TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Mitch Ceasar, former chairman, Broward County Democratic Party

The Ecstasy and the Agony was the emotional roller coaster of this past week. First, the come from behind win by Tiger Woods at the Masters golf tournament. Proving that we never give up. Then the tragic burning of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This structure was built about 900 years ago, serves as a symbol to not only Catholics but to all faiths as a symbol of history. These bookend events prove that careers and iconic buildings are capable of restoration with perseverance.

Andrew Duffell, president, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

The recent photographs of a black hole highlight the importance of astronomy to our world: knowing black holes and their relationships to galaxies better, we can understand gravity better extending our understanding of our solar system and galaxy, essential to our sustainability. It also highlights the unsung accomplishments of women in science: it was a young female graduate of MIT who wrote the algorithm enabling the capture of the images. FAU is fortunate to have an accomplished female astronomer, Dr. Vicki Sarajedini, who will explore these topics in an important talk on April 19th at the South Florida Science Center.

Mary Riedel, president, Women in Distress Broward County

Congratulations to Publisher and General Manager Nancy Meyer, Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson, Managing Editor Dana Banker and the team of talented journalists as the South Florida Sun Sentinel was awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Public Service (for the second time) for its comprehensive coverage over 10 months (and continuing) of the tragic school shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. It underscores the importance of a free press and protecting rights embodied in the First Amendment. Our hometown media company getting well deserved national and international recognition for its work.

Lauren Book, member, Florida Senate

The debate surrounding the implementation of Amendment 4 has devolved into unnecessary inflammatory rhetoric that should be rejected. No matter which side you are on, we should all reject any “Jim Crow” or “poll tax” comparisons. Likening an individual whose right to vote has been removed because of a felony criminal action to the oppression of black Americans whose only “crime” was the color of their skin is insulting to the plight of the latter. I proudly support Amendment 4 and the restoration of rights in full, but we need to call out inflammatory language when we see it.

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

Last week, a press conference was held at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office regarding the hepatitis A outbreak. Since the beginning of the year, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has reported 19 hepatitis A cases and three deaths in Martin County. Across the state of Florida, more than 1,200 cases were reported. The FDOH encourages everyone to get vaccinated as this is the single most important action to take for those at risk. We need to collectively work together to address this serious health concern by educating the public, reviewing the symptoms and discussing how it can be transmitted.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

The City Commission unanimously approved an agreement with the Florida Panthers to revitalize War Memorial Auditorium and transform the 69-year-old facility into a family-centric sports and entertainment destination. Preliminary plans call for two indoor ice rinks for recreational skating, youth hockey, figure skating, and team practices. An upgraded performance venue would host concerts, conventions, and live shows. The project will significantly expand program offerings for adults, families and children; strengthen athletic opportunities; and enhance the quality of life. It’s a win/win partnership and we look forward to working with the Panthers to finalize all the specific project details.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show

My son AJ is a freshman at the University of Florida and last weekend was, “Parents Weekend”, where parents get together and bond with our kids and do our best to avoid the cheap alcohol traditionally found at frat parties. The Hollywood cheating scam was a big topic of conversation, and knowing how hard these kids worked to get into the school of their dreams and hearing many stories of those that didn’t, makes what those “celebrity parents” did (for?) to their kids all the more despicable. Question: If Aunt Becky from Full House does jail time, who plays her in the Hallmark movie?

John ‘Jack’ P. Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale

With the release of the Mueller Report and the debate about collusion, conspiracy, and cover-up, many are overlooking a major finding: it is abundantly clear that Russia interfered in the 2016 election and sought to help Donald Trump become president. The intelligence community unanimously and consistently told us this fact since 2016, but it is now explained in unprecedented detail in Mueller’s Report. Following this confirmation of the Kremlin’s attack on our democracy, it is time for responsible and patriotic leaders to use it to advocate against future Russian interference.