Nick Primrose, lawyer and president of the Orange County Young Republicans
OPIOID CRACKDOWN. Last week: Gov. Rick Scott was in Orlando on Thursday to sign a bill that cracks down on a dealers of the deadly synthetic opioids and fentanyl. The bill, co-sponsored by Orlando-area representative Mike Miller, ensures that anyone caught selling or dealing synthetic opioids will be charged with murder if someone dies as a result of taking these drugs. Orlando has been impacted more than most cities in recent months, seeing substantial increases in overdoses and deaths compared to last year. We should commend Gov. Scott and Rep. Miller for making this a legislative priority to end the opioid crisis in Florida.
A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College
FLAWED OPIOID LAW. Looking ahead: Gov. Rick Scott recently signed into law a provision that will allow prosecutors to pursue murder charges in cases of death due to opioid overdose. Although this law sounds helpful, prosecutors will be responsible for determining who sold the opioids to the victim and also convincing a jury that this seller knew the dose was lethal. Sadly, a guilty verdict seems unlikely. Furthermore, it’s unlikely this law actually makes a significant difference in reducing overdose deaths. Because addicts will find unsafe ways to get their drugs, it is more important to focus efforts on offering proper medical care — not making useless laws.
BIG CATS ON THE MOVE. Last week: Central Florida Animal Reserve had a big task as it moved 25 large cats from a small facility in Cocoa to a more appropriate facility in Osceola County. The new facility is on 10 acres and includes 16 barns with pools for the cats. Sadly, many of these large cats are given to animal rescue organizations by circuses or caretakers who cannot properly care for them. The Central Florida Animal Reserve plans to open to the public in late October to share these cats’ stories. These rescue organizations are doing what they can to stop animal cruelty. Let’s support them.
Chris Carmody, shareholder, GrayRobinson
GROWING, GROWING. Last week: Gone are the days of Florida being a small state. The state’s economists met in Tallahassee to discuss gross receipts and revenue from the communications service tax. During the meeting, they reviewed population growth and estimated that Florida will grow by another 325,116 people this year. That is nearly the same as 2016’s record growth. These economists estimate that will Florida will grow an average of 318,000 over the next six years. That is the equivalent of adding one Tampa to the state each year. So I guess we better hurry up that Interstate 4 expansion. We need the extra roads.
PINEAPPLES AND NEW ORLANDO FLAG. Looking ahead: Monday is Flag Day in Orlando. Well, not really, but Mayor Buddy Dyer is hosting a celebration for the newly approved city flag on Monday at 1 p.m. in City Hall. So, come out and take your selfie with our new banner. Our Betsy Ross for this ensign is University of Central Florida grad Tim Eggert. He chose to capture our city’s iconic fountain with a yellow “O” interwoven. Perhaps the best part is the top of the fountain, where the water streams up. Although it is meant to resemble a flow of energy and innovation, it also resembles the leaves from a pineapple, especially when placed next to the yellow “O.” Why is that relevant? Well, the pineapple is the international symbol for hospitality. How appropriate.
Rudolph C. Cleare, executive vice president, The `Negro Spiritual’ Scholarship Foundation
LGBTQ FEARS. Last week: A first visit two weeks ago to observe a worship service at Oasis Fellowship Ministries (where my new friend, the Rev. Debreita Taylor, pastors) yielded fresh insights and understanding about what members of our Central Florida LGBTQ community feel they have to lose, and how much they value any effort to reach in toward them and the struggles they perceive and experience. The recent tweet storm in which President Donald Trump repudiated the worth of some who serve the nation’s military with honor and distinction was disheartening for this very reason. Makes you wanna holler at the guy.
