The top stories last week

Chip LaMarca, member, Florida House of Representatives.

Governor DeSantis announced this week that $500 million for hurricane recovery has been distributed. The Division of Emergency Management has expedited these funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Grant program. Hurricane shelters and evacuations will be handled differently this year due to COVID-19. There will be larger shelters with limited capacity, and the possibility of hotel rooms being used for those who cannot shelter safely at home. Hurricane models are projecting an active season for the coming months. Make sure you are prepared for this year’s hurricane season and review your evacuation plan.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

One person’s action can make a huge impact; a prime example is 73-year-old James Michelini, who resides in Port St. Lucie. For 43 years, James has donated blood and platelets every second Wednesday of the month, donating over 100 gallons of blood. He had an initial goal of donating 10 gallons and has accomplished so much more. To this date, James has saved 864 lives. James said it’s really good to know that he could be a “little bit of a life saver” and that he would continue donating for as long as he remains healthy.

The Governor signed 23 bills into law this past week, one of which addressed a problem I don’t think many people realized existed. Florida leads the country in the number of high school athlete heatstroke deaths, with four in the past nine years. The signed bill, created because of the death of a Tampa Bay high school football player, gives better protection for players at practices and games in our grueling summer heat. It requires defibrillators to be clearly marked and available at games and practices, and establishes guidelines for heat prevention, cooling zones and ice baths. Our youth deserve this protection.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines. Frederick Lippman, chancellor of Nova Southeastern’s Health Professions Division.

Let’s cooperate, South Florida, and fight this insidious pandemic. It is clear that COVID-19 is not going to go away as we all had hoped. We are all praying for a vaccine and some pharmaceutical cure in the very near future. Until such time, it is vital that we all practice the Three Ws: Wash your hands, wear your mask and watch your physical distancing. Despite what you may hear, this is not a philosophical or a political issue; it is common sense. Based on health care and scientific knowledge, protect yourselves, your loved ones and the community at large.

Matt Willhite, member, Florida House of Representatives.

After hours of listening to a passionate lineup of residents, Palm Beach County commissioners voted Tuesday unanimously in favor of requiring face masks to be worn inside public buildings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Before residents spoke during public comment at Tuesday’s meeting, the Commission heard from county health officials who pointed out that the number of COVID-19 cases in the county are still rising. Let us be clear. Wearing a mask in public buildings is crucial for impeding the threat of a second wave and avoiding the potential of another shutdown.

Tim Lonergan, commissioner, Oakland Park.

On Wednesday, the Florida COVID-19 dashboard reported 109,104 active cases and

3,281 deaths. Broward County reported

12,217 active cases and 378 deaths. The numbers are quickly rising due to individuals not complying with wearing masks and social distancing. Increasing infection rates are putting the health and lives of Floridians in danger and increasing the need for another shutdown. To reduce these risks, Broward County issued an Executive Order focusing on identifying violators and seeking strict compliance from establishments. Violating businesses will be required to close for 24 hours and face fines of $500 or up to

$15,000 for repeat offenders.

George Moraitis, chairman, Broward Republican Executive Committee.

A federal appeals court decided on Wednesday to order the dismissal of the government’s case against Michael Flynn. Flynn was President Trump’s first national security adviser, who pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to FBI investigators. By now most know the story of how Flynn was set up by the FBI and manipulated to plead guilty for a crime he never committed due to his political ties with the President. This decision is long overdue but should serve as a great boost of confidence for the American people in our justice system.

Forty years ago, today, the US government officially established Biscayne Bay as a national park. Unique from other national parks where visitors explore lands, visitation to Biscayne National Park is 95% in the water. It is also home to approximately 500 species of fish, water birds, endangered species and coral reefs. Sadly, most of our national parks require critical deferred maintenance and restoration, including Biscayne. The recent passage of the Great American Outdoors Act by the U.S. Senate is a significant step forward. Let’s hope Congress moves in the same bipartisan direction and passes it to preserve our American legacy.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group.