100 Central Florida
Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.
TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK
OLYMPIC DREAMS, Glenton Gilzean Jr., president/CEO, Central Florida Urban League: There will be many compelling stories emanating from the upcoming Summer Olympics in Tokyo and hopefully local track and field star Marvin Bracy becomes one of them. Bracy, a Boone High School alumnus, ran a 9.85-second 100-meter dash last weekend, putting him on the cusp of making the Olympic team. His time was also the sixth-fastest for any American all-time, behind household names such as Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin. The finals for track and field will take place on June 20 in Oregon. Good luck Marvin, Central Florida will be watching!
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS,
Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way: Post-trauma, a victim may not realize they need support until up to seven years later. We at Heart of Florida United Way witnessed this firsthand when we operated the Orlando United Assistance Center after the Pulse tragedy. It is so critical that mental-health support is readily available at the moment someone gains the courage to ask for help, which typically occurs around the anniversary of any traumatic experience. The timing of Florida’s governor vetoing the appropriation to provide mental-health support to survivors and loved ones is puzzling and heartbreaking because there is always a surge in need during this time of year.
RIVER CROSS BOONDOGGLE, Jane Healy, former editorial page editor and managing editor, Orlando Sentinel: Did Chris Dorworth, developer of the River Cross mega-development for rural Seminole County, not think he was going to get laughed out of federal court? Dorworth sued the county, saying its rejection of the development violated federal fair housing laws. Judge Anne Conway saw how ridiculous that fair housing claim was. Only 15 percent of the project is set aside for affordable housing and even that much was proposed at the last minute with no useful information about income levels or evidence that it would increase minorities. As usual, it sounds like the only people benefiting from this boondoggle are Dorworth’s high-priced attorneys.
MAGIC COACH GONE, Jeremy Levitt, distinguished professor of international law, Florida A&M University College of Law: The biggest story is that the Orlando Magic and coach Steve Clifford have mutually parted ways. I will leave the basketball analysis to sports pundits; however, news of his departure was disheartening not because he took the Magic to a division title and a playoff berth. Clifford’s departure is sad because he contributed mightily to investing in social justice change leaders in Florida. He is one of a small group of NBA coaches who authentically cares about racial justice and the monumental role NBA players can play in empowering Black communities. Thank you, Coach!
ONE ORLANDO AFTER PULSE, Timothy McKinney, Chief Executive Officer, United Global Outreach: Remembering the tragic anniversary at Pulse, I also remember standing in the baking sun for more than 12 hours to donate plasma and platelets at OneBlood around the corner as strangers delivered water and snacks. We truly were one Orlando that day and in the days and weeks ahead. The blood-donation questionnaire didn’t ask about political party or other issues that have us so divided today. There was no one ready to cancel your existence if you didn’t meet the donation criteria. I pray it doesn’t take another tragedy to return us to a spirit of one nation.
ORLANDO UNITED, Mark E. NeJame, founder, senior partner, NeJame Law:
It was five years ago this weekend that Central Florida’s greatest and one of our nation’s great tragedies occurred
... the Pulse massacre. From the hate, grief, and confusion that surrounded that horrific and heartbreaking night, we also witnessed Central Florida’s greatest moment. Our community lined up, including many “good ol’ boys” with their trucks, boots and belt buckles, to donate blood to the predominantly LGBTQ victims, while Muslim women, some in their hijabs, passed bottles of water out to the throngs of people waiting in line in the heat to donate. Being born and raised here, I have never been so proud.
ORANGE PROTEST LIMITS,
Jim Philips, retired longtime radio talkshow host: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Sheriff John Mina blindsided county commissioners with a proposal to restrict a citizen’s right to protest, demonstrate or otherwise exercise free speech within a certain distance of a person’s home. Commissioners were quick to say “not so fast” without public hearings. Please, the next time you want to tinker with laws related to our right of free expression on public property, have the courage to outline your proposal in front of the citizens before you seek a solution to a problem that does not exist in Orange County.
‘MORE GUNS’ DELUSION, Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising executive: Around the fifth anniversary of Pulse, I experienced these interactions on my Facebook feed: Teresa commented that schoolchildren should have to check in their phones with the teacher. I asked, “What if there was an active shooter?” Her reply: “The teacher should be armed with guns.” Randy posted about the Pulse massacre: “I just wish there were good men and women with guns that night. There wouldn’t have been 49 victims.” Their solution to mass shootings is more guns. This “more guns” delusion is literally killing our country. I have learned so many lessons from the Pulse tragedy. Why haven’t they?