CROWS AND CARPENTER ANTS. Looking ahead: Early this morning I walked out to find a murder of crows — 200 or so in number — strutting around the open lot between my neighbor’s house and my own. It appears they were feasting on carpenter ants flushed out from underground by rain overnight. They let me stand on my back stoop and watch for the 10 minutes or so it took to drink down the homemade kale and fruit smoothie oncologists mandated I use as breakfast. It took the arrival of one of several feral cats that roam our ‘hood to drive them off, and leave me thankful for the many natural wonders living in Florida affords.
James Coffin, executive director, Interfaith Council of Central Florida
FLORIDA TAXPAYERS AS ‘WHIPPING BOYS.’ Last week: In royal courts of yesteryear, when a prince misbehaved, a “whipping boy” took his punishment. It was believed that the process would teach the princely perpetrator a lesson. Crazy? Consider this: You and I are today’s whipping boys. Florida’s legislators enthusiastically approved a “Docs vs. Glocks” bill that was all but guaranteed not to pass constitutional muster. When attorneys convinced the court of the obvious, we as taxpayers were stuck with a $1.1 million bill to reimburse them for their efforts. The only question still unanswered is whether Florida’s legislators will learn a lesson from having witnessed us being punished for their misbehavior.
UNFLAPPABLE JEFF SESSIONS. Looking ahead: Will Jeff Sessions remain our attorney general? Or are his days numbered? His boss says merely: “Time will tell.” And then rolls his eyes. Many Democrats who adamantly opposed Sessions’s appointment are now decrying his possible sacking — because they feel he’s being mistreated by the president. Yet through it all, the attorney general remains amazingly unflappable. Maybe he, too, has read the proverb I came across the other day: “If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest” (Ecclesiastes 10:4). But I wouldn’t bet on it in this case.
Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONERS, JUST SAY NO. Looking ahead: The Public Service Commission staff’s habit of leaving for jobs from the very companies they are authorized to regulate has always brought into question their ethics and judgment. But their latest recommendation makes me shake my head in disbelief. With the PSC decision looming on Utilities Inc.’s consolidation rate increase Aug. 3, the staff is supporting a $5.5 million increase, with more than $4 million, or 70 percent-plus, coming from customers in Seminole, Orange and Lake counties. One system, in Orange, would see a 212 percent rate increase. We should not subsidize Utilities Inc.’s 16 separate systems. State law requires a “reasonable and not unfairly discriminatory” rate. Public Service commissioners, abide by the law: Say no to these obscene rate increases.
Rich Crotty, former mayor, Orange County
PORT CANAVERAL JEWEL. Looking ahead: As Port Canaveral expands, it continues to be an important regional asset for the No. 1 tourist destination in the world. For many visitors, leisure time is enhanced by adding a Caribbean cruise in addition to visiting theme parks and other area attractions. Having had an opportunity to sail from several Florida ports, I will soon set sail on a Baltic Cruise from Amsterdam to Saint Petersburg and back. My travels will take me to seven ports, and, although I expect it to be a different experience than my Caribbean adventures, it will be interesting to see how the ports impact tourism in these destinations.
Tom Dyer, attorney, founder of Watermark
DISNEY PAY. Looking ahead: We talk a lot about top earners who’ve realized outrageous gains with economic growth. The more compelling story is the battle for a living minimum wage for tens of millions of employees who make ends meet on a few hundred dollars a week. Labor unions representing 36,000 members hope to exploit record-low unemployment when they negotiate a new package with Disney World. The minimum wage at Disney is currently $10 an hour, higher than the statewide rate of $8.05. Can Disney raise employees up without cutting hours? It’s an important nationwide debate. We’ll find out in coming months.
John E. Evans, former manager of WESH-TV
TEENS AND THE CURSE OF CRIME. Last week: It wasn’t a single story, it was the accumulation: A 10-year-old who stole cars faster than the cops could keep up; a 12-year-old holding a gun on a drug deal with tragic consequences; teens who spotted a drowning and grabbed their cells phones — to record it; a group of teens beating another to steal his bike and family groceries. And more. This is a judicial, economic, medical and social issue that should bring all Central Florida together to define and address it on a unified basis.
