Central Florida 100: Easter weekend, Edgewater trees and elections in Osceola

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

Andrae Bailey, founder/president, Change Everything

Last week: On April 14 the HBO cultural phenomenon, “Game of Thrones,” premiered its final season with an episode that drew 17 million viewers, a record for the network. This achievement is significant because it highlights the rapid pace of change in modern media. HBO is a premium cable channel, which means that people must pay extra to watch HBO programming. So a shift is taking place in our society’s viewing habits. Contemporary viewers are becoming increasingly willing to pay extra in order to watch the content they prefer. Television as we have known it isn’t dead, but it is forever changed.

Dick Batchelor, president, Dick Batchelor Management Group

Last week: The Central Florida Urban League hosted a community conversation on race and religious prejudice joined by the Holocaust Resource Center, The Islamic Society, African American Christian Clergy, the NAACP and the African American Chamber of Commerce in hosting hundreds of people for a conversation asking – “Where do we go from here?” The panel included Pulitzer Prize winner Gilbert King, as well as many representatives from the faith community, the judiciary and the Orlando Sentinel’s columnist Shannon Green. The occasion was not simply to start a conversation, but to define specifically what can be done. This conversation must continue.

Rudolph C. Cleare, executive vice president, The Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation

Last week: Scientists recently captured a female Burmese python in Big Cypress National Preserve in the Florida Everglades. It checked in at 17 feet long, weighed 140 pounds and was found to be carrying 73 fertilized eggs. Her species is invasive to Florida, and is believed to have established a breeding population sometime in the 1970s. Today there are more than 100,000 of her kind slithering through our ecosystems, and everywhere they manifest, serious damage to the natural order results; kind of like incivility and vileness in our public discourse. We ought to work at eradicating large menaces both reptilian and political before it is too late.

Looking ahead: I really, really like what Mayor Pete Buttigieg had to say regarding Christian religionists like me whose traditions teach us variously to pity, despise, tolerate or pray about the “condition” of LGBT persons. He advised that we all take up questions about the nature of his being with the Creator. I have been doing just this for decades. The response I heard from on high — time and time again — is something akin to “love (serve/respect/care for) one another as I have loved you.” Thanks for a great sermon, Mr. Mayor; anyone who was ever ordained needed to hear it preached.

James Coffin, executive director, Interfaith Council of Central Florida

Looking ahead: Anecdote: Old farmer says to young man selling books about the latest best practices in farming: “Don’t need your book, son — ’cause I don’t farm half as good as I know how to already.” Something kind of similar: Even if climate-change deniers were correct, humanity would still face an existential crisis. Fossil fuels are finite and pollution-producing. As population grows, consumption will rise, pollution will increase, and fossil fuels will become exhausted. We would still need to transition to cleaner, replenishable energy. We would still need to more effectively protect earth, air and water. Make Earth Day (April 22) a time for serious reflection. And action.

Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County

Last week: In 2003, Gov. Jeb Bush established the Wekiva Commission tasked with building the beltway while protecting the River. That Commission’s efforts have been lauded as an example of how, working together, successful outcomes are achieved. Now, the Legislature seems intent on building 3 expressways in the heartland of the state. These toll roads would consume vast agricultural and rural lands much of which is critical for conservation. Without careful planning, horrific sprawl would occur while spending scarce dollars which could be used for schools, etc. If approved, the legislature must use the Wekiva example, i.e. limited access, protection of resources and a taskforce with representatives from all affected interests.

Tom Dyer, attorney, founder of Watermark

Last week: Anyone who’s been to a local karaoke bar can attest that Central Florida is knee-deep in talent. Three standouts have made it to the final rounds on “The Voice” and “American Idol.” Seventeen-year-old Alyssa Raghu starred in a production of “In The Heights” at Lake Nona High School. She is one of 10 finalists on Idol. And over on The Voice, Mari, 20, and Selkii, 31, just made it through the Cross Battles. Selkii is an Orlando-based cruise ship entertainer, and Mari is a hairdresser who sings at The Lord’s House church in Clermont. Go girls!

