LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Kathleen Cannon,

president, United Way of Broward County. This Monday, we observe the life and legacy of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As he once famously said, “everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” I encourage each and every one of us to carry out an act of service in his honor. Whether you are volunteering at a local nonprofit or providing a helping hand to a neighbor in need, it doesn’t matter how big or small the gesture. What matters is the difference you are making in the life of someone and the unified approach to create a world where injustice ceases and love prevails.

Angelo Castillo, commissioner, Pembroke Pines. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in Florida about immigration. The Florida National Guard has been activated, along with other state agencies, including local law enforcement. Details have not been announced, so we don’t yet know the specifics of his plan. I know many will be watching this effort very carefully. Protecting our border is as important as ensuring the humane treatment of any persons, including families, leaving their shores for ours seeking freedom from economic or political oppression.

Lamar Fisher,

mayor, Broward County. Ignite Broward is back this year, running Jan. 25-29. This weeklong event showcases Broward’s local artists and cultural institutions. Residents and visitors can experience immersive light- and sound-based art created by top national and international artists and designers. A great free event for our community presented by Broward County Cultural Division, this festival of art, light and sound has doubled in size since its inception three years ago. To learn more about the event and artists, please visit IgniteBroward.com.

Michael Gottlieb, member, Florida House of Representatives. Next week, we will see what bills are moving and what will be in the many discussions that will forecast the direction of Florida for the next two years and perhaps beyond. I am hearing about further abortion bans, permitless carry and special interest perks. I am not hearing very much about creating opportunities for bill paying, food purchases, tuition bills, vacation plans and family health care coverage. I am also hearing we will continue to punish Disney, our biggest economic driver. Florida deserves better; we deserve a government focused on providing for and protecting its citizens, not special interests.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale. The world’s glaciers are shrinking or disappearing faster than predicted, according to a recent scientific study. Two thirds of the world’s glaciers are expected to disappear by the end of the century. This will have a devastating impact not only on sea-level rise but also the water supply around the world. Global warming should be everyone’s concern because it severely impacts life for future generations as well as our own unless radical changes are made.

Mike Ryan,

mayor, Sunrise. New College in Sarasota, founded in 1960, is front page news nationally. Why? Is it because it’s a small honors college that has been ranked the fifth best public liberal arts college nationally, focused on intellectually rigorous education rooted in student accountability and demonstrated competence? No, it’s because it’s the latest battleground in the public education culture wars. Newly appointed members of the board of trustees have reportedly said their mission is to convert New College to one modeled after an ultra-conservative Christian private university with a “patriotic” curriculum. Will students, alumni, professors and the educational community quietly accept this conversion?

Dean Trantalis,

mayor, Fort Lauderdale . On Monday, Jan. 16, join the city of Fort Lauderdale to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a morning of community service followed by the annual King Holiday Celebration and parade. Starting at 8:30 a.m., groups from the YMCA, Adopt-A-Street, BBX and other volunteers will meet at Provident Park (1412 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale) to decorate little free libraries, participate in neighborhood cleanups, and paint mural panels. At 9:30 a.m., the parade departs from Sistrunk Boulevard and Northwest Fifth Avenue and heads west, ending at Carter Park. After the parade, a multicultural festival will be held in the park. We look forward to seeing you there!

Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P. A.

New Year’s resolutions are already fading, with as many as 80% of resolution-makers calling it quits by February. One of the top resolutions is getting your financial house in order, particularly saving more money and paying down credit card debt. Instead of giving up, take baby steps. Build up savings and chip away at credit card debt a little at a time. The key is to make a workable, reasonable plan and stick to it consistently over time. Eventually, you’ll land in better financial shape.