SCHOOL DAYS AND DAZE. Looking ahead: The start of a new school year this week — except for Orange and Volusia counties, which open Aug. 14 — is a reminder of a lot more than the 3 R’s: of why we need police officers embedded on most campuses; of teachers who, for whatever reasons, cross relationship lines with students; and of the bullying and taunting that too often end with juvenile suicides. The cost of running schools and the taxes it takes to cover them will be news, but we need more focus on what drives that cost up, and what we collectively can do about it.
John L. Evans Jr., consulting unit chief for a global investment firm; former congressional staffer
LEADERSHIP BY VULNERABILITY. Last week: How much does trust matter with your work unit, or political leader or family? How do you acquire more? Research suggests it’s the willingness of the leader to demonstrate vulnerability. Ugh, you first. But it’s true, the proper delivery of vulnerability, delivered by story, serves to bolster one of the supreme assets of any team. And once trust improves, so does productivity, by orders of magnitude. This sequence of value should be heeded by any leader, politicians included. Keep it real, and keep it a little bit raw, if you aspire a loyal constituency. Mid-term federal elections will start to loom. Look for candidates who speak in part to their adversities and limitations and pain.
Rogue Gallart, president, Central Florida Disability Chamber
PROUD TO BE A GEEK. Last week: Tampa Bay comic con hits the Tampa convention center this weekend, catering to a wide spectrum of interests including comic books, magazines, toys, games, Star Wars, Star Trek, anime, manga, cosplay, artwork, sketches and apparel. In addition, a mega roster of comic industry professionals and comicdom-related celebrities are in attendance for attendees to meet and greet. The great thing is that admission was kept reasonable for adults and free for children. Just recently, the San Diego Comic-Con, which is one of the largest comic cons out there, just wrapped up, and it brought everything you’d expect from a four-day celebration of geek culture. Cosplay, announcements, and incredible new trailers; there were exciting immersive experiences and authors blending the worlds of film and gaming. Add me to that geek culture!
GET MICROCHIPPED FOR YOUR JOB? Looking ahead: So, the cyborg revolution now begins, one microchip at a time. Tech companies are offering major perks to lure employees to be microchipped. Three Square Market expects 50 of its employees will be chipped, getting inserts below their skin between the thumb and the index finger. With the implants, employees can log on to computers, open doors and use copy machines without having to rely on their fingers and brains to accomplish those tasks. I’m reminded of the fictional company Skynet, which didn’t turn out so hot for humans in the “Terminator” movies.
Glenton Gilzean Jr., president/CEO, Urban League of Central Florida
AFRICA-AMERICANS WITHOUT JOBS. Looking ahead: TThe Urban League kicked off its 2017 national conference in St. Louis. Annually, we convene to discuss the many complex problems facing black America, and in 2017, we are focusing on the dire employment situation in our community. While the U.S. economy has emerged from the depths of the Great Recession, our community has not yet recovered. African-American unemployment, at 8.1 percent, remains nearly twice the white unemployment rate of 4.1 percent, a situation that has been true for far too long, particularly among youth ages 16 to 24. With partners in local businesses, schools and government, we are actively working to reverse this trend in Central Florida. We have made great strides, providing youth with access to internships and entry-level positions in the work force. Our priority with our partners is to ensure that these initiatives continue, so our youth can look beyond high school to a bright future and have myriad opportunities to choose from.
Jane Healy, former editorial page editor and managing editor, Orlando Sentinel
WEKIVA PARKWAY. Last week: The opening of a new stretch of the Wekiva Parkway is obviously significant. When finished, the parkway will complete Orlando’s beltway — a ring around the metro area that can do such things as divert tourist traffic away from Interstate 4. But so far its biggest success is being built with the fragile Wekiva River and its wildlife in mind. The next step is equally critical: that local politicians not view the parkway as one more way to please developers by opening up rural areas to sprawl, something that has followed most other expressway extensions. Make this the exception and keep the parkway a model.
