TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

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

Anthony J. Abbate, architect. As Fort Lauderdale adjusts to a recent growth spurt, a controversial proposal is being floated to increase the 300-foot height limitation outside the downtown area to 500 feet, roughly 50 stories. In design, there are many factors involved, and none should be singled out. Increased height without a reduction in the massing can lead to a canyon effect, blocking natural light, ventilation and views. However, increased height with limits to the mass, increased separation between towers and attention to what happens at ground level is another matter. This deserves careful study focused on the impact to quality of the urban environment.

Jamie Cole, municipal attorney, various Broward County cities. Our political discourse has reached dangerously low levels. The governor repeatedly disrespects the office of the President of the United States by engaging in childish name calling (referring to the president as “Brandon,” which is known to be code for an expletive), taking a page from the Trump playbook. As a resident of Senate District 35, I have been inundated with blistering attack mailers from both candidates, so bad that they have resulted in litigation. This lack of professionalism and civility undermines confidence in our government and must be remedied.

Sarah Emmons, regional director, Anti-Defamation League Florida. According to a 2021 survey conducted by ADL and Hillel, one third of American Jewish college students reported personally observing or experiencing antisemitism. About 15% of students said they felt uncomfortable sharing their Jewish identity. And many students who experienced antisemitic activities on campus did not report them. We are working together to ensure greater reporting, equip campus administrations to recognize antisemitism and anti-Israel bias, and respond effectively and constructively to the variety of ways antisemitism manifests itself on campus — from insensitive or biased comments to hate-motivated harassment and vandalism.

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group. With the recent approval of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals who have been vaccine-hesitant may opt to get vaccinated. Novavax, expected to be widely available soon, is the first protein subunit vaccine for COVID19. Unlike its mRNA counterparts, Novavax delivers harmless proteins of the coronavirus to help the body’s immune system fight the virus. Similar protein unit technology has been used safely for more than 30 years with vaccines for hepatitis B, influenza and whooping cough. If you have been concerned about the mRNA vaccines, Novavax provides an effective alternative.

Charlotte Mather-Taylor, executive director, Area Agency on Aging of Broward County.

A recent study by Realtor.com showed a 57.2% jump in South Florida rent prices from the previous year, one of the largest percentage increases in the nation. The inability to pay these exorbitant increases can lead to tenant evictions and leave South Florida residents potentially homeless. The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County provides housing information and legal assistance to seniors ages 60+ free of charge for situations like this and more. For more information, call our helpline at 954-745-9779. Our specialists are ready to assist you with information and referrals.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines. Almost on a daily basis, people complain about traffic, speeding, bicycle safety, busing, signage, congested areas and other issues regarding transportation. Our city, as many other cities, is in the process of conducting a citywide transportation master plan to address key transportation needs and issues to create a blueprint for improving the city’s transportation system. Cities everywhere are doing this because the need to identify and solve transportation issues is critical as we continue to grow. I urge residents to not only take our survey (link on our city website), but their own cities’ surveys to engage in this process.

Larry Rein, CEO and President, ChildNet .A New York Times report this week on research demonstrating improved economic outcomes for poorer children who developed friendships with wealthy peers was intriguing in many ways. Its analysis of 72 million Facebook friendships seemed both novel and astounding. The assertion that the relationships had to be natural and real, not imposed or perfunctory, was meaningful and insightful. The recognition that opportunities for such relationships are decreasing was disappointing but provocative. Perhaps the next step should be examining the inverse. Perhaps such relationships would be more prevalent if future research revealed the many ways that the wealthy friend likely benefits.

Maria Sachs, member, Palm Beach County Commission. Since being established over 20 years ago, the Agricultural Reserve has been the subject of numerous discussions and even heated arguments over what is allowed to be developed and what should be kept as preserve. Land classifications have been changed to allow for more density and affordable housing. Before valuable preserve land is paved over to make way for more housing, the public needs to know the impact to our delicate environmental lands and to our existing infrastructure from increased density of housing. For this reason, I requested the county commission direct staff to retain an expert to advise us of the consequences of our vote on Aug. 31. We owe it to our residents and to the future residents of Palm Beach County.