LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed many extra demands on mankind’s ability to address crisis issues. Among them is the tremendous need for high quality medical care. Our physicians, nurses and all other medical personnel have performed generously and compassionately — often while in danger of getting the virus. One fortunate outcome: The situation has encouraged even more interest in the medical field. As an example, the Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine received over 6,000 applications for the current new class of 64 students. The graduates are strongly encouraged to remain after their training in service to South Floridians.

Howard Dvorkin, CPA, chairman, Debt.com. The Sun Sentinel recently reported that “one in three people in South Florida has maxed out a credit card.” Separately, a study found that the Miami metro area has the nation’s ninth-highest share of million-dollar homes. You can draw two conclusions here: South Florida is becoming a middleclass wasteland, with only rich and poor populations. Or South Floridians are spending way too much on housing, and it’s causing a cascade of personal debt. Or maybe both things are true.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission. A data revolution is coming to Broward County. The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization will be collecting an unprecedented amount of anonymous data about how, where and when people move around in Broward. This data will tell us helpful information, such as what times attractions get the most traffic, which seasons have the most bus usage and much, much more. That information will tell us how to coordinate our traffic lights and patterns, where to put commuter rail stations, how many buses to run, and other important decisions. This will be a critical tool in expanding transit and enhancing mobility in Broward County.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union. I’d like to thank Broward educators and encourage them to truly enjoy this summer. Broward offers many options. In addition to sunbathing, the beach can be a great place to meditate by a pier or simply people-watch. Anne Kolb, Secret Woods, Fern Forest and other parks provide enriching experiences with nature. Las Olas Oceanside Park, Hollywood ArtsPark and Riverfront offer free weekend music. If you need to escape the heat, consider free browsing in green markets and swap shops and reasonable admissions at a plethora of museums and galleries. The important thing is to just chill and have fun — you’ve earned it.

Tim Lonergan, former mayor, Oakland Park. News of a potential years long $100 million investment in Las Olas Boulevard has some Fort Lauderdale residents excited while others are again feeling neglected and slighted. A great destination for tourists and locals who want to be seen, Las Olas continues to satisfy. Housing stock is exploding in the area, with many new condominium and apartment complexes already built or currently under construction. Additional investment in the area is understandable. The problem is, a fair share of tax dollars is not going into other neighborhoods to improve the infrastructure, plant trees, add sidewalks and streetlights and repave the roads.

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward.

I was thrilled to read in the Sun Sentinel that construction is underway on a new manatee viewing platform along the South Fork of the New River. This two-story platform at the Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach will be the first designated manatee-watching spot created for Broward residents. Hopefully, this lovely addition to the park will raise awareness about protecting manatees, which suffer from loss of sea grass, water pollution, boat strikes and other human hazards. The new viewing platform offers a safe, respectful way for more people to get a closer look at these beloved creatures.

Barbara Sharief, member, Broward County Commission. On June 15, Broward County commissioners will determine whether to put the countywide elected mayor item on the ballot. An elected mayor would give the county consistency in its representation for diplomatic visits, working with the governor’s office, lobbying for the airport, seaport and representation in Tallahassee. Miami-Dade County does much better because they have a consistent four-year mayor who’s developing relationships that move their issues forward. Bottom line: It’s time for our 2 million residents to speak and stop muting their voices. It’s time to put this item on the ballot! Sign-up to speak on June 15 at: https://ems8.intellor. com/?do=register&t=1&p=837764, agenda item #110.

Robert Weinroth, member, Palm Beach County Commission. Boca Raton has joined Fort Lauderdale in exploring the idea of constructing a tunnel, which, in Boca’s case, would connect the new Brightline station to Mizner Park. Elon Musk’s Boring Co. has been invited to present more details. Palm Beach County is Florida’s third largest county. Moving people safely and efficiently is an imperative as our population continues to grow. Musk’s futuristic tunnel systems are low-cost compared to constructing bridges and flyovers, sparking interest across South Florida. Questions and concerns still need to be addressed. Nevertheless, it’s exciting to see the idea being explored in South Florida.