Ben Hoyer, founder/director of Downtown CREDO
LISTEN TO VOICES OF POETS. Last week: I heard a poem last week, passionately delivered that brought tears to my eyes. It was around 9 at night, outside on a field at Lake Lorna Doone Park. It was honest and unfiltered and relatable. Polis Institute organizes a regular poetry open mic on Tuesday afternoons, but this was a poetry slam. I went. I’m glad I did. Recently Mayor Dyer assembled a team to select Orlando’s first Poet Laureate. As Orlando continues to build our identity, we’ll do well to listen to the voice of our poets. Deputizing a storyteller makes sense, to capture who we are and where we’re going with honesty and vulnerability.
Eric Jackson, president/CEO, Total Roof Services Corp.
OVAL OFFICE EMBARRASSMENT. Last week: The White House is a mess, and I am embarrassed. Not an embarrassed Democrat or Republican, but an embarrassed American. Just when the president seems to hire someone in Anthony Scaramucci who appears to have his act together as the White House communications director, Scaramucci gives an interview to the New Yorker magazine laced with profanity and disgustingly vulgar sentiments towards his new co-workers. Our president gives a speech at the Boy Scouts National Jamboree, which afterward the Boy Scouts issue an apology to those who might have been offended by the president. The conservative Boy Scouts had to apologize for a Republican president: How low will this presidency go?
David Leavitt, former Seminole County Libertarian Party chairman, CEO of Refresh Computers, and civic activist
MARIJUANA VICTORY IN LAKE MARY. Last week: The City of Lake Mary Planning and Zoning Board met to discuss an ordinance the city commissioners requested to ban medical marijuana treatment facilities. Thanks to the hard work of Lake Mary resident Erica “Gemini” O’Connor, several activists appeared at the meeting to voice their opinionS on the ban ordinance. Jose Belen a spokesperson for veterans rights, Roz McCarthy, president of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Shaun Kunz with the Libertarian Party of Seminole County, Jim Turney of Altamonte Springs, Christopher Cano of NORML, and several other residents, including the mother of one of the zoning board members. The board voted 4-1 to scrap the ban ordinance — a clear victory for Lake Mary.
Anna McPherson, president, Junior League of Greater Orlando
HEAT WAVE. Last week: No matter who I’ve talked to … friends, Publix cashiers, fellow movie theater goers, car wash attendants or preschoolers … the conversation has started out more or less the same: “Man it’s hot out there.” Talk is centered around how to survive the dog days of summer which is especially difficult if you have little people in tow. Personally, I’m thankful that we live in a community dedicated to splash pads and pools. From Winter Park to Dr. Phillips, there are many options to cool off for the day. Luckily for parents of hot kids, school’s back on in two more weeks!
Randy Morris, president, RM Strategies; former commissioner, Seminole County
ONE AMERICAN’S JOURNEY. Last week: The State Department acknowledged that the life of David Taylor, a 25 year-old, from Ocala, lif ended in a remote area of Syria. David was a former Marine who earlier served in Afghanistan and felt compelled to return to the fight against terrorism. In this case, he fought as a volunteer alongside the Kurds against ISIS. Before leaving for Syria, he told a friend that ISIS was the bane of modern existence and must be stopped. An improvised explosive device ended this man’s heroic personal journey in defense of our values and freedom. May we daily think of our men and women in uniform and those others who sacrifice on our behalf.
Khalid Muneer, president, Asian American Chamber of Commerce
BRING CRICKET TO ORLANDO. Last week: Central Florida is experiencing major growth not only in the economy, job growth and educational institutions but also in the area of leisure and entertainment: For example, there’s the recent announcement of two major groups working to bring the game of Cricket to Orlando and make the city a major venue for major International Cricket competition. After all, cricket is the second major followed sport in the world, after soccer, in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia and the West Indies. In fact, the recent Champions trophy final in London between India and Pakistan attracted an audience of 950 million globally. With a strong local participation of Central Florida residents from these countries,we are poised to take off in the early part of next year to put Orlando on the world map as a major sports hub with basketball and soccer. Thanks to all our public officials, business and sports leaders for supporting me as the president of Cricket Orlando to move forward.
