Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.
Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County
Last week: PREPARE OUR CHILDREN: Nothing is more important than preparing our children to learn. Many don’t even have the basic education tools to succeed. That’s why supply drives and backpacks giveaways are so important. Every year at their conference, the Florida Association of Counties has a “Stuff the Bus” event in which county commissioners from around the state fill more than 250 backpacks with essential learning materials. As President of the Association, it was my honor to select Pinecrest Elementary in Sanford, where 90% of the students are on the free/reduced lunch program, to receive these vital supplies. As the school year begins, all should be looking for opportunities to pay it forward.
John L. Evans Jr., Organizational behavior scholar; DeSantis appointee
Last week: NO TALK, ALL ACTION: And away we go with campaign ads. Charlie Crist looks good; beyond that, when he actually speaks, the critical center just doesn’t take his messages seriously. Gov. DeSantis, for his part, looks good too in his inaugural campaign ad for reelection. Yet, the governor actually doesn’t speak. The people he serves do the talking in the ad. Dave Abrams, a senior aide to the governor, tells me that’s what his boss insisted on. Interesting distinction, signaling lots.
Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way
Last week: DISABILITIES REPORT: Last week, the Heart of Florida United Way launched its latest ALICE in Focus report, which focused on people with disabilities in Central Florida. Among other findings, the data suggests that the number of people with disabilities in Central Florida who struggle to afford their basic needs is far higher than federal poverty data indicates — 40% compared to 15%. It also highlights that outdated federal guidelines prevent many residents with disabilities living in financial hardship from accessing critical public assistance. A staggering 52% of Central Florida residents with disabilities, below the ALICE Threshold, did not receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For more information on this report, visit HFUW.org.
Looking ahead: REDUCED-PRICE SCHOOL MEALS: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently released updates to the free and reduced-price school meals and milk program. Effective for this upcoming school year, children must be in a household that is at or below 130% of the federal poverty line to be eligible for free school meals — a pivot away from a pandemic-initiated policy that provided free school meals for all children. As the federal poverty line does not encapsulate all families struggling to make ends meet in Central Florida, many families living just above the poverty line may begin to feel the impact of food insecurity. For more information on this issue, visit HFUW.org.
Viviana Janer, vice chairwoman, Osceola County Commission
Last week: GOOD NEIGHBORS: Moving the needle on affordable housing can only be done with consistent effort. And since 2016, the Osceola County Commission has been steadfast, building or approving more than 1,000 affordable units across the county, funded at more than $41 million. I’ve always been upfront about my unwavering commitment and I was proud to recently stand in support of the Osceola Council on Aging’s Buen Vecino (Good Neighbor) apartments in Buenaventura Lakes for our seniors on a fixed income. This commitment to those among us who urgently need affordable housing is a great example of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.
David Kay, chair, Interfaith Council of Central Florida
Last week: CAMPAIGN CASH LOOPHOLE: Say you’d make a great public servant and wanted to run for office in Florida, but you don't want to be beholden to lobbyists and big corporate donors. Tough luck, right? Well, some years back, Florida created a program meant to encourage just those sorts of candidates, providing them with some public funds. Great idea -- but only until politicians who take those big donations found a loophole large enough to drive a Brinks truck through. Scott Maxwell reported on millions of taxpayer dollars going to well-heeled campaigns. Our lawmakers could fix it in a heartbeat...if they wanted to.
Looking ahead: JEWISH HIGH HOLIDAYS: As summer winds down, the Jewish community starts preparing for the fall High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, followed quickly by the pilgrimage festival of Sukkot, the so-called Feast of Booths, marking the fragility and transient nature of life. With schools starting up again, this is also a good time to remind teachers and principals -- as well as all sorts of employers -- that Jewish students and workers may need to miss certain days to observe the holidays. Please keep that in mind when scheduling tests, assignments, meetings, and projects.
Ric Keller, lawyer, former member of Congress
Looking ahead: INSPIRING AT ANY AGE: You’re never too old! Arlyne Frankel, 85, just received her bachelor's degree from Florida International University.She didn’t let a learning disability stop her from achieving her dream. Bravo! It’s a perfect time to remember that Helen Keller, the deaf and blind icon who graduated from Harvard, went on to receive an Academy Award at age 75 for the documentary film about her life. These inspiring women are proof that it’s not too late. It’s not impossible. You can still be what you wish to be!
Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard, Kissimmee economic development director
Last week: TAX BREAK: Thank you to the Florida Legislature for allowing the sales-tax break -- it made shopping for school supplies and clothes a little less painful.
Looking ahead: THANKS TO THE SCHOOLS: The biggest story next week, which will probably go unreported, is the tremendous undertaking by educators and bus drivers in starting a new school year! I'm sending anyone tied to education a thank you and prayer. All the coordinating that has to occur to get our children back to an academic routine is a phenomenal feat - hats off and a big thank you from parents!
