TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

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

Marty Kiar, property appraiser, Broward

County. The 2023 property tax exemption filing period is in full swing. This week, our office mailed homestead exemption renewal/change order cards to all property owners receiving a homestead exemption. This card notifies property owners of the automatic renewal of their homestead exemption as well as allowing residents to advise our office of any changes to the ownership or use of the property. Qualifying property owners that do not currently have a 2023 homestead exemption can apply online at web.bcpa.net; in our office at 115 S. Andrews Ave., Room 111, Fort Lauderdale; or at a BCPA outreach event.

Chip LaMarca, member, Florida House of Representatives. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new executive order this week to further our commitment to Florida’s environment and water quality. This year, we are doubling down on our investment by proposing $3.5 billion in funding over four years to be allocated toward Everglades restoration and clean water resources. We started this work in 2018 by committing $2.5 billion, and we’re continuing that momentum on these critical restoration projects. Protecting our environment has always been one of my top priorities, and I look forward to supporting these efforts to continue to put our natural resources first.

Tim Lonergan, commissioner, Oakland Park. Beware! Historically, Floridians have referred to local newspapers to find legal notices that were published for local municipalities. Alerting and educating residents about important city business via local newspapers recently became an option instead of a requirement for municipalities. A new state law allows local governments to publish legal notices on publicly accessible websites or via newspapers. Ask how your municipality has already or potentially plans to react to this new law. It could significantly reduce advertising expenses, but it also requires residents to visit their municipalities’ websites to stay informed. Learn more by visiting flsenate.gov/Session/ Bill/2022/7049.

Charlotte Mather-Taylor, executive director, Area Agency on Aging of Broward County. While visiting friends and family during the holidays, you may have noticed that your elderly loved one’s home needed some improvements. The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County offers a home repair program which offers services such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and other minor repairs to ensure the health and safety of clients 60 or older in owner-occupied homes. Priority is given to low-income seniors. For more information, visit adrcbroward.org/minor-home-repairs or call our help line at 954-745-9779.

Gary Resnick, former mayor and commissioner, Wilton Manors. In a 7-4 decision last week, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld St. Johns School District’s ban on transgender students using bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity. This conflicts with decisions from other appellate courts around the country, setting up possible Supreme Court review. The conservative judge who wrote the opinion found that the school district was not discriminating in violation of Title IX or the Constitution and noted that finding such discrimination may allow students to participate in sports based on their gender identity. The impact of conservative judges, particularly in LGBTQ issues, continues to be felt around the country.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate. When special events, such as the election of the speaker, take place in the U.S. House of Representatives, independent media coverage is permitted within the chambers. However, such media coverage is forbidden during the majority of proceedings. Just this week, Americans watched as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Paul Gosar, who was censured in 2021 for publishing an animated video of him killing the congresswoman, spoke with one another. Independent footage also captured numerous members debating and provided immense insight into the inner workings of Congress. This degree of coverage should always be available to the American public to increase transparency.

Andy Thomson, former member, Boca Raton City Council. Florida Atlantic University’s men’s basketball team continues its incredible run. By winning close contests against conference rivals Charlotte, UAB and FIU in the past week, FAU pushed its winning streak to 14 games and an overall record of 15-1. These successes put FAU in first place in Conference USA, and college basketball experts across the nation have begun to take notice. Coach Dusty May and his staff are building an excellent program. If you haven’t attended an FAU basketball game at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena this season to support the squad, you’re missing out. Let’s keep it going, Owls!

Randall Vitale, president, BBX Capital Partners. 100,000 gallons. This is how much water I estimate I have saved because of one simple tip provided when I was in sixth grade. An environmentalist spoke to my class about the importance of water conservation and our daily actions. Her tip: Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. One comment, one person, 34 years — 100,000 gallons saved. News this week that the Great Salt Lake is quickly drying up has led to calls for immediate water conservation efforts in Utah to avoid a total collapse. Little actions by many can make a big difference, but awareness must come first.