ORLANDO A HUB FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS. Looking ahead: Orlando is also becoming a major stop for for diplomats, international business councils and trade missions. I look forward to welcoming the upcoming ones from Japan,Vietnam and Qatar.
Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida
A TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR UCF, AT LAST. Last week: Last year, UCF’s Medical School and HCA, a national chain that owns and operates several hospitals in Central Florida, applied for a 100-bed medical and surgical hospital at Lake Nona. Late last year UCF and HCA received the state’s certificate-of-need approval, but Florida Hospital appealed the decision. On Monday the state Agency for Health Care Administration issued a final approval after Florida Hospital dropped its appeal on July 12. Construction is expected to begin within 18 months, and the hospital is expected to open in 2020. Congratulations to UCF for getting a teaching hospital for its medical school.
NEW DISNEY ATTRACTIONS. Looking ahead: In May, Disney opened its newest attraction, Pandora — the World of Avatar, at its Animal Kingdom. Now Disney has revealed details, during Disney’s fan exposition D23, of a new Mickey and Minnie Mouse-inspired ride at Hollywood Studios called Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad, using “21/2 D” instead of 3D technology.” At Epcot, two new rides will be built, one based on the movie “Ratatouille,” and the other on the movie and video-game “Tron.” The projects are to be completed in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021, keeping Orlando as the world’s best family destination.
Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida
Last week: Sometimes it’s little things that make a difference. Amid all the bad news about Americans’ diets, a medical journal reported that three cups of coffee a day are not only good for me, but might actually help me live longer. The report praised coffee’s antioxidant qualities, or some such magical elements. While men tend to see better results drinking coffee, women get an almost 10 percent chance of living longer. I’ll take what I can get, especially when the benefit comes in such a delicious brew. And just my luck — a new coffee shop opened in my building downtown. Drink up!
KISS AND ROCK 7 BREWS. Looking ahead: I had the opportunity last Saturday to dine at the Orlando Rock & Brews — the rock-fueled eatery promoted by KISS founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley near Epic Theatre on Semoran Boulevard. These “veteran” rockers will be in town in early August to host a fundraiser for veterans at the Orlando location. The only thing that could make a burger/band/brew combination better is knowing that proceeds from this event will benefit the Orlando Fisher House, a nonprofit that supports Central Florida military families. Check it out, and maybe get a picture with these iconic rockers, too — Cool!
Cole NeSmith, executive director, Creative City Project
BILLY MANES AND ALONZO ADAMS. Last week: On Monday, at the Orlando City Council meeting, commissioners honored two of our own who recently passed: journalist Billy Manes and clothier Alonzo Adams. It was a glimpse into what makes Orlando special. It’s a place big enough to be a vibrant city but small enough to be community. Commissioner Toney Ortiz remembered Manes, declaring his mustache the “best mustache in Orlando.” And Commissioner Robert Stuart noted that even when Manes was critical of his decisions, they were able to laugh together. Commissioner Sam Ings pointed out that Adams had fitted several members in the room in suits over the years, including Mayor Buddy Dyer. The time given to remember these men reminds us of Orlando’s most important asset: its people.
GET TICKETS FOR ARTS IN AUTUMN. Looking ahead: The fall arts season is approaching. A vibrant arts culture isn’t created only by high-quality arts offerings. The audience is key. So take time to plan. Find a show you want to see at Orlando Shakes, Mad Cow or the Garden Theatre. Take the family to The REP. Plan to visit the Orlando Ballet or Philharmonic (which host guest cellist Yo Yo Ma this season). And, of course, plan to attend the Creative City Project’s annual arts experience IMMERSE on Oct. 21, when you’ll encounter nearly 1,000 artists in the streets and public spaces of the city.