Ken LaRoe, Founder, Climate First Bank
Last week: GAETZ'S DESPICABLE WORDS: I’m not really sure I have the words to describe how despicable U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz’s words are. The hateful comments he said about the brave young women protesting the recent Supreme Court decision on abortion are gross beyond measure. Every woman fighting for her right to reproductive health care is a million times more worthy to be in Congress than he is.
Ted Maines, owner/president,Ted Maines Interiors
Looking ahead: LOVE IS LOVE: In yet another display that Sen. Marco Rubio is increasingly tone-deaf to social issues, when asked by CNN his position on the Defense of Marriage legislation which passed the U.S. House with a 267-157 vote, he called it “a stupid waste of time." A recent Gallup poll said that 70% of Americans are in favor of Marriage Equality for Same Sex Couples. This legislation also offers protection for interracial marriage. Rubio’s opponent Val Demings feels that the bipartisan effort to protect the freedom to marry the person you love is a good thing. I agree with Demings, and with the majority of my fellow Americans.
A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College
Last week: DISRESPECTING VETERANS: As a veteran, I am absolutely disgusted by how many Republican senators voted against PACT Act 41, which protects veterans exposed to toxic materials during their service. I am even more disgusted to see my own Florida senator, Rick Scott, on this list. Mr. Scott, how could you dishonor our veterans and vote against those who served and suffered for their country? Whatever your reason, it's not good enough. They gave everything to serve and in one vote, you just told them their sacrifices didn't matter. My fellow Floridians, how much more of this dishonorable behavior can we take from our elected officials? It's time to vote out those who do harm to our citizens.
Alex Martins, chair, UCF Board of Trustees; CEO, Orlando Magic
Last week: UCF MILESTONE: One of the most exciting times of the year returns, as UCF celebrates summer commencement ceremonies. We are awarding the 400,000th degree in our history, a milestone that shows hundreds of thousands of UCF graduates have unleashed their potential by advancing their careers in critical industries throughout Central Florida and the state. Among our summer graduates are 68 who have left careers or changed professional paths to complete a one-year intensive Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing program and join the healthcare frontlines, helping to combat the nursing shortage. Congratulations to our new nurses and all of our graduating Knights!
Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida
Looking ahead: MONKEYPOX: The U.S. is declaring a health emergency over monkeypox outbreak which has infected over 6,600 Americans. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that he would not declare a state of emergency over the viral infection because he doesn’t want to use fear to rile up people. Appointments to get the monkeypox vaccine for residents who have been exposed filled up through the month of August in a matter of hours at the Orange County Department of Health. The federal government should increase vaccine supply to Florida because monkeypox outbreak among gay and bisexual men will eventually spread to the rest of the population.
Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida
Last week: RIP NICHELLE NICHOLS: I was saddened to hear about the passing of Nichelle Nichols. It was just last year that she was in Orlando to celebrate Women’s History Month and promote the movie "Women in Motion." She made history herself when she played Lt. Uhura in the Star Trek series as a Black female communications officer, which at the time, was groundbreaking. What made her so inspiring was how she spent much of her life partnering with NASA to proactively recruit females and minorities to work at the space agency and inspired future leaders to change the face of STEM. Her legacy will certainly live long and prosper for many generations to come.
Looking ahead: HIRING NEEDED: Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.8% last month and makes me wonder if a mini-recession will affect this number. I have not seen many layoff notices, but recently saw a quote in an article that said, “You can’t lay off what you haven’t been able to hire.” While hospitality hiring continues to be fueled by high demand from record tourist visits, the labor market still has significant gaps in sectors including health care, construction, tech, and manufacturing. Central Florida’s economic recovery is strong, but more needs to be done to help fill the state’s 603,000 open jobs and retain workers.
Mark E. NeJame, founder, senior partner, NeJame Law
Last week: ALEX JONES' TRIAL: InfoWars founder Alex Jones has been sued by parents of the children killed in the Sandy Hook school massacre. How does one not be heartbroken and grieve for these parents and their murdered children? Yet, Alex Jones and his extreme, radicalized, conspiracy-laden followers, did exactly that. They denied, ridiculed and claimed the children never existed and that the murderous episode was staged. Now we discover his lawyer withheld damning and incriminating discovery from the parents' lawyers. Jones' lawyer deserves disbarment. Jones should be jailed for contempt and perjury, independent of the $150 million judgment that is being sought against this miscreant.
