TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.

Joseph Cox, president and CEO, Museum of Discovery and Science. For decades, Brits (like me) have fled dismal UK summers for Florida’s sunshine and beaches. It was shocking this week to see that London is far warmer than Fort Lauderdale. With destructive wildfires sweeping Europe, some of the most extreme weather globally is happening right now in the UK. The UK’s highest observed temperature on record was broken with a staggering 104.5°F (40.3°C). Many places also experienced exceedingly rare “tropical nights,” where temperatures remain above 68°F (20°C). And of course, fewer British homes have air-conditioning than here in Florida. Now is the time for climate action and resilience planning.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc. The Florida Department of Health in MiamiDade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory after the first local case of dengue infection has been confirmed this year. Dengue is a virus spread through mosquito bites by Aedes mosquitoes, which also spread the chikungunya and Zika virus. Common symptoms of Dengue include a fever, headache, eye pain, muscle joint or bone pain, rash, nausea and vomiting or unusual bleeding (nose or gum bleeding). DOH-Miami-Dade recommends draining standing water, wearing insect repellent, covering skin with proper clothing and repairing broken screens on windows/doors to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group. I celebrated my birthday this week and decided not to let that new number affect how I act. Turns out, that’s the best approach. A recent study has shown that one’s attitude about age impacts our physical, behavioral and psychosocial health. The study, published in JAMA earlier this year, found that U.S. adults older than 50 who have a positive attitude about their age have improved physical health, reduced risk of mortality, better health behaviors and exhibit behaviors associated with psychosocial well-being. These findings suggest that by creating a positive attitude about aging, we can improve our overall health.

Lamar Fisher, vice mayor, Broward County. July is Smart Irrigation Month, a friendly reminder to be smart about water use by saving water and helping protect our water resources. Use these simple tips year-round to help conserve water and save money. (1) Watch the weather and wait to water, (2) avoid watering in middle of the day, (3) inspect your irrigation system frequently, (4) install a rain sensor, (5) use drip or micro-irrigation systems, (6) add Florida-friendly plants and use mulch. For more information or to learn about the county’s outdoor water conservation program, visit broward.org/NaturalResources/WaterConservation.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union. Elections have consequences! They are more than just determining which smiling face you’ll see on the news the next couple years. Those elected influence the economy, your health and safety, and much more! Are you registered to vote? If not, there’s still time. You have through Monday, July 25, to register for the important Aug. 23 primary. If you want the ease of voting by mail, you can still request your ballot. If you would prefer to vote in person early to avoid the crowds, that starts Aug. 13. For more info on the 2022 elections, go to browardvotes.gov.

Charlotte Mather-Taylor, executive director, Area Agency on Aging of Broward County. In July, the state of Florida added a new color to its statewide alert system. The Purple Alert is a new kind of missing persons alert for those 18 and older with a mental or cognitive disorder. This is not to be confused with a Silver Alert, as it does not include Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related disorder. This alert is meant to engage the community to keep an eye out and to help keep the missing person safe. For more information on the Purple Alert, visit fdle.state.fl.us/PurpleAlerts/Purple-Alert-Plan. aspx. For information on the Silver Alert, visit fdle.state.fl.us/ AMBER-Plan/Silver-Alert.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission. There are approximately 3,700 children experiencing homelessness attending Broward County Public Schools (BCPS). This week, the School Board passed an important agreement with Broward County for the joint use of the county’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Sharing this data is critical since the schools and Broward’s Homeless Continuum of Care (HCoC) serve the same population struggling with housing, rental assistance and other needs. The collaborative will help connect the schools more broadly to supportive services and resources provided by the HCoC and its partners. By working together, we can improve educational and service outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently approved a state budget that gifts the University of Florida $3 million in taxpayer funds to institute a new civics program. However, state Sen. Keith Perry, who petitioned the Legislature for the funding on behalf of the Council on Public University Reform, knows little about the organization. The group, which lacks both a website and telephone number, is chaired by a religious and conservative leader. The purpose of the funding, to educate students in the traditions of western civilization and the foundations of citizenship, mirrors DeSantis’ previous attempts to decrease progressive teachings and telling the truth.