South Florida 100: New governor takes office; Amendment 4 kicks in; homeless court debuts

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

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show on Big 105.9

Last week: “Don’t forget to get your flu shot!” That has to be one of the most polarizing statements you hear every flu season. At my pharmacy, while buying some unmentionables, I was reminded, “Did you get your flu shot?” “I never get the flu shot and I never get sick” We all know this guy. Watch the news, the flu is terrorizing the country, and I know I don’t want it. My doc: “Get the flu shot.” So I got the flu shot in December, and for the last four days I have been blowing my nose and feel like absolute garbage.

Looking ahead: Dear Miami Dolphins, what happened? We moved to Florida in 1971 and in ’72, we had our perfect season. Names like Shula, Griese and Csonka were household words. I remain that to this day. Marino, JT, Zach, Offerdahl, now the only name that pops into my head is: “Minkah (Fitzpatrick)” He’s gonna be great, but what about the team? We keep hearing that “tanking” is the path to greatness. Is it? Or is finding a great Quarterback and a competent coach and supporting staff? Before you take a dive, make sure you know what you’re doing please. For the fans sake.

Marty Kiar, property appraiser, Broward County

Last week: The 2019 property tax exemption filing period is in full swing. This week, our office mailed the Homestead Exemption Renewal/Change Order cards to all property owners receiving a Homestead Exemption. This card notifies property owners of the automatic renewal of their Homestead Exemption as well as allowing residents to advise our office of any changes to the ownership or use of the property. Qualifying property owners that do not currently have a 2019 Homestead Exemption can file online at www.bcpa.net; in our office at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 111, Fort Lauderdale; or at a BCPA outreach event.

Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week: Kudos to our elected officials who begin (or renew) their public service on both state and national levels. We thank them for their willingness to serve. Politics can be a noble vocation. At its best, it can be an outstanding form of charity. Politics are essential means of building human communities and institutions. If political life is seen as a form of service to society and if the public servant maintains his or her basic respect for the life, freedom and dignity of persons, then progress can be made in creating conditions for a worthy and just future for all one’s constituents.

Looking ahead: From Jan. 25 to 27, hundreds of thousands of young adults converge in Panama for World Youth Day with Pope Francis. Initiated by St. John Paul II in 1985, World Youth Day is sometimes described as a “Catholic Woodstock.” These celebrations, presided over by the Pope, bring together hundreds of thousands of the young and young adults without drugs, sex or violence, and are transformative events giving youth a personal encounter with international Catholic community, all in service to the ultimate encounter with God. World Youth Day testifies that the Church – despite its naysayers – is still very much alive – and that the Church is young.

Maria Sachs, former member, Florida Senate

Last week: A new governor was sworn in this week.The start of a new administration is similar to clicking the “refresh” button on the computer; new appointments for statewide departments, judicial appointments and, of course, a Democrat on the cabinet. These changes will not only prove to be beneficial to the minority party but will definitely serve the people of South Florida. When an I-95 exit was needed to direct traffic towards the FAU campus, I invited the head of the Florida Department of Transportation to Boca Raton to see for himself the traffic flow. South Florida has an opportunity to be counted, respected and served. We just need to click “refresh” and let the new administration know we count.

Looking ahead: My Mom would plan the family’s budget for the year starting in January. We always tried to have a little left over from the previous year to use for emergencies. Municipalities and counties are no different than families.Our public officials need to set priorities, but need to keep an emergency fund for unforseen events that impact the lives of Floridans.This is vital, especially living in a peninsula, called Florida.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week: Florida’s history changed last week when voting rights were restored to 1.4 million former felons, thanks to a ballot amendment that passed last November. Floridians with felony convictions who complete all terms of their sentence, including parole or probation, will have their voting rights automatically restored. This decision by Florida voters at the polls helped end a system that excluded so many people for a lifetime. We should be proud of ourselves for making this change. Every citizen should have the right to vote.

Looking ahead: Looks like an Everglades drilling decision continues to be questioned.The chief judge of the 1st District of Appeal seemed skeptical about the Florida Department of Environmental Protection having denied a permit for a Broward landowner to drill an exploratory oil well in the Everglades. The debate continues as to whether the area for the drilling is environmentally sensitive or not.The Everglades should be protected without question. Once drilling is allowed, it’s easier to make other concessions. Looks like we’ll have to see how the court will rule in this case.

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate

Last week: The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Commission report released last week is over 400 pages of sensitive information to be digested. The Senate Education Committee discussed school safety and security this week during its committee meeting, with many superintendents and school officials weighing in. While there is a lot to say on this topic for years to come, I still firmly believe that we should not arm teachers and/or other school personnel. I have been against the guardian program since day one as have many other players in this debate. It is my hope we will rethink this as we move forward.