Rogue Gallart, president, Central Florida Disability Chamber

Last week: When watching TV, do you ever think: Why, in “Game of Thrones,” don’t these people just get along and stop fighting? Or why in “Westworld” the humans and Westworld’s hosts can coexist? Well, “Sesame Street” and HBO are running a crossover campaign to “Respect one another” which includes such memorable characters as Cookie Monster and Elmo. The videos are part of Sesame Workshop’s “Respect Brings Us Together” campaign, which includes videos with nods to “Westworld” and “Game of Thrones.” In times like these, we can certainly take a page from Elmo and Cookie Monster.

Glenton Gilzean Jr., president/CEO, Central Florida Urban League

Last week: The Central Florida Urban League joined forces with many community organizations this week to take a critical look at race and religious prejudice in society. More than 300 members of our community came to listen and speak with a distinguished panel of community leaders, each of whom shared the singular goal of ensuring that our world is better off tomorrow than it is today. While there is no simple solution to the myriad of issues we face as a society, the fact that such a large number of concerned citizens took time out of their evening to participate demonstrates that we are on the precipice of positive change. Their presence and the discussion at hand gave me hope that we are moving in the right direction.

Joel C. Hunter, chairman, Community Resource Network

Last week: The headline “After Paris fire, donations soar to help 3 black churches in La.” was inspiring! To link the burning of the building known for its grandeur and nobility with the burning of three rural houses of worship in Louisiana, known for their service in the midst of prejudice and disregard, is the best of faith. Both the highly regarded and the humbly respected stand equal in God’s sight and should be connected in our hearts. In a country and a community where racism still damages people, these donations remind us we still have more than prayer for hope.

Viviana Janer, vice chair, Osceola County Commission

Looking ahead: Vote by mail will begin in Osceola County on the One Cent For Transportation referendum. This is a critical decision that will set the course for the next 30 years. A yes vote addresses a $1.1 billion road-building backlog by creating dedicated funding for roads and other needed improvements. The increase would fund transportation projects & reduce traffic congestion that negatively impact quality of life, hurts local businesses and increases response times for emergency vehicles. Tourists (that use our roads) pay about 46% of the tax and the people of Osceola County will decide if this is the best option.

Ric Keller, lawyer, former member of Congress

Last week: Actress Lori Loughlin allegedly paid $500,000 to make sure her daughter gained acceptance to USC — which is not a top 20 school. A recent “Saturday Night Live” sketch captured my sentiment. Several violent criminals sat in a jail cell, each bragging they were “the craziest.” Lori Loughlin’s character replied: “You think that’s insane? I paid five hundred grand to get my daughter into USC…I’m loco!” Even the murder suspect was astonished, “Hold up, you paid five hundred grand for USC?” Parents, show a little judgment: if you’ve got $500,000 to blow, at least get your kid a degree from Yale!

Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard, Kissimmee economic development director

Last week: The State of Osceola County luncheon was a success — as is the direction of the county. This year’s theme of continuing to “plant the seeds for growing tomorrow’s opportunities” was spot on. Not only did Finch and S&P increase the County’s rating, which reflects its financial health — the county continues to reinvest in itself. From new fire stations and training facilities, to a new sensory park for autistic children, these seeds complement the private sector’s ongoing investments. Chairman Grieb concluded the program best: “Together we are growing a great future for Osceola County.”

Looking ahead: On April 23, Prospera and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando will present a check to a deserving charity selected by its Don Quijote Excellence Award winner, which was Mrs. Yamile Luna, of AdventHealth. Yamile has selected the Hope Community Center and Orlando Children’s Church — both deserving organizations that take care of vulnerable members in our community!

J. Matthew Knight, physician, founder of Knight Dermatology

Last week: This week, Israeli scientists reported that they “3D-printed” a heart using a patient’s own stem cells. The researchers extracted fat from a patient, reprogramed the tissue to become cardiac cells, and grew the material into a rabbit-sized heart replete with blood vessels and ventricles. This breakthrough means that, in a not-too-distant future, doctors may be able to patch or replace failing organs with personalized tissue created at the press of a button — without need for transplant lists or powerful anti-rejection medications. While this technology is not ready for operating rooms yet, the implications for human longevity are astounding.

Khalid Muneer, broker/owner Jupiter Properties Central Florida

Last week: The City Beautiful is at the forefront when it comes to assistance for the needy and the helpless through various nonprofit organizations, from Harbor House to United For Poverty to the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness to name a few. However, we have a problem in that there seems to be too much overlapping in the services provided and hence a high percentage of the funds raised is going to administrative overhead costs. Can our elected officials set up a committee to see how we can have fewer organizations with the same goals, lower overheads and hence a bigger percentage going to the needy?

