Looking ahead to this week

Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of Miami

The US Supreme Court will soon be hearing arguments on the legality of the DACA program and its rescission. The Supreme Court will likely issue a decision in the last ten days of June 2020. If Supreme Court rules DACA illegal (a position Obama held before he initiated it), Congress will have to act fast to prevent some 800,000 DACA recipients from being deported (something Trump once said he wouldn’t do). The closer to November 2020, the less likely for any legislative solution. In the meantime, the “Dreamers” live with the stress of having their dreams still on hold

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

The Florida Senate Education Committee meets tomorrow to get an update on school safety throughout the state. They want to determine if new school-security measures passed in 2018 and at the 2019 legislative session are being implemented by school districts. Passed measures included requiring public schools to have trained, armed security personnel on site at all times. It was recently discovered that some schools did not comply. Such follow up is unfortunate but necessary to ensure all schools comply, with consequences for those that do not. School is in session. We can’t let our children’s safety fall through any cracks.

Chip LaMarca, member, Florida House of Representatives

I am excited to announce that the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association’s 62nd Annual Conference will be taking place at Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa in Jensen Beach, Florida next week. Each year the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association hosts this conference and invites professionals to speak on a variety of issues ranging from the economic impact of our beaches to the mitigated damage from natural disasters for our coastal communities. I will be speaking on a panel with Senator Mayfield about our Coastal Management Bill that is now state law, as well as future initiatives affecting Florida’s beaches.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Miami and Fort Lauderdale lead the country with the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses per capita. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) an Agency of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, reported that under former Gov. Rick Scott, Florida rejected millions of dollars in grants for HIV: 2015-$23.9million, 2016-$29.2 million, 2017-$767,364. Other states have made significant progress in reducing HIV with these grants. Recently, Congresswoman Wilson informed stakeholders at a round table that grant money is available from the CDC. We must learn from past mistakes and move forward with fighting HIV in Florida.

Tim Lonergan, commissioner, Oakland Park

Who’s your Mayor, Broward? Who was Mayor last year? Mayors Mark Bogen and Bean Furr of course! Who will Broward’s Mayor be next year or the year after? Expecting a one-year Mayor to get established, build long-term relationships and drive long-term goals is difficult at best. The Mayor is the spokesperson, an important point of contact, working closely with the entire Commission to accomplish goals. It could greatly benefit the County and Municipalities to openly discuss the PROS and CONS of electing a 4-year Mayor. Electing a Strong Mayor is not being recommended, but we can benefit from electing a multi-year Mayor.

Robert Weinroth, member, Palm Beach County Commission

During WWII, tobacco companies donated cigarettes to the war effort, for inclusion in soldiers’ rations while celebrities extolled the benefits of their use. Many have paid the price for that fallacy. E-cigarettes are pitched as safe alternatives to smoking. In just 5-years they’ve become more popular with high school students than cigarettes. However, with over 200 cases of life-threatening vaping-related illnesses reported, e-cigarettes, with their fruity, menthol or mint flavors, have become our newest epidemic. With uncharacteristic speed, the FDA appears poised to require removal of flavored products from the market. Clearly a prudent move until safety can be demonstrated.

Marty Kiar, property appraiser, Broward County

Broward property owners were previously mailed 2019 proposed property tax notices showing each property’s 2019 assessment, any tax-saving exemptions applied and information about the value appeal process. Property owners have until September 18, 2019 to apply for any 2019 exemption they are eligible for and to file a petition appealing their 2019 assessment with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). Please contact my office at 954-357-6830 or email me at martykiar@bcpa.net if you have any questions about your property assessment or exemptions. You can file an appeal with the VAB at bcvab.broward.org/ axiaweb2019 or 954-357-7205 by September 18.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Join us along downtown’s Riverwalk on Saturday, September 21 as we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. The 5th Annual Riverwalk Fall Festival will take place from noon - 4:00 p.m. at Esplanade Park, located at 400 S.W. 2 Street along the New River. This free event will feature fun and excitement for the entire family. Highlights will include carnival-themed games, fall activities, contests and giveaways, live music and entertainment, plus food trucks, vendors, and fall refreshments. For more information, contact Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale at (954) 468-1541 or visit the Riverwalk website at www.goriverwalk.com.