Looking ahead: While Gov. DeSantis was sworn in on Tuesday, three Florida Supreme Court justices were forced to retire from the bench. Gov. DeSantis is in the process of making three appointments to the state’s highest court, shifting the makeup of the Supreme Court in a conservative direction. Many issues important to Floridians have been taken up by the Supreme Court ranging from medical marijuana to redistricting and has served as an effective check on the actions of the legislature. The judiciary is designed to be independent of ideological biases and I hope the incoming justices will continue to maintain this neutrality.

Lamar Fisher, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: This week, the Broward County Commission had a great discussion regarding the health care differential issue on the living wage ordinance.The board recently agreed to raise the living wage in Broward County to $13.27 but we still do not have a consensus on the health care portion. The hard-working individuals of our two major economic engines deserve quality healthcare and I appreciate the county and other organizations for compiling and presenting information in the interest of their employees.

Looking ahead: I’m looking forward to working with each of my eight cities as we start this new year. This upcoming week I will host a mayors meeting. I have invited each mayor or representing commissioner along with each city manager to attend. This meeting will give me the opportunity to start an open dialogue with the elected officials and staff from each of the eight cities I represent. I’m also eager to get a better understanding of the issues each city and their residents are facing. My goal is to learn about these issues and see how the county can assist.

Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Last week: The start of the new year and spring semester, along with some great weather, have the Miami-Dade College family energized. Each new year and semester provide an opportunity to make a fresh start and clean the slate for bigger and better things. We were also pleased this past week that Gov. Ron DeSantis held his first official public event following his inauguration at Miami Dade College’s Freedom Tower on Wednesday where he announced his nomination of Judge Barbara Lagoa for Florida’s Supreme Court. MDC is always a regular stop for state, national and world leaders.

Looking ahead: MDC will illuminate its National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower purple at sundown Jan. 15 in support of VITAS Healthcare’s 40th anniversary, its crucial role in the South Florida health care industry and influence on the national hospice movement. VITAS was founded by two MDC professors, Hugh A. Westbrook, an ordained United Methodist minister, and Esther T. Colliflower, a registered nurse, who saw a void in the treatment of people with terminal illnesses. We also have lots of exciting things coming up at MDC, including a groundbreaking partnership with Tesla. More soon.

Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week: Kudos to our elected officials who begin (or renew) their public service on both State and national levels. We thank them for their willingness to serve. Politics can be a noble vocation. At its best, it can be an outstanding form of charity. Politics are essential means of building human communities and institutions. If political life is seen as a form of service to society and if the public servant maintains his/her basic respect for the life, freedom and dignity of persons, then progress can be made in creating conditions for a worthy and just future for all one’s constituents.

Looking ahead: January 25-27, hundreds of thousands of young adults converge in Panama for World Youth Day with Pope Francis. Initiated by St. John Paul II in 1985, World Youth Day is sometimes described as a “Catholic Woodstock”. These celebrations, presided over by the Pope, bring together 100,000’s of young and young adults without drugs, sex or violence, and are transformative events giving youth a personal encounter with international Catholic community, all in service to the ultimate encounter with God. World Youth Day testifies that the Church – despite its naysayers – is still very much alive – and that the Church is young.

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group

Last week: Florida’s health improved over 2018, concluded “America’s Health Rankings Annual Report 2018.” Based on data in five categories, Florida’s health increased three rankings – from 32nd to 29th – since 2017. The report ranked states by health outcomes, using health behaviors, community and environment, policy and clinical care as factors contributing to those outcomes. Hawaii ranked as the healthiest state, while Louisiana ranked as the unhealthiest. Nationwide, positive influences on health include less child poverty, more primary care physicians and increased immunizations. Conversely, increased obesity, drug deaths and frequent mental and physical distress challenged good health. Let’s work together to improve further.

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine

Last week: Among the major determinants of a healthy population, one often overlooked is mental illness. Within the budgetary priorities mental health is grossly underfunded. Last year 18 percent of Americans reported mental health issues of which four percent were extremely serious. People afflicted tend to be poorer and unable to hold a job, more likely to be victims of crime, far more involved in drug abuse, and less likely to have or keep health insurance. This represents a need for a true safety net since they cannot help themselves. A message to your Congressional representatives would be appropriate and hopefully successful.

Looking ahead: Proposed language in the new NAFTA trade agreement prevents generic copies of Big Pharma’s prescription medications from reaching you for a decade. These critical “biosimilars” provide cheaper but equivalent versions of expensive drugs. Many organizations including AARP, Teachers Union, AFL-CIO, and American College of Physicians oppose this obsequious gift to drug companies. The pharmaceutical industry argues that protection of their products leads to discovery of new treatments, better health outcomes, and increased competition. Consumer groups counter that this would stifle competition and maintain an unnecessary expense. Congress should alter the language thereby lowering the cost of drugs for American consumers.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Last week: When smokers are allowed to use our oceans as their personal ashtrays, a slew of problems surface. Obviously, litter is an issue. Cleanup costs are taken from local tax revenue, becoming an unwanted burden. Butts, the most littered item in the world, contain thousands of chemicals that prove deadly to environment, sea animals and humans. Second hand smoke effects include numerous health issues for seniors, children and infants. Recent efforts to decrease usage of one-time plastics (bags and straws) are valiant, but pale in comparison to the regulations needed to keep our beaches smoke and litter free.

