TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Andrew Duffell, president, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

STEM education got a significant boost with FAU’s announcement expanding its partnership with the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, creating a firstof-its-kind academy. The unprecedented FAU Max Planck Academy will open Max Planck’s laboratories, including those of Nobel Laureates, to high school students, allowing them to participate in world-class research and scientific discoveries as part of their curriculum. Benefiting from the international presence of MPFI and the Max Planck Society, the academy experience will lead to extraordinary international networking, mentorship, and study abroad opportunities. Opportunities like this can transform this region. Sustained innovation like will transform this region.

Sandra Bernard-Bastien, chief communications officer, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

The firing of tear gas on women and children seeking asylum at the border was a heart-breaking moment for our country. This was in stark contrast to the popular Thanksgiving narrative of Plymouth colonists (immigrants) and Wampanoag (Native Americans) sharing a feast, so many years ago. We are a country founded by refugees and immigrants, fleeing poverty and persecution, not unlike those today, who are running away from some of the most violent conditions around the world. They are hoping to get to a place they view as a beacon of liberty, justice and hope - the American Dream.

John “Jack” P. Seiler, former mayor, Fort

Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale and South Florida lost a local treasure with the passing of Harris Whitfield “Whit” Hudson last week. Whit, a Flying L and an Army veteran, had an incredibly successful business career in the waste industry and capital investments, but he had an even greater impact by sharing his prosperity with individuals, churches, and charities in need. Most of us knew Whit as a true sportsman who loved to hunt and fish, as a community leader and community builder, as a fun-loving gentleman, and a proud family man, but many more knew

Whit as an extremely generous and humble philanthropist who truly made South Florida better. Whit will certainly be missed but not forgotten, and his legacy of truly making a difference will be carried on by Steve, Holly, and his family.

James Donnelly, CEO, Castle Group

The Homelessness Collaborative in Broward launched its “Home for the Holidays” campaign to find a home for the residents of the downtown encampment. A press conference was held Monday by Mayor’s Furr and Trantalis, and many other community leaders, to announce the comprehensive plan to bring dignity, safety, and shelter to those in our community who need it most. What you do not see is the six months and millions of dollars that have been invested to make sure all the supporting services are in place. Our Continuum of Care Board and providers have been the foundation for this initiative.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

The release of the National Climate Assessment, a congressional mandated report released every four years, predicts dire economic and quality of life issues, particularly for areas such as Florida. Compiled from the research of 13 federal agencies and hundreds of the nation’s top scientists, the facts are irrefutable. Rising seas, toxic algae blooms, red tides, higher intensity and more frequent storms are just some of the real impacts of human caused carbon dioxide emissions. Billions of dollars of real estate is at risk. It is unconscionable, the height of arrogance and dangerous to our future that President Trump’s response is that he doesn’t believe it. Hopefully our new governor will not be a “denier.”

Nan Rich, member, Broward County com

mission

The Homelessness Collaborative in Broward recently launched a comprehensive initiative to end the homeless encampment in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The collaborative includes Broward County government, the city of Fort Lauderdale, business leaders, not-for-profit providers, law enforcement, the faith-based community, and the Homeless Continuum of Care. The initiative follows the national best practice “Housing First” model, a humane and compassionate approach that prioritizes getting unsheltered homeless individuals and families into stable housing (58 so far!) with the supportive services necessary to ensure long-term success. Homelessness is a humanitarian crisis and I’m proud that our community recognizes its moral obligation to help.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale proudly joined with Broward County and the Homeless Collaborative in Broward to launch a major initiative to end homelessness in our downtown. The new effort provides homeless individuals with supportive housing combined with intensive case management including assistance in finding work, recovering from substance abuse, and overcoming health issues. This is the type of unified and compassionate approach I’ve long said is needed. The program is already generating positive results and with continued support, we can help even more individuals while ensuring we have a downtown that is safe and welcoming to residents, businesses and visitors.

Maria Sachs, former member, Florida Senate

Other than health care, there is no more important issue affecting Floridians than climate change. Having a geography that is more sand bar than granite rock, Florida is vulnerable to even incremental increases in sea rise. Our sea level rise is 20 percent higher than the global rate, which becomes even more alarming since so many of our cities are built on or close to a body of water. We Floridians must expect our state and federal representatives to protect not only those of us who have chosen this state as our home, but also future generations who rely on us to protect this beautiful environment for years to come.