LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. Much attention is focused on the devastating effects of inflationary patterns in the economy. The cost of medications for America’s population must be included. Insurance companies must be convinced to provide prescription drugs at a reasonable cost without making outrageous profits. Patients often abandon treatment or get charged much more than patients in other countries because of a lack of controls. The Palm Beach County Medical Society has taken this issue on as a major concern for everyone. Its Prescription Drug Price Transparency Program examines legislative activity and provides advice on how patients can improve their access to needed medication.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission. For the first time in years, there is currently no waiting list for the School Readiness Program, which provides financial assistance for child care in Broward County. Child care is not just essential as a way to keep kids safe while parents work. Research indicates that in the developmental process, high-quality early learning can make a lifelong difference and help determine future outcomes. That is why Broward County, through our Early Learning Coalition, has been so committed to improving access to and quality of child care. The School Readiness Program is designed to help families that need assistance.

Marlon A. Hill, of counsel, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L. Over the next three weeks until Columbus Day weekend, South Florida will be inundated with the sounds, aroma and pageantry of Caribbean culture for the staging of the 38th annual Miami Broward Caribbean Carnival. Thousands of visitors from across the world will descend on our hospitality industry to celebrate the last major carnival on the global cultural calendar with local friends and family. With the growth of the number of Caribbean-Americans in our tri-county area, this annual commemoration serves as a source of buzzing economic activity, social connections and cultural pride. It’s time to play más at miamicarnival.org.

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward. “Shana tova” to all who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish new year. This ancient celebration of creation and the start of a new year is one of the holiest times of year for the Jewish people, who are such an important part of our community. In South Florida and around the world, Jewish families will gather for good food, lighting candles, music and other important elements of the celebration. With so many challenges in the world right now, I’m hoping this Rosh Hashanah brings a time of peace, hope and renewal that is felt everywhere.

John “Jack” Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale. Former President Trump was dealt double legal blows as he attempted to fend off multiple investigations on numerous fronts. A federal appeals court ordered the Justice Department could continue reviewing documents marked as classified that were seized from Mar-a-Lago last month. Three judges, including two Trump appointees, ruled that the public has a strong interest in ensuring his retention of the material did not cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. Separately, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a civil lawsuit against Trump, three of his adult children, and the Trump Organization, alleging an expansive fraud lasting over a decade.

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida. Gov. DeSantis’ stunt, promising housing and employment in Boston to Venezuelan asylum seekers in Texas and then sending them instead to Martha’s Vineyard (where post-Labor Day there are no jobs) illustrates not only the ambition and mean-spiritedness of our governor but a weakness in our government. There are no checks on his authority — not by courts, not the supplicant Attorney General, and not the submissive Legislature. Consequently, we are likely to see more stunts, toying with people’s lives to promote his persona in headlines, until someone uses their authority to challenge his actions or until voters restore politically divided government.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida

Senate. Democratic lawmakers in Florida recently charged Gov. DeSantis with violating state law after he used taxpayer money to send dozens of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard without their informed consent. Although the Florida Legislature had approved the “transport of unauthorized aliens” from the state, lawmakers argued that DeSantis’ actions exceeded his granted authority. He also acted criminally under Texas state law by unlawfully restraining the migrants through deception. If the governor’s actions end up in court, DeSantis has the support of many of Florida’s judges, having appointed them. At the federal level, many are on the bench because of Trump.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale. As we come out of the summer, tourism numbers continue to stay strong. Although not quite as robust as last summer, when we were one of the few destinations open for business, the tourism trend of higher rates offset a slight decrease in occupancy. All the indicators are for a strong fourth quarter and 2023 as our No. 1 industry heads into the future.