LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Chip LaMarca, member, Florida House of

Representatives. Broward County Public Schools has made an announcement about the changes that are taking place for their summer programs. Broward County will not physically host any activities during the summer in school buildings. This includes municipal summer camps, day-care services, “Before & After School Child Care” and all other activities previously scheduled. Required summer programs, including Third Grade Reading Academy, Extended School Year and VPK, will be offered for eligible students using distance learning, and extensive use of video chats. Class sizes will be reduced for fewer students per teacher to maximize instructional support and personalization. Visit browardschools.com for updates.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt Col

lege of Medicine. As if humanity doesn’t have enough danger to worry about containing and eliminating this COVID19 pandemic, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences its analysis of satellite images since 1979. Irrefutably climate change is producing more destructive storms. By 8 percent a decade, the potential for hurricanes of Category 3 or higher with winds of 110 mph or greater has steadily increased. Massachusetts of Technology scientists have confirmed these observations. So protecting our populations is not only a medical conundrum, but an atmospheric one as well. Everyone needs to pitch in.

Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller &

Birthisel. Our ability to be disciplined while exercising constitutional freedoms in this COVID-19 reopening period will determine the speed of our economic recovery. The boundaries of the spread of this infectious disease are set by us. And only us. As a result, we will be responsible for the risk exposure to our vulnerable populations and workforces. We must be vigilant in being mindful with our movements for the benefit of the greater health of our South Florida region. Our elected and business leaders will also need more synchronized communication to ensure that there is one disciplined and consistent call to action. Let’s use the summer season to see this through for a brighter fall.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater

Fort Lauderdale. One positive outcome of the pandemic was the dramatic 17% decrease, equalling more than 1 billion tons, in global greenhouse emissions as was reported by Nature Climate Change for the month of April. Predictions are for a 4% to 7% decrease for 2020. However, those gains will likely not continue as the world gets back to business. Given that the U.N. reports that emissions must fall 7.6% each year to avoid the disastrous effects of climate change, this will be the most critical issue for our future.

Michael Udine, member, Broward County

Commission. The science fair must go on! Students and educators around the world are committed to ensuring the tradition of the science fair continues through the pandemic. Science fairs are critical in teaching students to solve real world problems, innovate, and work together. Thankfully technology has enabled these important events to go digital. Even the International Science and Engineering Fair, the world’s largest science fair, is utilizing technology to connect students and educate through presentations, panel discussions, and virtual exhibits. Taking the science fair digital shows students that when faced with new challenges, we must continue to adapt and innovate.

Philip Purcell, CEO/President, Marine Indus

tries Association of South Florida. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest on the water, according to U.S. Coast Guard reports. USCG suggests simple planning can make sure the celebration does not turn tragic. Every boat needs life jackets — stored out of the plastic and worn by children under 12 or anyone onboard a vessel under 26 feet. Boaters are encouraged to stay alert and look for “aides to navigation signs” or ATONS. Stay off the phone while underway and don’t overload the boat with too many people, which is the most common mistake. USCG will send overloaded boats back to the port or dock.

Pastor D.H. Dawkins Sr., Praise Tabernacle

International. Congrats to all the graduates of The Class of 2020. The resilience, tenacity and innovation within you all will be in demand in order to make it through the economic times you are being thrusted into. You have what it takes.