LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County. If Tropical Storm Alex is any indication of what this hurricane season will be like, we need to make sure we are prepared. In Broward County, it wasn’t uncommon for our residents to see over nine inches of rainfall; I know I certainly saw the impact in my backyard. Over the past few years, our county has been very fortunate, but we need to be proactive in our planning to protect our families and homes. Our United Way has created a resource center to assist you. Visit UnitedWayBroward.org/ HurricaneResourceCenter to learn more and stay safe!

Howard Dvorkin, CPA, chairman, Debt.com. The Sun Sentinel has reported two different but related stories. First, new housing developments are being planned throughout South Florida. Second, car prices are still sky-high because inventory is at rock-bottom. Both stories prove that supply and demand still rule our financial lives. Yet, the Sun Sentinel has also reported about residents who oppose any new housing developments and want fewer cars on the road. That’s fine for them, but it hurts the poorest among us. We can’t expect to have a vibrant community if only the wealthiest can afford to live and drive here.

Marty Kiar,

property appraiser, Broward County. The dog days of summer are upon us, and it’s important to remember how quickly our pets can overheat during the hottest time of the year. Remember to limit your pet’s time outdoors during the hottest time of the day and to keep your four-legged friends off the hot pavement to avoid burning their paws. Dogs do not sweat, they pant, so they can overheat quickly. The Humane Society has a great link with information on how to keep your pet safe in the heat and how to recognize and treat overheating: humanesociety.org/resources/keep-petssafe-heat.

Charlotte Mather-Taylor,

executive director, Area Agency on Aging of Broward County.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse affects one in 10 adults over the age of 60, yet only one in 24 cases are reported to authorities. The Area Agency on Aging of Broward is hosting “Elder Abuse: It’s More Than Scams” — a free virtual workshop on Wednesday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Experts will be providing information and tips on how to report elder abuse, how to protect yourself against cybercrime and how to uncover the unsuspecting traps of financial scammers. To sign up for the workshop, please visit bit.ly/3rFNSaY.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale. Congratulations to Greg Chavarria, who the Fort Lauderdale City Commission has selected as Fort Lauderdale’s next city manager, effective July 23. We still must negotiate a contract before his formal appointment. Chavarria is currently serving as assistant city manager. He has held previous leadership positions with the cities of Hallandale Beach, Doral, Miami and the Miami Police Department. He will assume this new role following the departure of outgoing city manager Chris Lagerbloom, who we thank for his six years of service to the city.

Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P. A. As I consider Father’s Day next week, I think about how I lost my father when I was a child. I also think of the opportunity I had to turn that difficulty into something good, thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward. I’m a Big Brother to Desmond, who also lost his father at a young age. He and I tightly bonded because of this shared — albeit painful — experience. I know I have helped him grow up into a successful young man. But I never realized that being a Big Brother would change me for the better as well.

Robert Weinroth, mayor, Palm Beach County. All too often, our elderly population is victimized by abuse, neglect and exploitation. In many cases, the perpetrators are the people who have been entrusted with their care in places, including their homes, assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The abuse goes beyond physical and can be financial, emotional or neglect. Palm Beach County’s Senior Services Division and Area Agency on Aging are two local agencies charged with providing services to seniors. If you are facing a crisis or need assistance, activities or programs, they are valuable resources. Additionally, to report senior abuse, the local hotline is 800-962-2873.

Matt Willhite, member, Florida House of Representatives. As families struggle to make ends meet with the increased prices of food, gas and housing, parents can find some relief with food programs offered by The School District of Palm Beach County. School Food Service will continue to offer free meals during the summer, at various schools and libraries throughout the county. All sites with summer school or summer programs will be open until July 29 for children 18 years of age and younger to receive free meals Monday through Friday. No identification is required. Please visit palmbeachschools.org for more information.