removing him from office and barring him from holding federal office ever again.

Gary Farmer, member, Florida Senate. Last week we watched in horror as thugs stormed the Capitol in an attempt to destroy our previously unbroken tradition of peaceful transfers of power. Leading this criminal mob was Donald Trump. I believe that Trump’s actions were criminal on both the federal level and here in Florida. As such I have sent a letter to state Attorney General Ashley Moody asking for a full investigation and eventual prosecution of Donald Trump for criminal anarchy, incitement of insurrection and subverting the U.S. Constitution. I encourage you to contact the Attorney General’s office to request an investigation as well.

Jason Hughes, executive director, ArtServe. The city of Fort Lauderdale announced a General Fund Agency Grant program benefiting nonprofit organizations in the city for their next fiscal year. Categories include: Social Welfare and Elderly Programs; Arts, Culture and Historical Programs; and Educational Programs. This is a muchneeded opportunity for nonprofits that are experiencing extreme pandemic shortfalls in their upcoming budgets. Nonprofits are often the last to be considered for aid and relief. The community is relieved the city of Fort Lauderdale recognizes the importance of supporting our amazing nonprofit community through this grant program.

Tim Lonergan, former mayor, Oakland Park. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported the total nonfarm payroll employment declined 140,000 in December, leaving the unemployment rate unchanged at 6.7%. Many of these Americans have been added to the list of tens of millions of individuals without affordable and comprehensive healthcare. The Affordable Care Act, enacted in March 2010, was designed to make affordable health insurance available to more people, expand Medicaid and support innovative medical care delivery methods to lower health care costs. Although helpful, it’s not enough. It’s time to make Medicare available to all individuals who want or need it. #MedicareForAll

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson,

president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward.

Job creation will be more important than ever in 2021, as our community rebounds from the pandemic-induced economic crisis. South Florida needs innovative, bold approaches that empower unemployed and underemployed residents to build career skills and uncover new opportunities. To jump-start this effort to get people back to work, the Community Foundation of Broward recently launched the $1 million BE BOLD Prize, which we will award to the company, organization or collaboration that presents the most dynamic, transformative approach to boost local employment. Learn more at cfbroward.org.

Philip Purcell,

CEO/President, Marine Industries Association of South Florida.

A new study led by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found evidence of growing numbers of critically endangered smalltooth sawfish within Biscayne Bay. Exciting news! It appears the sawfish has adapted to an urbanized coastline and can continue to recover if aided by public awareness. The manatee is another example of success. In 1991, the aerial count identified 1,267 in our waters. By 2019, the count increased to 5,700, moving them from endangered to threatened. Environmental responsibility is key to leaving the next generation a world full of wonders.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale. The city of Fort Lauderdale, in partnership with Broward Health and Inter Miami CF, opened a COVID-19 vaccination “megasite” at Inter Miami Stadium/Lockhart Park on Jan. 12. The site is now open weekdays and can vaccinate 500 preregistered patients a day. Currently, the site is only serving people ages 65 and over, office staff of Broward Health’s credentialed physicians, emergency medical personnel, noncredentialed community health care providers who do not have access to the vaccine and their staff. Those currently eligible must register at BrowardHealth.org. Broward Health staff is responding to requests in the order that they are received.