THE TOP 10 STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Kristin Jacobs, member, Florida House of Representatives

Hurricane Michael. As Mayor of Broward during Hurricane Wilma, I witnessed about the worst mother nature could give. Looking at the headlines today, I am reminded of a different time. A little over a decade ago, as a hurricane approached we all drew together. We stood shoulder to shoulder and neighbor to neighbor to help each other through the storm and the ensuing recovery. That was a time when a calamity meant we suspended politics and laid down our broadswords to work for the common good. I hope some day we return to that time.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Red tide joined green algae as a plight affecting the greater Fort Lauderdale area. We posted warning signs along the beach as work crews collected scores of dead fish and testing proved that red tide had migrated to the east coast of the state. For months now, residents who live along our canals have complained about green algae polluting the waterways. The beauty of our beaches and waterways is part of what makes us a wonderful place to live and visit. We need to be better stewards of our environment. From Washington to Tallahassee to City Hall, all levels of government need to make environmental protection a top priority.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

As our Panhandle was devastated by Hurricane Michael that was supercharged by abnormally warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, we in South Florida have been impacted by the red tide that has severely impacted the southwest coast. Our coral reefs are dying at alarming rates.The impact of global warming on our environment and other man-made pollutions are being mostly ignored by the leaders of our land. Even as the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released dire predictions, President Trump cast doubt on the report in the face of 6,000 scientific studies from 40 countries. With the fate of our planet at stake, there is no option B.

Marty Kiar, property appraiser, Broward

County

The Broward County Commission approved a fare-free Saturday for November 3 so voters may have the opportunity to travel to early-voting sites to cast ballots in the upcoming election. Our fundamental right to vote is something we all must exercise. By removing any transportation obstacles, the Broward County Commission ensured the residents of this county will have access to all early-voting locations. The fares for paratransit transportation have also been lifted for this day but must be scheduled in advance.

Michael Udine, member, Broward County Commission

The film “Inside Building 12” premiered this week to audiences in South Florida. Showing graphic and real-life harrowing footage of the tragedy that occurred at MSD forcing the victim’s families and the community to relive that dreadful day. The producers of the film rightfully donated proceeds of the film to local mental health charities. Families of the victims that I spoke to had mixed opinions as to whether it should have been made. However since it was, many of them mentioned to me that they hoped that all members of the state and federal legislatures will watch it. Good idea!

Catalina Avalos, director of government affairs & community investment, Comcast

October 11, 2018 was designated as International Day of the Girl Child. According to the U.N. Women Organization, “by the age of 6 girls already consider boys more likely to show brilliance” and are more suited to be “really, really smart.” While there are still many disparities for women in the workplace, politics and elsewhere, we can all make a difference by promoting education and opportunities for the next generation. Kudos to Broward’s Pace Center for Girls for another successful gala benefiting at risk girls and providing them the opportunity of education and a safe environment where they can thrive.

Peter Moore, president, Chen Moore and

Associates

This past week, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners adopted a 30% County Business Enterprise goal to ensure appropriate County Small Business Enterprise contract awards for projects funded by the Broward Penny for Transportation surtax. In adopting a 30% CBE participation goal, and ensuring that appropriate contracts are awarded to CBE firms, this initiative furthers critical County small business and economic development goals and ensures that all businesses, including small businesses and businesses owned by women or minorities, will have a fair opportunity to participate in the projects funded by the surtax. #GoBroward

Lori Berman, Florida state senator

This past week, sixty women from the South Palm Beach County Jewish Federation travelled through Alabama and Georgia on a social justice mission. We visited museums and memorials dedicated to the civil rights movement, walked across the Edmund Pettis bridge, and met with people at the forefront of the movement. The lessons learned were both impactful and inspiring. The women are motivated to work, vote, and help repair the world. We must never forget our history and continually work to improve the lives of all Americans.