Looking ahead: The soap opera of the Mueller report will continue in the coming weeks with more different interpretations and accusations and hence when we thought the game was over,it is not!

Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida

Last week: For seven years the Florida Legislature failed to bring reform to the abuse of “Assignment of Benefits” or AOB by some unscrupulous vendors and their attorneys. Now, the Florida Senate is debating SB 122 which is identical to House Bill 7065 that passed last week, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has indicated he wants to see AOB reform this year. AOB reform is needed by consumers who are being tricked, and insurance companies who keep raising their premiums because of AOB fraud. The bill also includes certain consumer protection provisions such as rescission and emergency services sub-limit provisions. Reform is coming!

Looking ahead: The Florida Legislature is working on a regulatory framework for telehealth. A Senate bill (SB 1526) allows insurance companies and HMOs to use out-of-state providers in their telehealth networks if the providers register with the state. The use of out-of-state physicians is opposed by the Florida Medical Association, the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and the Florida Dental Association. Telehealth is vital to address the healthcare needs in under-served areas of the state and many hospitals and other healthcare providers already use telehealth, but allowing out-of-state providers will harm the quality of healthcare, and may drive some Florida physicians out of business.

Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida

Last week: What an exciting time for space enthusiasts! The first image of a black hole was recently unveiled – seeing the unseeable from millions of light years away – and SpaceX amazed us once again by landing all three of the Falcon Heavy’s rocket boosters for the first time. I was able to witness the event by stepping out the front door! Space tourism may be a closer reality than we thought. In the near future, commercial tourism rockets will be able to transport humans like seen in many sci-fi movies. Can you imagine rocketing off to space as one of our travel destinations?

Looking ahead: I just a saw a face, oh it’s mine! Last week, Tampa International Airport announced plans, like OIA, to use facial recognition to speed up the screening process at security checkpoints. At this rate, “face scanning” will be everywhere, bringing us closer to the brink of a Minority Report-style future. Our faces will be immediately recognized by monitors at international gates whenever we travel. That makes one pause. Next thing you know, it’ll be incorporated into retail stores, banks, theme parks, and many more. Then we have to FACE the reality that we’ll be recognized everywhere, whether we like it or not!

Cole NeSmith, executive director, Creative City Project

Last week: A huge round of applause to Robert Hill, Artistic Director of the Orlando Ballet. On Thursday, arts and community leaders, artists and supporters of the Ballet gathered to celebrate Hill’s 10th anniversary at the organization. Hill has led the Ballet creatively over the last decade. And, in many ways, has served a larger role in keeping the organization moving forward. In the last two years, a stronger organizational structure has been cultivated to support Hill’s artistry thanks to the efforts of the Ledden family. With new Executive Director, Shane Jewell, in place, Hill’s artistry will surely thrive, taking the Orlando Ballet to new heights.

Looking ahead: On Sunday, April 28, local writer Joseph Hayes present his next stage play. “A Slow Ride” is the story of three generations of women struggling to understand and accept one another. And it all takes place on a Sunday afternoon car ride. Hayes has produced several original works, most of which have played to sold out theaters. “A Slow Ride” will be presented at Hayes’ room of choice, The Timucua Arts White House near Wadeview Park south of downtown.

Brendan O’Connor, editor in chief, Bungalower.com

Last week: People are hopping on the Pete Buttigieg train, tooting prideful horns and shouting out that he’s the first openly gay presidential candidate ever, but let’s not forget Fred Karger. Karger, a gay-rights activist and former actor, ran an unsuccessful candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2012 election which actually gives him the crown for first openly gay presidential candidate. That being said, the two are completely different candidates and Buttigieg is a much more elegant speaker. You won’t be able to boil this race down to sexuality but having all the facts still helps.

Looking ahead: With semi-urban neighborhoods on the peripheries of Downtown Orlando starting to feel the pinch from enterprising real estate moguls and fat cats looking for the next hot ‘hood, the best way to preserve your neighborhood may be to develop it yourself. You probably already know your community is a good place, because you chose to live there. And you know what it needs to grow, with intention to maintain its sense of place. So consider getting into the small-scale development game and help steer your community’s path, rather than waiting for someone else to do it.