Cole NeSmith, executive director, Creative City Project
Last week: SPEAKEASY-STYLE THEATER: Renaissance Theatre opened its doors in the fall of 2021. Its first show was “Nosferatu,” an immersive, multi-room theatrical take on the old vampire film. Over the last 9 months, the theater’s artistic director, Donald Rupe, has continued to focus on new and original content. Their latest show is “Lenox Ave.” The theater has been turned into a 1920s-style speakeasy, and the performances happen throughout the room. The show is based on the poetry of Langston Hughes and is brought to life by the cast through live music and high energy dance. It’s a must see. Get your tickets before the show closes mid-August.
Looking ahead: FICTION + COCKTAILS: A new artistic fusion of original short fiction, craft cocktails and live jazz is coming to Orlando the weekend of Aug. 19. The show is called “Anthology” and is the next offering from the Creative City Project. Four writers read their original short stories aloud. During each reading, guests enjoy an original cocktail inspired by that story. The cocktails are created by Rene Nguyen of Hanson’s Shoe Repair. Will Adrian and his jazz trio open the show and provide live music between each of the readings. It’s sure to be an elegant and enjoyable night out. Tickets are limited, so get yours early.
Jim Philips, retired longtime radio talk-show host
Last week: SCOTT'S ABOUT-FACE: Ahoy! U.S. Sen. Rick Scott likes to wear a "NAVY" cap as if he just led American forces to victory in the battle of Midway. Scott, a veteran, also learned "about-face" in boot camp. First, he voted for a bill to expand health-care benefits to veterans who developed illnesses after their exposure to burn pits. Then ... about-face ... he voted against the PACT Act. And then another about-face when comedian Jon Stewart and veterans groups turned against GOP lawmakers who had suddenly opposed the bill after first voting to approve it. Thank goodness Scott did not man the helm while in the Navy ...no telling where his ship might have ended up, or back, or up again.
Looking ahead: FPL'S SECRET BAR: How soon will Florida Power and Light close down its secret bar in Tallahassee? News agencies report the watering hole is (no surprise) frequented by lobbyists and lawmakers.This follows revelations that FPL has used shady tactics to influence politicians on many levels. FPL denies wrongdoing but is in a tizzy because the feds, Congress and news media are sniffing around. Electric bills are rising in Florida but nowhere on your monthly statement do you see a charge to cover some legislator's tab at a hush-hush corporate speakeasy. Some lawmakers even have the gall to claim they pay for their drinks and could never be bought. As my grandpa used to say, "The water ain't gonna clear up until you get the pigs out of the creek."
Gloria Pickar, president emerita, League of Women Voters of Orange County
Last week: TOXIC SENATORS FLIP: After intense protests led by comedian Jon Stewart against toxic Republicans, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and 18 Republican colleagues flipped their “no” votes back to “yes” to expand health care benefits to 3.5 million veterans suffering with toxic burn pits exposure. Florida has the third highest number of veterans after California and Texas. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio co-sponsored the original bipartisan 2021 bill. Scott and Republican senators had reversed their votes to “no” almost killing the bill because they were angry about the prospective climate and tax deal negotiated between Sens. Joe Manchin and Chuck Schumer. Remember, vets vote too.
Looking ahead: GOP ELECTION DENIERS: Perhaps the most delicate moment in a democracy is the transfer of power based on free and fair elections. Much like the audience, I was stunned at the recent Community Conversations with Candidates event when 12 of 14 local Republican congressional candidates answered “no” when asked if they agreed Joe Biden was legitimately elected president. Audible gasps reverberated throughout the Orlando Science Center theater. Voter and election fraud for president was refuted in more than 60 courts. Trying to win off the stolen election narrative is dangerous to our democracy, state and nation. It erodes public trust in our elections. Shame on them!
Larry Pino, attorney and entrepreneur
Last week: RUBIO'S RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE: Originally telling CNN that the Respect for Marriage legislation passing the House 267-157 was “a stupid waste of time,” U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio later went on a rant, saying “... I’m not gonna focus on the agenda that [is] dictated by a bunch of affluent, elite liberals and a bunch of Marxist misfits ...” What is not particularly clear, based on Rubio’s in absentia track record since being elected to office, is what the senator actually does focus on. On the other hand, what is clear is that he appears to care less about issues and far more about scoring political points.
Looking ahead: MARTIAL LAW: Mayor Buddy Dyer’s announcement that Orlando will be implementing controlled entry check points downtown is appropriate, but unfortunate. The mayor is limited in what he can do: he can’t regulate where guns can be taken or who can carry them. Regrettably, he is only left with handling the aftermath of bloodshed on the streets as seven people lie injured by gunshots in Orlando, while some legislators bandy about 2nd Amendment protections in Tallahassee. I am confident that someday collaborative common sense will pre-empt partisanship. In the meantime, however, elected officials like the mayor are unfortunately left with declaring martial law in America’s cities and schools.
