LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK
ROSENWALD SCHOOL’S FUTURE,
Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County: East Altamonte has a proud tradition of community leadership. Congressman Alcee Hastings came from there. It was the first predominantly African-American community to successfully sue for deannexation from a city. That’s why, as Seminole County plans development for the historically significant Rosenwald school property, its role in shaping East Altamonte’s past must be protected. The residents have had a strong voice in the revitalization plan. Health care, children’s education, affordable senior living, recreational activities, a law-enforcement presence, and a community center all have been accommodated in this planned private-public partnership. Also, “Rosenwald” will be included in the development’s name to remember and honor the past.
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE, Glenton Gilzean Jr., president/CEO, Central Florida Urban League: I’d like to remind low-income seniors in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard counties that there is a May 31 deadline to apply for up to $5,000 in home energy assistance. Money can be used to pay for overdue utility bills, heating and cooling system repairs, fans, window air conditioners, space heaters, blankets and even to prepay utility bills. To qualify, you must be aged 60 or over, facing a disconnection or delinquent bill and have a maximum income of $25,000 for a single adult or $33,000 for a couple. I strongly encourage anyone in need to call the statewide helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER for more information.
BEWARE CLIMATE EXTREMES, Ken LaRoe, founder, Climate First Bank: The climate crisis is heating up Florida, and that means hurricanes, floods and wildfires — placing hundreds of thousands of homes at risk. Not only that but Florida’s agriculture and construction industries will be negatively impacted as an increase in intolerable heat days means outdoor workers cannot safely do their jobs. India has already begun to see the effects of heat extremes, threatening millions of laborers.
YOUTH SUMMER EMPLOYMENT,
Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida: Summer jobs for teens have real impact: youth can explore different industries, learn how businesses work, receive a paycheck to learn fiscal responsibility, practice interacting with customers and take on new responsibilities. A summer job is even more valuable when it exposes youth to growing industries in Central Florida. There are many opportunities available in robotics, cybersecurity, construction, hospitality, etc. that can allow a young adult to explore and discover new fields that might be a fit for a future career. I believe the best way to learn how to work is to experience work. Consider hiring a youth this summer!
MICHELIN STARS, Brendan O’Connor, editor-in-chief, Bungalower.com: The Michelin Guide will announce which Florida restaurants will be getting a Michelin Star at the June 9 event at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes. Visit Orlando chipped in $350,000 of the $1 million fee to bring the review program to the state, so we’re hopefully guaranteed at least a handful of local restaurants getting some shout-outs, otherwise, that’s a lot of wasted dollars.
REVEAL DARK MONEY DONORS, Gloria Pickar, president emerita, League of Women Voters of Orange County: For months Florida newspapers have been reporting on Floridians for Equality and Justice, who mailed deceptive ads in 2020 to Seminole and Volusia voters without revealing their contributors. This appeared to be a stealth campaign to elect Seminole Senate Republican Jason Brodeur by siphoning votes away from the Democrat front-runner. To date no charges have been filed. But the tables have turned. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jose Rodriguez ruled in favor of Florida senator (and gubernatorial candidate) Democrat Annette Taddeo’s lawsuit demanding the dark-money organization divulge their donors within 30 days or he would open all their books to the public. Let the sunshine in!
SAFE LANDING, Larry Pino, attorney and entrepreneur: The media were inspired by the safe landing of a Cessna Caravan at Palm Beach International Airport under circumstances countless passengers fear. The single-engine plane’s pilot suffered a cardiac event flying back from the Bahamas, slumping backward in the cockpit, leaving the two passengers on board pilotless. Passenger Darren Harrison, with no flying experience, managed to take a seat up front, connect the headphone, and eventually reach Robert Morgan, a traffic controller and flight instructor, who guided the plane down safely. The extraordinary event which could have ended very badly not only saved the two passengers on board, but also the pilot.
REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER, Nicole Wilson, Orange County commissioner, District 1: The Orange County Regional History Center is continuing its award-winning track record of engaging and inspiring visitors throughout this summer. The Regional History Center has weekly summer camps for children ages 6-11 which will be starting soon, with themes ranging from forensics to paleontology. Their monthly lunch and learn program for adults is continuing, with June’s discussion commemorating the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Despite the limited resources, the superstar team adds tremendous value to our community. The Regional History Center is a keystone feature of Orange County. I look forward to supporting it any way I can this budget season.