LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Wael Barsoum, M.D., president and CTO, Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co. The U.S. government has extended the federal mask mandate for public transportation, including planes, trains, buses, airports and transit hubs to May 3. The mandate was set to expire on April 18 and has been extended several times since it went into effect in February 2021. The mask mandate was set to expire as the BA.2 omicron subvariant accounts for about 72% of the U.S. cases and is more contagious than the original omicron variant.

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate. While Earth Day is an internationally recognized day to encourage environmental protection, here in South Florida, continued attention needs to be given daily. King tides and coastal flooding are real. A recent FAU study suggests an increasing number of young Republicans agree that climate change is factual. It is my hope that bold steps will be taken by our Legislature in the years to come, including furthering resiliency plans to ensure clean drinking water, protecting our Everglades and the natural habitats of our precious wildlife and fortifying our coastline condos and homes structurally.

Clarence McKee, president, McKee Communications. Former President Donald Trump’s support of Black Republican candidates throughout the country is one of the media’s best-kept secrets. He has hosted fundraisers at his Mar-a-Lago club for Michigan congressional candidate John Gibbs and Georgia U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker. Others he has endorsed throughout the country include Wesley Hunt in Texas and John James in Michigan. More GOP candidates for state and federal office should follow the Trump model of reaching out to Black voters and remember that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ support from Black female voters on school choice was crucial to his narrow victory in 2018.

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward . Volunteering your time to help students is such a rewarding way to give back to the community you love. Broward County Public Schools and the United Way of Broward County are making it easy for people to make a difference. Do you have 30 minutes a week to read a book with new readers who need encouragement? Can you help coach a sports team or take a turn answering questions at a school’s front desk? There are lots of ways your gift of time can make a lasting difference. Find out how by going online to browardschool.com/volunteer or unitedwaybroward.org/readingpals.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and next week is National Volunteer Week — an important time to recognize our Guardian ad Litem Program (GAL). GAL volunteers provide representation for abused, abandoned and neglected children in dependency court proceedings. To a child in foster care, the GAL may be the only friend they trust to consistently advocate for their best interest. Across Broward, the GAL Program has over 500 volunteers advocating for more than 1,500 children. They give selflessly of their time, talent and compassion to help abused and neglected children. If you would like to volunteer as a GAL, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

Randall Vitale, president, Hoffman’s Chocolates. The South Florida sports world is on fire right now. The NBA playoffs are about to start, with the Miami Heat being the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Florida Panthers have clinched a spot in the playoffs and are currently the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference as well. Hard Rock Stadium just finished hosting the Miami Open and is getting ready to host the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. While there is never a shortage of competing things to do in our region, the upcoming sports options are going to be incredibly fun!

Robert Weinroth, mayor, Palm Beach County . The Florida Legislature has been called back to Tallahassee by Gov. Ron DeSantis for a special session to consider his proposed redistricting maps for Florida’s 28 congressional districts. The proposed map is expected to receive quick approval by the Republican-controlled legislature. The governor’s general counsel has argued the proposed map will eliminate federal constitutional infirmities and improve on the maps originally passed by the Legislature in its regular session. It is a virtual certainty the maps, once approved, will be challenged in court, making it increasingly difficult for congressional candidates to determine the district in which they will stand for election.

Matt Willhite, member, Florida House of Representatives. Forecasters are calling for an above-average hurricane season in 2022 and are urging Floridians to prepare for major hurricanes making landfall. While hurricane season doesn’t begin until June, there are preparations that can be done now. Every family and place of business should have predefined emergency plans and always keep an emergency supply kit ready and stocked. Floridians are encouraged to have 7 days of supplies. While checking your current supplies, make note of Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which will occur May 29-June 10. For more information, visit floridadisaster.org or your county’s emergency management website.