Kathleen Oropeza, co-founder, FundEducationNow.org

Last week: Legislators are usurping our right to home rule by passing HB 7123, which forces districts to share locally raised referendum dollars with corporate charter chains. We vote to raise this money for specific items such as teacher salaries, technology and safety costs because the state falls short. The bill also claws back current dollars that are still in play. If a community voted to fund something in 2016, charters will be expecting their “share” of that money today. How will districts pass funding referendums once voters realize the state can choose to spend those funds on something different?

María T. Padilla, Orlando Latino blog

Looking ahead: Bilingual election provisions of the Voting Rights Act previously covered only 13 Florida counties. But after a 2018 suit a federal court expanded that to another 32 counties. Time constraints limited the provisions to sample ballots, but with the 2020 elections all provisions, including actual ballots, should apply. Kudos to Gov. Ron DeSantis for pushing the state to create compliance rules for all counties for “all future elections,” meaning going forward the ceiling for bilingual provisions in each election is all 67 counties, not 13. And just in time, too, since Florida is the United States’ top destination for international migration, including from Puerto Rico.

Jim Philips, retired longtime radio talk-show host

Last week: More evidence of possible “clandestine” graves has been found at the notorious Dozier School for Boys in Marianna. This is in addition to the 100 or more suspicious deaths since Dozier opened in 1900. Just how many boys died at the youth prison until it was shuttered in 2011? Those responsible for the unquestioned deaths and possible murders are gone and do not have to answer in court for their actions. But, the remains of their victims may shed more light on a deplorable chapter in Florida’s history.

Looking ahead: “Resignations, investigations, and unexpected death” were outlined by the Sentinel’s coverage of the much-troubled state-run Florida Virtual School. Now it’s up to Gov. DeSantis to straighten out a school “leadership” described as a “fraternity or sorority”. Just how much money and time have been wasted by former (if not current) FVS trustees and administrators who operated with an air of cronyism? The FVS turmoil puts junior high cliques to shame.

Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president; World Cup Orlando 1994 Committee chairman

Last week: As the City of Orlando removes 23 (mostly) palm trees in College Park along Edgewater Drive due to health and interference with electric wires and impede the ease of walking on the sidewalk, a grander “complete street” plan is emerging through Metroplan for safer, beautified streets. The challenge? Without additional funding, that plan will take five years to see it complete. If College Park residents wish for it sooner, city staff could offer up alternatives to the norm for quicker recovery. Property owners might be willing to foot the bill through a mechanism that allows for a small, short term special taxing district, making the neighborhood even more attractive and therefore increasing property values.

Looking ahead: Every poll nationally I’ve seen say schoolteachers are not in favor of arming themselves with guns in the classrooms. In a just-released Orange County Public Schools teacher survey, 70 percent said they opposed arming school employees who aren’t law enforcement officers, a proposal that now is moving its way through the Florida Legislature. Everyone agrees making our schools safer should be a top priority of our lawmakers. Introducing more weapons in our schools makes our schools less safe. Listen to teachers. Provide schools with the funded tools they need to prevent a school shooting in the first place.

Kathy Schmitz, Unitarian Universalist minister

Last week: Most teenagers facing unplanned pregnancy turn to parents for advice and support. A rare few do not, primarily because of abuse; physical, sexual, or emotional. The Florida House this week approved a bill that would increase the burden on the latter by requiring written parental approval. Not only have such requirements already been struck down by the courts, its proponents showed their true colors by failing to approve an amendment that would have clarified the process for getting waivers. Fortunately, the Senate version is still in committee and hopefully will not emerge before the end of the session.

Ed Schons, president, Florida High Tech Corridor Council

Last week: Orlando’s continued growth is obvious to all of us, and the U.S. Census Bureau confirmed it with the release of its census population report showing the Orlando Metro Area – with an estimated population of 2.6 million is the nation’s 22nd largest metro. That put us ahead of Charlotte and just slightly behind Baltimore. Our rate of growth was ninth-fastest in the country, as we have grown 20 percent since 2010 … but the pace of growth here was nothing compared to the nation’s fastest growing metroplex – our neighbors to the north in The Villages, where the population boomed by nearly 38 percent in the same time period. Who would have guessed?

