LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK
EATONVILLE LAND PLAN, David Kay, chair, Interfaith Council of Central Florida:
People power is real. When developers wanted to alter the plans for the former site of Hungerford Vocational High School, Eatonville residents pushed back, convincing their town council and mayor to stick to the original agreement for land use. A historic site dating back to the earliest years of Eatonville’s existence, the 100-plus acres where Hungerford stood are woven into the identity of the town. The people know what they want and need — and their elected officials did the right thing and listened. As the new HostDime data center rises nearby, let’s hope they keep on listening.
SOLAR BOOST,
Ken LaRoe, founder, Climate First Bank: There’s been a lot of buzz around how to take advantage of new incentives honored under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), now in effect. While residents and businesses that put solar panels on their roof or even an energy-efficient HVAC will get a tax credit of 30% against their tax bill, that doesn’t mean tax-exempt organizations like non-governmental organizations can’t get any benefit. Under the IRA, any nonprofit will now get a check directly from the Treasury for 40% if they use American-made equipment. The check can be used for anything and not just to pay for the improvement. This is huge! It means the many condo associations across Florida can upgrade their buildings and use the money back for anything including reserves.
COVID EMERGENCY, Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida:
Except for expected spikes around the holidays, new COVID-19 cases have been decreasing consistently from previous years. This “back to normal” has prompted the federal government to officially declare the COVID-19 federal health emergency over as of mid-May and end coronavirus pandemic federal support. For Americans, this means that access to free COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments may also end, depending upon where you live and what insurance coverage you have available. Although private insurance and other government health plan coverage may still pick up these costs, there will no longer be a mandate. The time is now to take advantage of free boosters and support before time runs out!