LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK
NOW DO INSURANCE, Tom Dyer, attorney, founder of Watermark: With a 60% voter mandate, and supermajorities in both state houses, Florida is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fiefdom. With that power, he must now tackle our toughest problem. Floridians pay three times what other Americans pay for homeowners insurance, an average of $4,200 per year that is breaking the backs of Republicans and Democrats alike. Even before Ian, rates were increasing at a frightening and unsustainable 30% per year. It’s a complex situation that can’t be blamed on President Joe Biden or woke liberals. If DeSantis fails Floridians on this issue, he doesn’t deserve to be considered for national office.
WARM FAREWELLS, Francisco Gonzalez, host, Agents of Innovation podcast: Central Florida can happily say goodbye to two people who are no longer going to be a part of the Florida Legislature: Anthony Sabatini and Carlos Guillermo Smith. They are polar opposites when it comes to what they believe and the policies they espouse. But they are one and the same when it comes to the attention-getting tactics and publicity they crave, at all costs. Looking ahead, men and women (and people who choose their own pronouns) should conduct themselves with more respectful conduct as public officials and focus on good governance. Being a blowhard will get you sent home.
THE GIVING SPIRIT, Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way: The holiday season — and more specifically Thanksgiving — is quickly approaching. For many of us, this will be a time of joy spent with loved ones. For many others, the holidays are one of the most difficult times of the year, but we can help. As the spirit of giving fills our hearts this season, I urge you to consider joining Heart of Florida United Way as a volunteer or donor for our Annual Thanksgiving Project, where we will assemble and distribute 4,000 meal kits to families in need right here in Central Florida. Information on upcoming volunteer activities, and how to donate, can be found at HFUW.org.
HERE COMES THE SUN,
Ken LaRoe, founder, Climate First Bank: As nonprofits and churches look at their budgets for next year, they should seriously consider taking advantage of solar credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. For any solar system installed after Jan. 1, 2023, nonprofits and churches will get a check in the mail for 30% of what it cost to install the system, including installation and dealer fees. With specialized lenders that will fund 100% of the installation, that’s basically free money back in their pockets with the added benefit of helping the environment. It’s a win-win scenario for nonprofits and the planet — who wouldn’t take advantage of that?
LONG, LONG COVID, Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida: The term long-COVID often refers to the lingering health effects of the coronavirus, but I think it also accurately describes the post-pandemic impact on businesses’ productivity. It’s not just that workers aren’t returning to their jobs due to fear of illness, but also lingering supply chain issues remain a challenge. Apple reported that new iPhones will be scarce as holiday gifts due to new COVID outbreaks in China. Businesses that have instituted hybrid or returnto-office mandates are seeing workers call out sick more frequently, impacting workload for the remaining workers. I think the term “new normal” post-COVID will continue to evolve.
SNEAKY SHOE CHANGES, Beverly Paulk, founding member, Central Florida Foundation and The Orlando Philharmonic: Women’s footwear has undergone a huge, wonderful change throughout Europe, and it’s heading here. On a long-delayed vacation to several European countries, sneakers were everywhere, but not the sports shoe. Sneakers were tailored, gorgeous, fun or elegant, worn with business suits, dressy outfits, casual, smart casual and even wedding parties for bridesmaids and brides. Large cities had about 25% flat/ short, chunky-heel boots or military style mixed in. Villages all had sneakers. Socks were the norm with some patterned hose. Traditional shoes — simply gone. In Central Florida, we will keep our sandals and soon add stylish sneakers for happier feet.
IT’S RON’S PARTY NOW, Jim Philips, retired longtime radio talk-show host: Ron DeSantis has every right to bask in the limelight after he battered Charlie Crist at the polls. It’s also worth noting that after DeSantis won Miami-Dade County (once reliably Democratic) that Florida is now officially a red state. What’s the old line? “I don’t belong to an organized political party ... I’m a Democrat.” However, there may be a glimmer of hope for Democrats if they stop pulling the trigger on their circular firing squad. Premiums for property insurance are bound to skyrocket even more following Ian and Nicole. A Republican governor and Republican-dominated Legislature have done little to ease the financial pain. No one relishes more economic instability, but if Democrats can’t use an “insurance hammer” to pound votes away from the GOP, then they deserve to lose — again.
NO MORE DENIAL, Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president; World Cup Orlando 1994 Committee chairman: Many Florida voters sat home and sulked, perhaps because few perfect candidates were running. Elections have consequences. Twenty years ago, when Florida’s hanging-chad election and a U.S. Supreme Court decision led to George W. Bush’s presidential election versus Al Gore, our world missed a chance to follow a leader who predicted our current climate crisis. Imagine had Gore prevailed as president and led global efforts to take the difficult but required steps to address climate change damage caused by fossil fuels. The UN now predicts a looming “climate hell” if we don’t immediately take action. Watch for leaders who aren’t deniers and act fast without delay.