LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Wael Barsoum, M.D., president and CTO, Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co. Although the idea of intentionally trying to catch omicron is “all the rage” currently, officials are adamantly discouraging such behavior. While omicron presents milder symptoms that are like a bad cold for most, people without any underlying health conditions can still get severely ill with this strain. While it is true that vaccinated individuals are less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to go to the ICU, and less likely to be put on a mechanical ventilator, there is always the chance of long COVID. While “long COVID” is a phenomenon that is still being looked at, it is currently characterized by shortness of breath, severe fatigue, mood changes and sleep difficulties, among other things.

Angelo Castillo, commissioner, Pembroke Pines. Post-COVID, more workers are continuing to work from home at least part of the week. That’s good for traffic but bad for commercial real estate. I’m hoping for an investigative story in which local commercial interests are asked what their trends and plans are with the use of office space long term. Knowing this more precisely will affect plans to redevelop those properties. Many can be converted to needed housing, but some may need to be torn down. Broward should get ahead of that curve, because the work-from-home trend is unlikely to become a temporary phenomenon.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show on Big 105.9. “Wheels Up Guns Down,” the annual, puzzling assault on our roads by a group of hooligans who somehow think terrorizing people with ATVs and dirt bikes would honor the great Dr. Martin Luther King, takes place Monday. Once again, law enforcement will be ready (as if they don’t have enough to worry about) and arrests will be made, but why are they here? My research says it’s simply for the social media hits. If you get caught breaking the law, fines are around $1,100. That’s nothing. What’s it costing taxpayers for helicopters, state troopers and undercover cops working around the clock?

Howard Dvorkin, CPA, chairman, Debt. com. As tax season approaches, you might have something new to worry about. If you received a child tax credit last year, you might have to pay some of it back this year. Families were eligible for $1,800 for children 5 and under and $1,500 for those 6-17. But to get money to parents quickly, the IRS used old income information. So it’s possible you received more than you should have — and the IRS wants it back. If you get a tax refund, it will be deducted. But if you owe the IRS, prepare to pay even more.

Marty Kiar, property appraiser, Broward County. The “Betty White Challenge” is sweeping thorough social media to honor this legendary entertainer and animal rights activist on what would have been her 100th birthday. This challenge encourages people to donate $5 to an animal rescue or shelter in her name on Jan. 17. Animal rescues and shelters help animals in need and provide services to pet owners who may not be able to afford health care for their pets. This small donation in her honor pays tribute to Betty White and helps the extraordinary rescues and shelters who help provide care for the furry ones she adored.

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward. In a letter from jail, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Monday is a time to honor Dr. King’s memory and recommit to achieving his dream of racial equity and social justice. For all the inspiration we draw from his “I Have a Dream” speech, we often skip over his call for urgency. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King warned against “the tranquilizing drug of gradualism.” He said, “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.”

Tom Shea, chairman & founder, Right Management.

The number of high-salary remote positions is expected to jump to 18% by the end of 2021, according to a recent job site study of data collected from North America’s largest 50,000 employers. Only 4% of high-salary remote jobs existed prior to the pandemic but that figure more than doubled to 9% in 2020. Roughly 20 million jobs are expected to transition to permanently remote positions when the pandemic ends. While some companies are pushing to eventually return to the office, many are currently hiring fully remote positions. Remote work is here to stay and stronger than ever.

Dean Trantalis,

mayor, Fort Lauderdale .On Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When reflecting on Dr. King’s impact on our country, we are reminded of his tireless perseverance in the face of adversity to advance civil rights and equality for all. I invite you to join the city of Fort Lauderdale in a day of service in Dr. King’s memory. Join the YMCA, Adopt-aStreet and volunteers at Provident Park as we walk our neighborhoods to remove litter, read to our children and support healthy communities. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Information can be found by going to ftlcity.info/ unitedday2022.