TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.

Anthony J. Abbate, architect. Scientists have told us we have run out of time as legislators scramble this week to revise a bill designed to cut carbon emissions, while pleasing both progressives and Joe Manchin. It’s a choice between prioritizing short-term economics versus long-term economics. A voluntary cap and trade program — while lacking teeth — may be the likely way forward. If there is any measure of success with the upcoming Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, it will be placing a figure on the cost of carbon, estimated to be $100/ton. A carbon tax would unleash the market to solve climate change.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. The many challenging questions Americans are asking about the advisability, availability and advantage of a COVID-19 booster shot are closer to being answered this week. The Pfizer vaccine received approval last month and now the Moderna and J&J vaccines have been given the green light by the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are establishing guidelines for who is eligible — certainly including seniors and others at high risk. Mixing products is allowable, so individuals can try another company’s vaccine if they had an uncomfortable reaction to the first shots. Consult your health care provider.

Marlon A. Hill, of counsel, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L. Last week, the Marcano family buried their beloved Miya Marcano after the tragic circumstances of her kidnapping and murder in Orlando at the hands of a maintenance worker at her place of her residence. The Marcano family firmly believes that Miya should still be here today based on our society’s reasonable expectation of safety and security in residential tenancies. In addition, the family also believes that we must treat missing person reports with more urgency. The family has established the Miya Marcano Foundation (miyamarcanofdn.com) to provide more support to families of missing persons while advocating for the protection of vulnerable populations.

Debbi Hixon, member, Broward County School Board. This week the shooter from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Massacre pled guilty to 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder. This is a huge step in the healing process for the families affected by this tragedy. We ask that you help us to amplify the message of NO NOTORIETY. Please do not share the shooter’s name or photo on social media and we also ask the media to stop showing his picture. We are still hurting deeply and continually seeing the shooter’s face is like pouring salt into our wounds. The message should be about honoring the amazing individuals that were taken on that day and helping those affected move forward.

Tina Polsky, member, Florida Senate .Iam going through breast cancer now, and I thought it was important to share and use my public position to help bring awareness to the importance of self-exam and mammogram. Early detection, as in my case, has made my prognosis very favorable. Had I waited, and the cancer had spread, I would be in a much different position. Please get your annual mammogram and do self-exams. And if something seems different, get it checked out. If you are under 40 and don’t get mammograms, please be extra diligent about self-exams. This is a very curable disease if caught early, so please be your own advocate.

Andy Thomson, member, Boca Raton City Council. This week, the city of Boca Raton began accepting applications for rental and mortgage assistance for residents affected by COVID-19. Last year, Boca Raton distributed nearly $550,000 in rental and mortgage relief to eligible residents, and we recently received an additional $350,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to distribute to those in need. Eligible residents can qualify for up to $15,000 for six months of past-due housing payments. Eligibility requirements and the online application can be found at the city’s website, myboca.us.

Gregory Tony, Broward Sheriff. The Broward Sheriff ’s Office is heartbroken over the loss of Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino. This tragic shooting is a vivid reminder of the dangers our law enforcement professionals face working to safeguard our communities. Yet, despite the inherent risks, hundreds of thousands of brave men and women who serve this noble profession leave their homes each day and put their lives on the line for the safety of others. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Chirino’s family and the Hollywood Police Department. BSO will carry on his legacy of service in everything we do.

Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P. A. Netflix announced that “Squid Game” was its biggest series launch ever, reaching more than 11 million viewers and topping the rankings in more than 90 countries. The plotline of the dystopian survival drama hinges on drawing in cash-strapped players to compete in children’s games. A huge cash prize goes to the winners, death awaits the losers. The violent Korean drama illustrates the desperation of those facing overwhelming debt. I see this daily as I offer counsel on how to get out of debt, from reaching out to creditors for better terms to filing bankruptcy. The truth of “Squid Game” is that many people would rather face death than live with crushing debt.