LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

LIVE LOCAL ACT, Mary Lee Downey, CEO, Hope Partnership:

We’re tracking the “Live Local Act” making its way through Tallahassee. Many are discussing the rent-control ban. I’m curious what lawmakers mean when they say “affordable housing.” The builders who will be incentivized by this legislation (or, the companies who will get paid with taxpayer dollars) are going to build properties where some units are priced for people who make 120% of the area’s median income. Let me be clear, our tourism workforce makes far less than the median income; often less than 50%. Maybe the real question is: who really gets to “live local” in Florida?

BLACK HISTORY,

Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way: Feb. 1 marked the beginning of Black History Month. It also marked the day that Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was laid to rest following a brutal beating by police. This juxtaposition was not lost on me and begged the question — “What history are we writing?” In 30 years, when our children look back on Feb. 1, what is the history they will see? More of the same? Or meaningful change? Let’s write a history that is equitable to all and one we will be proud of when our children and grandchildren read it.

CROOKED CAN EXPANSION, Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida: Craft beers are a hot ticket! The owner of the popular Crooked Can Brewing Company in Winter Garden announced an expansion into Lake County in 2025. The proposed facility near the Turnpike in Minneola is huge and will host event space, a food hall and a craft brewery. Even better, the location will create nearly 100 jobs once it opens. Innovative food and beverage businesses are a boost to the regional economy, and a plus for Lake County — I’ll raise my glass to that!

PRIVATIZING K-12, Gloria Pickar, president emerita, League of Women Voters of Orange County:

If HB 1 becomes law, every K-12 public school student in Florida will be eligible for private and homeschool vouchers worth approximately $7,400 each year. Vouchers will cover education expenses including tuition, fees, tutoring, virtual school, certification and AP exams, and supplemental materials. Taxpayer funding estimated at $4 billion the first year has no cap for household income eligibility. An amendment to limit vouchers to families earning less than $1 million failed. Further, there is no state accountability for teacher qualifications, curriculum, standardized testing, student safety, acceptance of LGBTQ students, etc. Are we privatizing education without regulation?

REMEMBERING MASSEY, Larry Pino, attorney and entrepreneur: Central Florida titan Harvey Massey, who passed away Jan. 24, has received justified praise across the community, but I could not let this moment go without a reflection. At issue was not just Harvey’s generosity or business acumen. At issue for me was the man whom I met some 25 years ago. He and his wife Carol were always present, always respectful, always delightful, and always real. Despite Harvey’s massive success, a coffee at Panera for advice and counsel was never off limits. Central Florida was honored to have Harvey Massey and I know we will all miss him. I will miss him.

REBUILD THE DOLPHINS,

Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president; World Cup Orlando 1994 Committee chairman: It’s good to see young and old minds unite to lead the Miami Dolphins forward for next season. New defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, an experienced coach for 41 years, is joining impressive head coach Mike McDaniel, 39 years old, made possible by wealthy Dolphins owner Steve Ross making Fangio the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL. Money talks. In 1970, I lived in Miami when Joe Robbie’s Dolphins moved to the NFL, hiring Don Shula, who two years later guided them to the perfect 17-0 season of 1972. I watched stars born in Bob Griese, Nick Buoniconti, Larry Csonka, Larry Little, Mercury Morris and Paul Warfield. Let’s do it again!

PROMOTING DIVISION, CEO, Sharity:

Carol Wick,

In January, the state government requested information from universities and colleges about the teaching and support of diversity, equity and inclusion. Those of us who heard about this knew what the inevitable outcome would be, and predictably Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans to defund all activities that work to support those who have traditionally been excluded and marginalized. These policies mean a huge loss to our institutions of higher learning. The promotion of hate and division is never a good thing for progress. And in Florida, it seems that is no longer a priority.

BAIL REFORM, Michael Zais, political blogger for thedrunkenrepublican.com:

A recent Sentinel editorial that criticized Ron DeSantis for reiterating his firm opposition to no-cash bail claimed that “there’s no real proof that bail reform increases crime rates.” A notion defying logic and absurd on its face. Just one of a plethora of examples — a New York Post article from last July indicated that “roughly one in every five crooks busted for burglary or theft in New York last year got re-arrested on a felony charge within 60 days after being put back on the streets,” citing NYPD figures. What are we to believe next? Devouring five boxes of Krispy Kremes every day won’t cause weight gain?