THE TOP STORIES OF 2018
Groveland Four
Dick Batchelor,
In 1949, four black men now known as the Groveland Four were falsely accused of the rape of a white woman in Lake County during the reign of the infamous Klan member and sheriff, Willis McCall. Sheriff McCall even shot two of the men saying, again falsely, that they were trying to escape. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned two of the convictions in 1951 and ordered a retrial. While there has been discussion of clemency, the Cabinet setting as the Clemency board has yet to take up their cases. Now is the time for them to act. Fortunately, two of the newlyelected Cabinet members say they are willing to act. Now is the time for truth and reconciliation. Justice delayed is justice denied. The governor and Cabinet can no longer deny justice to the families of these men.
Space is soaring
Chris Carmody,
What a year it has been for space, specifically the Space Coast’s economy. Back in February, over 100,000 sightseers traveled to Cape Canaveral for the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch. The videos of the massive launch and high-fiving engineers streamed to the millions. That moment was the sign to all that Florida’s space economy was back. With 20 total Florida launches this year, it is no surprise that Space Florida announced 21 companies relocating to or expanding in Florida, creating 3,480 high wage jobs. And there’s more. In August, Vice President Mike Pence announced a future Space Force as the sixth branch of the U.S. military. Yes, space in Florida soared its highest in 2018 and will reach new horizons in 2019.
Youth under stress
John L. Evans Jr., consulting-unit
:Formeasa social scientist, the biggest and saddest story of 2018 is the continued and mounting stress under which our society’s youth find themselves. I can’t scratch my ear without running into another study on escalating stress and anxiety for our young people. And stress is a bit of a tricky topic; it’s actually imperative for meaningful living. To wit, who’s your hero? Did he/she have a stress-free life? The problem is an unremitting supply of the stuff, what with smart phones and attendant multitasking. A key for your children’s successful stress management, or flourishing: Well-told stories of your stress, and what you are doing about it, with nutrition, exercise, laughter, and prayer or meditation.
Finding light
Mark Freid,
The night sky reminds us that even in the dark, there is light. The shooting in Parkland cast an early pall over 2018. But there was light. Emma Gonzalez and her classmates responded to this horror with courage and clear voices. The midterm elections were mired in lies, deceit and divisiveness. But there was light. Anna Eskamani and others proved that not only is there a desire for change, there are leaders ready to make it happen. The shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh reminded us that hate and prejudice are alive and well in America. But there was light. In vigils across the country, diverse crowds joined hands and showed that the majority are peaceful, loving and accepting. Last week, swastikas brazenly painted on apartments and businesses near UCF reopened those wounds. But I know there will be light.
Aftermath of Maria
Jeff Hayward,
Sept. 20 marked one year since the storm that changed our community forever. Since then, housing vouchers expired, the island stabilized somewhat, some people moved back to Puerto Rico, and life continued as they knew it before Maria… for some. The composition of our region remains infused with educated, talentrich people who fled the storm and are now calling Central Florida home — for good. The transition has been anything but easy, but the future is bright. Stories of success, entrepreneurship, graduation, home ownership, vast opportunity and new beginnings now characterize a previously gloomy headline. No one was ready for what we experienced — evacuee or Central Floridian — but as a community, we are better for it.