Sheena Rolle, senior director of strategy, Florida Rising
Looking ahead: RENT STABILIZATION: A shot clock begins when a team regains possession of a ball. In this case, the Orange County Commissioners regained control of the possibility for implementing rent stabilization for Orange County tenants nearing a year ago. On Tuesday the shot clock will expire; hopefully at the last public hearing to place rent stabilization on the November ballot. Orange County Commissioners have full-court advantage in making history as the first municipality in the state of Florida to place this on the ballot in November. Will the star player, Mayor Jerry Demings, lead his team to victory and put people over profit? Stay tuned.
Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president; World Cup Orlando 1994 Committee chairman
Last week: HONORING BILL RUSSELL: We just lost a champion for what matters. NBA basketball great Bill Russell started using his activist voice for social justice long before it was status quo. As a Black man who experienced discrimination, he witnessed others endure bigotry, hatred, and police brutality. When Russell realized his voice mattered, this winningest athlete in team sports history didn’t care if it would damage his popularity. Among many examples of standing up for the rights and dignity of all, at great peril, Russell staged the first integrated basketball camp after Medgar Evers was assassinated in segregated Mississippi. A man must do what he thinks is right. Your voice matters.
Looking ahead: PUBLISHING TRIAL: All authors dream of a million-dollar book advance. A recent article details the U.S. trying to block the biggest U.S. book publisher from absorbing rival Simon & Schuster via a federal antitrust trial. As a nonfiction author represented by a literary agent, I can attest to the messy, ever-changing world of big-house publishing. You must have a literary agent to submit your manuscript to a big-time publisher. It helps to be famous or deliver an infamous storyline. Consolidation is bad for competition. Authors need more publishing outlets, not less. Luckily for authors and readers, self-publishing and global distributors now abound.
Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising executive
Last week: CHARITY GIFTS: Another million-dollar gift to a charity. This time from KPMG. Their donation will help Lift Orlando to bridge education and health-care gaps in the West Lakes neighborhood. The KPMG gift comes shortly after another $1 million donation from Dr. Don and Cindy Diebel to help build the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center in Orlando. Heart of Florida United Way recently gifted $1 million to The Sharing Center in Longwood for an expansion of their services to the homeless in Seminole County. Great job, philanthropists! I hope it inspires other to do the same. Find a need and support it!
Nicole Wilson, Orange County commissioner, District 1
Last week: ANTISEMITIC HATE: At a gender-affirming care rally last weekend, hateful individuals displayed signs that said “Stop Grooming Kids” with a Star of David. QAnon and related conspiracies are rooted in the idea that Jews are wealthy pedophiles trying to run the world and that the "Jewish/LGBTQ+/immigrant/etc. Agenda" is out to replace you. There is no "agenda." We must show up and stand up for our brothers and sisters of all kinds, races, and backgrounds. I am proudly, loudly, and unapologetically condemning antisemitism at the polls this year. Are you?
Looking ahead: VERIFY YOUR VOTE: Florida primary elections are upon us, and it is imperative that everyone cast their vote by Aug. 23. Early voting begins on Aug. 8, locations can be found on the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website. If you plan to vote by mail, please remember to check your signature. Signatures on file at the Supervisor of Elections will be used to verify the signature on your ballot and any discrepancy can cause your ballot to be rejected. I am honored to serve on the County Canvassing Board along with the Supervisor of Elections and a County Court Judge to ensure that every valid vote is counted.
Michael Zais, political blogger for thedrunkenrepublican.com
Last week: DESANTIS SPURNS 'THE VIEW': Clearly, the most ridiculous story of the week is the uber-liberal daytime talk show, “The View,” sending a request to Gov. Ron DeSantis to appear on the show. Now, why wouldn’t DeSantis want to sit down with the ladies of “The View,” who have referred to him as a “homicidal sociopath,” and a “fascist and a bigot”? Unsurprisingly, DeSantis’ Deputy Press Secretary Bryan Griffin sent a wonderfully snarky response declining the offer. Just can’t figure out whether that invitation was born of sheer gall or an epic lack of self-awareness. Either way, I got a good laugh out of it.
Looking ahead: STATE ATTORNEY SUSPENSION WELCOMED: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to suspend George Soros-backed State Attorney from Hillsborough County, Andrew Warren, is, in my view, his boldest and most consequential action since becoming governor in 2018. DeSantis said, “We are going to make sure our laws are enforced, and no individual prosecutor puts himself above the law.” Even in progressive bastions like San Francisco and Los Angeles, Soros-funded prosecutors have been fully recalled, or in the process of being recalled. This pro-criminal, anti-victim ideology cannot be tolerated, and every single citizen in Hillsborough County should cheer DeSantis for this move, because their safety and well-being has just been monumentally enhanced.