LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate: Next weekend marks the 30th annual Palm Beach Pride, Palm Beach County’s largest cultural event. Typically drawing over 30,000 people, Palm Beach Pride will take place March 26 and 27 at Bryant Park in downtown Lake Worth Beach. In celebration of the 30th anniversary, the event has partnered with the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office to conduct a mass wedding ceremony, tying the knot for 30 couples. In the face of homophobic legislation like Florida’s recently passed “Don’t Say Gay” bill, it is important for the LGBTQ community and allies to march with pride now more than ever.

Lauren Book, member, Florida Senate: The 2022 legislative session is over and despite being outnumbered, Democratic state lawmakers mounted a brave and aggressive fight for the things that truly matter to Floridians. Standing in defense of women’s rights, the LGBTQ community, free speech, and more, the united Democratic Caucuses in both chambers not only held firm in our opposition to the offensive attacks on children, teachers, voters, and the less fortunate, our unified Democrats found opportunities to stop or mitigate bad ideas from becoming law while notching a few victories in the process. Now it’s time to let voters know who was on their side.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine: The horrible ramifications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are endless. At the core is the savage slaughter of innocent families. Economic sanctions against Russia have had minimal impact on their military bombardment, and Putin’s now threatening to seize the assets of companies operating in his country. China is becoming an increasingly influential partner of Russia and NATO allies continue to withhold their ability to clear the airways. As a physician, I’m concerned about the service of the health-care system, not just for those mutilated but those requiring basic medications. Example: is insulin available for diabetics? Everything proves war is hell.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission:

Broward County has reached an agreement with Florida Power and Light to explore the possibility of “shore power” at Port Everglades. Shore power refers to electrical “plug-ins” that provide power to the engines while the ships are in port as an alternative to diesel fuel. Shore power allows these ships to maintain power without harmful emissions. This agreement is for $495,000 to assess the design possibilities for shore power at all eight shore berths at Port Everglades. This would be a great opportunity for Broward County to reduce our carbon footprint and create a nationally recognized clean energy program.

Jason Hughes, executive director, ArtServe: Sea turtle nesting season is now in effect through Oct. 31, so Broward County’s successful Sea Turtle Conservation program is asking businesses and residents near the beach to be mindful of local coastal lighting ordinances to help prevent hatchlings from becoming disoriented in their nighttime quest to reach the sea. Even cellphone lights confuse baby turtles in the dark. Keep all lighting low, shielded and “long” (amber or red LED lighting wavelength of 560 nm or higher) to help discourage baby sea turtles from heading toward traffic and being crushed to death. Florida Wildlife Commission provides comprehensive sea turtle-friendly lighting guidelines.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines: Miya’s name is honored, and July 1 when Miya’s Law goes into effect, Floridians will be one more step closer to feeling safer living in apartment communities. Our city took it hard learning of the death of one of our own, and we are all grateful that there was unanimous passage of Miya’s Law to save future lives. The law will require apartment landlords to conduct background checks on all employees and also ban motels from charging hourly rates to help prevent sex trafficking. We can’t comprehend the loss Miya Marcano’s family feels, but know this law will save others.

Wendy Sartory Link,

supervisor of elections, Palm Beach County: Tuesday is Election Day in the Municipal Runoff Elections in six municipalities across Palm Beach County. Election Day polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and you must vote at your assigned polling place. At this time, we recommend voters voting by mail bring their completed mail ballot to any of our four Elections Offices during business hours to avoid unforeseen delays in returning their ballot using the prepaid postage. Vote-by-Mail ballots must be received by our main office by 7 p.m. on Tuesday to be counted. Visit www.VotePalmBeach.gov.

Robert Weinroth, mayor, Palm Beach County: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a measure to make daylight saving time permanent throughout the country starting in 2023. Since 2015, about 30 states have ended the twice-yearly ritual of adjusting clocks. Experts tout the health and economic benefits of permanent daylight saving time. Getting outside after work or school increases serotonin and impacts mental health and mood. Additionally, retailers report shoppers spend nearly 4 percent less following the switch to standard time as earlier sunsets encourage people to go home rather than shop. The bill still needs to pass the U.S. House and be signed by President Joe Biden.