David A. Odahowski, president/CEO, Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation Inc.
‘MISTER ROGERS’ LIVES. Last week: It’s often been said that “You can never do too much for children.” The plethora of organizations and individuals who are providing back-to-school supplies to needy children is heartwarming. Winter Park Land Company, A Gift for Teaching, Family Promise, Hope Now and Publix are all filling backpacks with notebooks, pencils, Post-It notes and more. Nemours Children Health System and Shepherds Hope are providing free school physicals, vision and hearing screenings for our uninsured and underinsured families. To quote Rollins College Alumnus “Mister Rogers” (Fred Rogers), “Anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.”
Looking ahead: New Hope for Kids and Panera Bread is helping children and families turn the “lemons” of their life into Lemon-Aid through Project Lemon-Aid for Kids. New Hope for Kids provides a safe and supportive place where children and families suffering from grief, loss or life-threatening illnesses can go for support. On Friday Aug. 4 and Saturday Aug. 5, Panera Bread associates will build in-store lemon-aid stands. For a dollar donation, you can enjoy a home-style lemonade benefiting New Hope. Also, during the entire month of August, all monies collected through Panera’s “Operation Dough-Nation” boxes will go to New Hope.
Kathleen Oropeza, co-founder, FundEducationNow.org
LAWSUITS FROM HB 7069. Last week: The sweeping charter expansion in HB 7069 is inspiring talk of lawsuits, mainly over the forced sharing of locally raised building funds with private charter chains. Equally bad is what the law does to Title 1 funding. It robs districts of their authority to decide how to spend these Federal funds, forcing them to award large portions to private charters. When used as an aggregate sum, Title 1 funding allows districts to make a difference for students by mitigating the effects of poverty on learning. Title 1 funding has a long history of success. Any lawsuit against HB 7069 should include the Legislature’s reckless effort to split this money.
ENGLISH-LANGUAGE ROADBLOCKS. Looking ahead: Public education advocates have long viewed Florida’s practice of denying English-language learners the opportunity to take standardized tests in their native language as harming students. Let’s get real. Which native-English-speaking politician could pass a written high-stakes test in German within a few months attempting to learn the language? Naturally, when Florida applied for its Federal Every Student Succeeds Act waivers, the state asked that it be allowed to continue to administer all standardized tests in English, no exceptions. Where’s the logic in deliberately setting up roadblocks to student success?
María T. Padilla, Orlando Latino blog
FLORIDA’S BAD, BAD BOYS. Last week: The boys of summer are back, dragging a shark behind a boat at high speed and videoing as it breaks apart, and watching a disabled man drown in a retention pond as they video and laugh. In each case, prosecutors aren’t sure if charges can be filed. Let’s hope they dig long and very hard for a buried Florida statute that can help to right these terrible wrongs. It’s tempting to say these are youthful indiscretions, but that would be an insult to the majority of youth whose biggest summer infraction is too much tanning. Let’s not allow such human disregard to stand. Florida is better than this.
Larry Pino, attorney and founder, private equity firm
CONCEALED WEAPONS IN THE NEWS. Last week: A federal appellate decision handed down on Tuesday will provoke an inevitable U.S. Supreme Court showdown on concealed weapons permits and influence Florida legislation on the subject. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D. C. Circuit split with four other federal appeals courts by striking down a D.C. law requiring concealed weapons permit applicants to show “good reason to fear injury.” The court ruled, in a 2-1 split decision by two George Bush and one Ronald Reagan appointee, that the restriction violates the Second Amendment. Expect the entire concealed weapons controversy to land at our highest court within the next year.
Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president; World Cup Orlando 1994 Committee chairman
NO. 1 IN SOCCER AGAIN. Last week: Some people think a lot has changed from 1991 when the Orlando-Kissimmee-St. Cloud World Cup Committee submitted our bid to United States Soccer hoping to be a venue for World Cup 1994. Some things never change. Soccer is the No. 1 sport in the world. Orlando is the world’s No. 1 family tourist destination. Our statement before: “No other community wants to do more for the World Cup … no other community can” remains true. Named best 1994 venue, when our community pulls together, there’s nowhere like Orlando. Now, add on our community’s embrace of Orlando City Soccer teams, and we’re ready again to set the world’s No. 1 stage.
SHARE THE WEALTH. Looking ahead: A prosperous note reported Central Florida sold more hotel-room nights than any other June on record, while another reported 70 percent of 216,000 students in Orange, Osceola and Seminole come from families who live at or below the poverty level. A glimmer of hope is that the Service Trades Council Union signaled it wants to reopen wage negotiations with Disney World. The last time was three years ago. The end result was 70,000 union and nonunion employees received raises to $10 per hour. Orlando’s hospitality and retail sector often follows Disney’s lead. Community prosperity should be shared to fight local poverty.
Ed Schons, president, Florida High Tech Corridor Council
OODLES OF TRAVELERS AT OIA. Last week: Goodness the airport is busy. On a recent trip, I was glad to have arrived early due to the sheer number of people navigating renovations – renovations that signal accommodations for even more people. The numbers have to reflect the growth of local tourism, but it also serves as a reminder that employers of high-wage, high-skill jobs have a huge asset in their backyard.
Rick Singh, property appraiser, Orange County
Last week: Florida is the top draw for foreign real-estate investors. According to a new survey by the National Association of Realtors, Canadians bought the most residential property in Florida and spent more than $19 billion buying homes in the United States from April 2016 through March 2017. Chinese investors spent $31 billion, and investors from India disbursed nearly $8 billion on buying homes in the U.S. Florida was the most attractive state for foreign buyers as 22 percent of foreign investment was contained in the Sunshine State. This shows that no matter the climate, Florida will remain an attractive destination because of all that we have to offer.
INTEREST RATES UNTOUCHED. Looking ahead: The Federal Reserve decided not to touch interest rates. In fact, the Fed’s decision not to raise rates or do anything of much significance did little to impact the market. That doesn’t mean that the economy is humming along so well that the Fed will remain silent. Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Janet Yellen, indicated that the Fed will eventually relax parts of the program put in place to aid the economy after the recession. When that happens, expect rates to adjust and have an impact on the housing market.
Hillel Skolnik, rabbi, Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation
‘YOU MAY NOT DEFEND OUR COUNTRY.’ Last week: President Trump announced plans to ban transgender people from service in the armed forces. For some time we have not had a draft in our country and rely on the bravery and unspeakable courage of volunteers to our armed forces Whatever a person’s position on gay rights, transgender rights, women’s rights, men’s rights, children’s rights or the rights of anyone or anything else, who are any of us to say, “You may not defend our country”? Every additional soldier makes me feel safer in my country.
Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising executive
CHINESE LEARN ABOUT PFLAG. Last week: A delegation from China visited Central Florida to talk with leadership from the Orlando Youth Alliance and Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) to discuss the work they do to serve the LGBT community, and what that has looked like in the aftermath of the Pulse massacre. The World Affairs Council of Central Florida facilitates the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. IVLP is administered by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and works to bring international visitors to the United States to participate in professional exchange with colleagues in their field.
David D. Swanson, senior pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando
FOOTBALL DANGERS. Last week: As high school football camps get ready to open across our region, the Journal of the American Medical Association released a disturbing study that many would prefer remained unknown. A post-mortem analysis on the donated brains of NFL players revealed a degenerative brain disease brought on by repeated head trauma. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy was found in 110 of the 111 donated brains. Granted, the brains studied from NFL players were more diseased than those who did not reach that level, but this is a wake-up call for parents, schools and coaches as we consider the long term health of our children.
