LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Michael Dennis, M.D., chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. Respect for life is a critical component of human behavior. But the debate over abortion rights has created intense political/ bureaucratic meddling — especially since SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade, which then allowed restrictive state regulation of abortion as constitutionally proper. Therefore, facing increasingly severe restrictions, 10 states have expanded access to it. A disturbing action was the attempt to persuade the Supreme Court to establish constitutional rights for the fetus with the obvious intent of making any person performing an abortion guilty of murder. Why not leave the decision to the prospective parents and give women the final right to decide?

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an urgent call for accessible obesity prevention and treatment after a report shows that 19 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands can classify at least 35% of their adult population as obese. That’s double the number of states with a high obesity prevalence since 2018. Obesity is defined by a body mass index of 30 or higher. Obesity can lead to heart disease, stroke, some cancers, severe COVID-19 and poor mental health. Florida is absent from the list, but public health remains focused on minimizing obesity.

Lamar Fisher, vice mayor, Broward County. Next week, I look forward to welcoming the 63rd annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), Oct. 26-30. FLIBS is the largest in-water boat show in the world, attracting more than 100,000 attendees every year, with over 49% from outside of Florida. Visitors spend the five-day event here, bringing business to hotels, restaurants and shopping amenities, providing a boost to our local economy. According to the 2021 economic impact report, Broward companies made an astonishing $233.9 million during the show. FLIBS is an important asset to our community and I’m proud to welcome the show each year.

Bob Mayersohn,

city commissioner, Parkland; president, Broward League of Cities

.Asa child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Broward’s children, along with millions across the country, will be asked just that on Thursday, Oct. 27 during “Jump Start’s Read for the Record Day.” This is a global movement to raise awareness for childhood literacy and build reading confidence. I, along with other municipal elected officials through the coordinated efforts of the Children’s Services Council, Broward County Schools and others, will be reading the book “Nigel and the Moon” by Antwan Eady to over 40,000 students in 500 VPK centers, 225 schools and 1,500 classrooms.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission. Early voting officially begins Monday, Oct. 24! Broward County has 22 early voting sites, which is the most ever for a midterm election. With so much at stake, from democracy itself to reproductive rights to what can be taught in our schools, this is the year to see record turnout! There are still thousands of vote-by-mail ballots that have not been returned. If you are concerned about these ballots arriving on time, you can go to an early vote site and drop your ballot at a dropbox or vote in-person. The most important thing is to vote!

Peter Moore, president, Chen Moore and Associates. Recently, the largest clean energy lending institution, Ygrene, stopped funding PACE loans to homeowners in Florida without warning. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs provide an alternative way for Florida homeowners to finance energy efficient upgrades to their home, like impact windows and doors. This financing program allowed participating counties and municipalities to assist homeowners in financing these improvement projects. Not only are they not funding any more projects, but they are not funding any projects that have already been approved. Homeowners that were trying to do the right thing were left out in the cold. They need help soon.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida

Senate. A recent study conducted by researchers from Florida Atlantic University determined that cyberbullying increased during the

COVID-19 pandemic and that Asian American youth suffered significantly. Nearly 60% of Asian American children reported an increase in victimization in 2021. Such race-based attacks online reflect an increase in hate incidents targeting Asian Americans across Florida. Between March 2020 and December 2021, the hotline for STOP AAPI Hate received over 200 reports of harassment in Florida. To combat this hate, many organizations worked to pass the Federal COVID19 Hate Crimes Bill, which allocates funds toward public awareness, hoping to fight divisiveness.

Gregory Stuart, executive director, Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization. I wish Halloween could be every day. Not for the costumes or the candy, but because this is the one day of the year when we are encouraged to, and even rewarded by, walking through our neighborhoods. Studies show that walking can reduce stress, improve health outcomes, and create a sense of community and belonging. The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization has invested millions of dollars in infrastructure to make walking and cycling more comfortable, convenient and safe. These investments are meant to make getting around our region better year-round. Let’s all make more days like Halloween. Trick or Treat!