Rick Singh, property appraiser, Orange County

Last week: In a 6-1 decision, the Florida Supreme Court has ruled that my office should remain partisan along with the county’s other constitutional officers. I’m grateful that the Florida Supreme Court reversed its decision and ruled in favor of protecting the interests of voters in Orange County. From the beginning of the process, I always believed that the law was on our side. The Fifth Court of Appeal, a trial court, and with its decision, the state’s Supreme Court all hold the same belief. With this matter now behind me, I can now move forward with continuing to provide excellent service to the voters of Orange County

Looking ahead: As usual, Central Florida is a hot topic for the 2020 census. Due to the region’s diverse population, and rising number of Hispanic residents, many fear that the resources provided to record the census are lacking. Inaccurate data can have long-lasting effects on local communities, and could mean an absence in representation for minority groups. Issues in translation, as well as a new citizenship question, may lead to less participation from Hispanic respondents. Diversity is a point of pride for Central Florida, and the region deserves fair representation.

Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising executive

Looking ahead: The Lake Eola fountain will be orange on April 22 to honor the 100th anniversary of Easterseals. Seventy years ago Easterseals was best known for helping children with polio learn how to walk. Today they help all people with disabilities to gain greater independence. Easterseals was the architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They pave the way to a fuller life and a more inclusive world. Easterseals see the whole person…not just the disability. 100 years of serving people with polio, autism, Alzheimer’s disease and everything in between. Thank you, Easterseals. Here’s to 100 more years!

David D. Swanson, senior pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Orlando

Last week: Central Florida, along with the rest of the world, mourned this week at the ruinous fire which struck the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. In many ways, it has been the spiritual center of Western Europe through hundreds of years of human history, and its burning has brought the role of faith in human life back to the forefront of conversation, especially as the Christian Church celebrates the cross and resurrection of Jesus in the very same week. As we all search our hearts for what gives life meaning, we will watch Notre Dame rise again. I pray we find hope this Easter season in Christ’s resurrection as well. Yes, even out of the ashes of life, hope can rise.

John Thedford, entrepreneur, founder of SMART Financial

Last week: College graduations are on the horizon. My own son will be graduating from the University of Florida in a few weeks. I have discussed with him the cultural shift between college and the professional world. I shared my thoughts on how to ease the transition into the workplace by building relationships with people who can help you develop and succeed, knowing that you are accountable not only to yourself but to your organization, and actively seeking feedback. Book smarts can jumpstart a career, but being highly engaged at every level will take you the farthest in any career.

Daryl Tol, president/CEO, AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division

Looking ahead: Throughout the world many are focused this week on the resurrection of Jesus. Reflecting on His life, we know Jesus also had an earthly ministry of healing body, mind and spirit – which is why our mission at AdventHealth is to extend the healing ministry of Christ. Jesus’s ministry of inclusion touched so many from different walks of life, and His example is the foundation for everything we do — it calls us to be His hands and feet in helping everyone feel whole. During this season, as you spend time with friends and family I encourage you to consider whom can you reach out to with the same uncommon compassion exhibited by Jesus. How can you help someone feel whole in body, mind and spirit?

Craig Ustler, owner/president, Ustler Development Inc.

Last week: The trimming and removal of several older palm trees along Edgewater Drive calls attention to the need for urban design improvements to one of the city’s best “main streets.” College Park is a great example of an urban mixed-use district with healthy small businesses, a diversity of housing options and an engaged group of stakeholders. The city has noted that there is a plan being developed by MetroPlan Orlando to upgrade Edgewater Drive into a “complete street” with a focus on walkability, landscaping and other enhancements of the public space. Such improvements are needed and would make Edgewater Drive a great street serving as a valuable community asset and the backbone of this beloved neighborhood. The sooner these plans are implemented, the better.

Carol Wick, principal, Convergent Nonprofit Solutions

Last week: Two new studies releases this week found that domestic violence is increasing. Eighty percent of the victims are women and 90% of the perpetrators are men. Up until 2014, the murder rate had been on a steady decline and the rate of women killing their male partners has continued this trend. Why more women dying? They believe it is access and use of guns. The NRA is fighting the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Call your senator (the last hurdle) and demand they pass VAWA so more women and girls don’t have to die.