100 Central Florida
Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.
TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK MIXED BAG ON HOMELESSNESS,
Martha Are, CEO, Central Florida Commission on Homelessness: This year’s state legislative session just came to a close and, while the state increased the total amount of money in the affordable housing trust fund, they did so while also reducing the funds available for affordable rental housing that could be used to decrease the numbers of people experiencing homelessness. Central Florida has one of the tightest housing markets in the country and any reduction in funds to support our most vulnerable neighbors is a step backward for our community.
GREENBERG’S RESTITUTION, Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County: Many of you have read of the recent federal court order allowing Seminole County to seek $537,000 from the River Cross owners for attorney fees. What you might have missed is the agreement of former tax collector Joel Greenberg’s counsel to pay Seminole County $1.87 million in restitution for his fraud on the taxpayers. Although not unprecedented, repayment to the taxpayers on actions against their local government is very rare. The Seminole County Commission was resolute, and the county attorney’s office was purposeful in seeking justice and fair compensation for their constituents. The taxpayers can be assured that we will continue to fight to guarantee these payments are made.
HOUSING SOLUTIONS, Mary Lee Downey, CEO, Hope Partnership: The need for affordable housing in Central Florida grows daily, and Hope Partnership is working to develop sustainable housing solutions for families and individuals. I’m so grateful to Congressman Darren Soto, Rep. Kristen Arrington, Sen. Victor Torres and all of their colleagues who worked this year to secure appropriation funding for our housing efforts. I’m also thrilled about the generous donation that Habitat for Humanity received this month. These funds will go a long way toward creating safe places to call home for Central Florida’s work force. We simply can’t have too many organizations working to house our community.
DEVELOPERS BEWARE, Jane Healy, former editorial page editor and managing editor, Orlando Sentinel: Let Chris Dorworth’s new troubles be a cautionary tale to any developer trying to play a county commission. Dorworth, a legislator-turned lobbyist-turned-developer, sued the Seminole County Commission after it wisely rejected his River Cross mega-development in the protected rural area. It was quickly dismissed and now Judge Anne Conway has ordered him to repay the county $537,000 in legal costs. It was clear from the get-go that Dorworth sued the county in a ploy to get it to approve the development rather than run up legal fees. But the commission didn’t bite and now it’s Dorworth having to pay up — in addition to what he owes his own pricey attorneys.
RED TIDE, Ken LaRoe, Founder, Climate First Bank: A University of Florida study finally figured out how much the 2018 red tide outbreak impacted our economy. A whopping $184 million and 2,900 jobs were lost due to things like closed beaches and Airbnbs, putting into perspective just how devastating red tide is for Florida. Yet, as impacts of the worsening climate crisis continue to make themselves known, why are we not making meaningful change to address this? In the future, we can expect even more catastrophic economic damage resulting from aggravated climate activity.
FOOD ACCESS, A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College: The number of children in Lake County suffering from hunger is now 11% higher than it was prior to COVID19. Almost 7,000 children are living with food insecurity and with rapid price hikes on food in our grocery stores, it is almost certain that this number rapidly will rise. In Indian River County, where one in four children goes to bed hungry, an effort is underway to help provide access to food. The Fellsmere Fridge is a community refrigerator where the community can share food 24 hours a day. If successful, this might prove the perfect program to help the hungry children in Lake County.
RECOGNIZING RAMADAN, Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida: At sunset on April 1, Muslims in Florida and around the world began their annual monthlong fast of Ramadan. After two years of pandemic restrictions, Muslims will crowd the Mosques for the usual Ramadan nightly Iftar-dinners and prayer services. Ramadan is a month of prayers, charity, and fasting (abstaining from food and water from dawn to sunset). Every night, Muslims study and recite the Quran, which was sent down from God to the final Prophet Muhammad in Ramadan. Mosques are open like the tent of Abraham and welcome everyone to the Iftar (breaking-of-the-fast) dinners to build a loving community. Join us!
GIRLS READY FOR PUBERTY, Beverly Paulk, founding member, Central Florida Foundation and The Orlando Philharmonic: The new animated film, “Turning Red,” is successfully stimulating discussion about girls’ puberty and periods starting — normal and healthy occurrences. This clever film creates opportunities for positive conversations that help reduce girls feeling confused, scared, even ashamed. Both sexes, all ages need to understand bodies, prepare for changes and support each other. The Disney/Pixar film’s female director wants young girls to be knowledgeable and positive about their bodies. She informs while entertains. While it varies, girls young as 8 can start menstruation. Frequently, our children need information before parents are ready. Mini talks and age-appropriate books can work well.