LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Lamar Fisher, vice mayor, Broward County. Next week, the Broward County Commission will be approving a major affordable housing item. As we all know, Broward County has become one of the nation’s most cost-burdened communities to live in. This agenda item will provide gap financing for nine affordable housing projects totaling $47.255 million dollars for a total of 1,025 new units. The projects are set all around Broward County, and I’m proud that we are taking the steps to increase our affordable housing inventory. Most importantly, I’m happy that we are able to make Broward a more affordable place to live.

George Hanbury, president, Nova Southeastern University. Broward County is home to the only undefeated Division II men’s basketball team in the nation — the NSU Sharks! After the pandemic canceled last year’s season, the Sharks started this year ranked 13th, and since the opening tip-off, they have beaten every opponent to rise to the No. 1 ranking in NCAA Division II. You don’t have to look far to find excellence both on the court and in the classroom — NSU Florida is a national research university that all South Floridians can be proud of. Join me in wishing our Sharks the best as they prepare for March Madness and, hopefully, a national championship!

Chip LaMarca, member, Florida House of Representatives. I filed a bill on resiliency last year in the Florida House to continue to fight against sea-level rise in our state. To continue the work we started last year, HB 7053 was filed to authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to provide grants to small cities and counties to fund preconstruction activities for projects submitted to the annual Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan. We have more than 1,350 miles of coastline and low elevations, and Florida is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of flooding and sea-level rise. I look forward to protecting our beaches.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released new data that shows the U.S. will experience significant sea-level rise in the coming years, with our region expected to have a foot more by 2040. Fueled by climate change, we will be impacted by more tidal flooding and severe hurricanes. To mitigate the damage, Broward County and local municipalities will receive a combined $78 million in grant funds for resilient infrastructure improvement projects from the state in addition to the millions already earmarked. We will need billions more to improve our infrastructure.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate. The Florida House of Representatives unanimously passed a pair of bills that could restrict former lawmakers from lobbying after they exit the public service sector. The bills, HB 7001 and HB 7003, would implement Amendment 12, which prohibits lawmakers from lobbying elected officials for six years after leaving office. If lawmakers violate such restrictions, they may be fined up to $10,000 and forced to forfeit all funds accumulated through illegal lobbying. The Florida Senate will now review the House bills directly and prepare the legislation for consideration. If passed, the bills would take effect on Dec. 31, 2022.

Andy Thomson, member, Boca Raton City Council. The city of Boca Raton is currently working on several transportation-related improvements to help make our roads safer. New traffic signal mast arms are being installed at intersections around the city. Mast arms are now fitted with larger street signs to improve visibility. New energy-efficient lighting fixtures are being installed; approximately 740 fixtures have already been installed, and another 600-700 fixtures scheduled to be completed by spring 2022. Boca Raton will continue to make road safety a priority.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale. Next Sunday, to close out Black History Month, we invite you to join the city of Fort Lauderdale in the annual Sistrunk Festival and Parade! Get ready for a high energy event showcasing our community’s rich heritage, highlighting cultural diversity, promoting unity and celebrating ethnicities. The Sistrunk Parade and Festival returns to historic Sistrunk Boulevard on Saturday, Feb. 26. At 9 a.m., the parade will depart from Lincoln Park, 600 N.W. 19th Ave., and travel east down Sistrunk Boulevard to Northwest Ninth Avenue. The colorful and festive procession will feature decorative floats, marching bands, step teams, classic cars, drum lines, sororities, fraternities, business owners and community leaders. We hope to see you there!

Matt Willhite, member, Florida House of Representatives. This week, the House strongly supported legislation that will invest $70 million toward protecting at-risk boys and helping foster children in Florida. On the floor and in analysis by House staff, we learned that children raised in fatherless homes are twice as likely to drop out of school or end up in jail. On the other hand, children with father figures are twice as likely to attend college and maintain a job. This is a good piece of legislation that passed unanimously. It now goes to the Senate for their approval.