Looking ahead

Ghenete Wright Muir, attorney, Realtor, LGBTQ advocate

I was enjoying the rain on Labor Day when I got a text from my friend in New Orleans asking about my storm situation. The next day a hurricane was heading her way. We all fared well but it’s a good reminder that we are in hurricane season. So, get ready and don’t be in the flood of people panicking to get necessities like water and batteries. The Broward County website has a great shopping guide that helps you incrementally shop for supplies over 8 weeks to get everything you need. Here’s the link: broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/HurricaneKitShoppingGuide.aspx

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt

College of Medicine

South Florida demonstrates rising sea levels which almost everyone attributes to climate change. Many studies are underway to reverse this process. Adding seaweed to cattle feed has reduced by 30 percent the methane emissions from their digestive systems. And yet simultaneously, restrictions are being lifted on the coal industry, a major polluter. It’s understandable to promote American industry, but this tragically redirects our efforts from expanding the utilization of clean sources of energy. Maybe if POTUS and like-minded individuals/organizations were required to eat crow, a similar reduction in unhealthy emissions might follow the example of the progress made with cattle.

Norm Kent, publisher, South Florida Gay

News

Let's face it. The continuing unstable conduct by the President of the United States will dominate the news media up to and including the midterm elections this November, and everyone should be talking about the importance of our rights as American citizens to vote, now more

than ever.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

The morning of September 11, 2001 changed American life forever, and the trauma reverberates to this day. It’s now second nature to endure travel restrictions, to be wary of large crowds, have backpacks and purses checked by security, and live by See Something Say Something. But the most important thing that stays with us is that nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day, and we lost our innocence as a country that day. I hope that we never become numb to the tragedy of that day. Please take a moment and remember, contemplate and realize its impact

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

Over the past week, there has been a state of emergency for seven counties across Florida where waterways are filled with decomposed fish floating in the water. These decomposed fish release brevetoxins that get blown into the air. When these toxins are breathed in, this causes people to cough and experience difficulty breathing due to the red tide. In Fort Myers, doctors have seen 20 percent more patients this summer with difficulty breathing than in previous years and believe this is caused from the red tide.

Daniel Cane, president and CEO, Modernizing Medicine, Fort Lauderdale

The NFL season is underway, and Nike is out with its 30th anniversary of the famous “Just Do It” ad campaign. The first athlete featured is Colin Kaepernick, a lightning rod in sports and marketing circles. Nike was not the only company looking to brand around the controversial athlete, as industry insiders reported that other major shoe companies were looking as well. There is an old PR adage that all publicity is good publicity keeping your brand relevant. Nike is certainly testing that theory here. Looking forward time will tell, but my guess is Nike will be successful.

Tim Lonergan, president, Broward League of Cities; Oakland Park mayor

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and as suicide rates continue to rise, the topic of suicide prevention is taking on new meaning. As elected officials, we want our residents to be aware of warning signs of suicide and how to prevent it from happening. There are several local resources available to contact if you have concerns about yourself or a loved one where you can access confidential support. Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention offers programs for adolescents, seniors and the LGBT community. For 24⁄ crisis assistance, call 2-1-1 First Call for Help

7 or Henderson Mental Health Crisis Center at 954-486-4005.

Lori Berman, Florida state senator

We now know both Ron DeSantis and Andrew Gillum’s picks for Lieutenant Governor. In a move right from Rick Scott’s playbook, DeSantis chose Jeannette Nunez, a Hispanic woman from Miami to run alongside him. Nunez has consistently voted to restrict women’s access to healthcare and has diverted public dollars to for-profit charter schools. Andrew Gillum has chosen Orlando businessman Chris King to accompany him on the ticket. King has proven to be a successful entrepreneur and shares Mayor Gillum’s vision for a Florida with affordable healthcare, quality public schools, and strong environmental protections. Now, it’s up to the voters.