Looking ahead: The day after Trump’s inauguration, millions of Americans marched to challenge the president’s blatant disregard of women’s rights. An organization born from the march, Women’s March Inc., is facing allegations of anti-Semitism. According to significant leaders, co-founders of the movement asserted that Jewish people bore a collective responsibility for exploitation of people of color.Two prejudiced founders refused to include anti-Semitism in the unity principles of the organization and berated those who identified with Judaism, leading to the resignation of all Jewish women on the board. Wisely, the Broward chapter of Women’s March has disaffiliated from the national organization.

Robert Weinroth, member, Palm Beach County Commission

Last week: This past Tuesday, now Gov. Ron DeSantis was sworn in as Florida’s 46th governor, joined by some newly elected cabinet members. New faces include Attorney General Ashley Moody and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, now Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who was previously appointed by former Gov. Scott to fill a vacancy, was elected to his first four-year term in November. After a divisive recount season, we are all hopeful the new administration will come together to lead Florida forward. Gov. DeSantis’ challenges include school safety post Parkland, algae blooms, and proper implementation of Amendment 4.

Looking ahead: In November, 64 percent of Floridians supported Amendment 4, the Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative. As of Jan. 8, most of those citizens were automatically restored voting rights and are now able to register to vote. Qualifying criteria states that those who have completed “all terms of their sentence including parole or probation” get their voting rights back. Restoration does not apply to those with murder convictions or sexual offenses. With over one million possible additional voters, effects on our local and state elections could be massive. Political parties will have work to do recruiting new members before 2020.

Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel

Last week: (Booming Narrator Voice): “The Wall, an American blockbuster, coming to a city or border near you. Who will build it? Who will kill it? Who will pay for it? Will it transform into something that is is or not? It captures the soul of America today. The fear. The insecurity. The political stalemate. The shutdown. Don’t miss it. Live screening at our State of the Union on Jan. 29. Starring: America.”

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida

Looking ahead: The approval of Amendment 4 and the end of Florida’s lifetime voting ban were historic achievements. The pictures of people registering to vote for the first time or the first time in many years captured moving moments in our state’s history. Whether the constitutional change will have the transformative impact supporters hoped for will depend, first, on how much the Legislature will interfere by enacting what legislators will claim is helpful implenting legislation and, second, how many of the more than a million newly eligible voters will register to vote and participate in what will now be more representative elections.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

Last week: In the most recent voting election, young voters ages 18-21, made history with their turnout rates. It was recorded that 36 percent of Florida’s young voters voted compared to 22 percent from the 2014 midterm election.The increase of young voters is due to the results after the Stoneman Douglas school shooting. Students from Stoneman Douglas and students from across the country rallied to recruit young voters with the same mission aiming to reduce gun violence. It was noted that college towns had the largest amount of voters throughout Florida. It’s inspiring to see these young voters taking action of their future.

Looking ahead: While we are in the midst of the flu and cold season, it can sometimes be challenging to tell the difference between the two. If you are experiencing symptoms abruptly, have a fever, body aches, chills and a headache, you most likely have the flu verse a cold. Colds are usually milder than the flu and do not lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalization. In the broad-spectrum, if you’re undergoing any of the symptoms above it is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent severe complications.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week: The City of Fort Lauderdale launched Florida’s first homeless community court this week. This is a big step forward in assisting the homeless population to receive resources rather than jail time. Chief Broward Circuit Judge Jack Tuter is presiding. The community court is more good news after the breaking down of the downtown encampment. Kudos to our elected officials, the county, city and business leaders who are working together to help those less fortunate.

Looking ahead: Our new Governor DeSantis has come out strong regarding the environment, and that is a welcome change from his predecessor. However, it is also important that he fights for tourism, which is our #1 industry and creator of jobs. Former Governor Rick Scott was an avid champion. Governor DeSantis has appointed Dana Young to head up Visit Florida. She will have her hands full since Visit Florida is set to sunset this year. Make not mistake, Visit Florida is critically important to our tourism industry and needs to be safeguarded.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Fort Lauderdale successfully launched the state’s first Community Court to assist the homeless. As a collaborative effort with the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, Broward County, Clerk of Courts, Office of the Public Defender, State Attorney’s Office, and treatment providers, Community Court addresses the root causes of homelessness by offering alternative sentencing for certain misdemeanor offenses. Instead of going to jail, the homeless are connected with essential health, rehabilitation, and social services, and required to complete community service. This compassionate approach will reduce jail costs, provide life-building assistance, and move us closer to ending homelessness in our community.

Looking ahead: On Jan. 21, Fort Lauderdale honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join us at 8:30 a.m. at the L.A. Lee YMCA (408 N.W. 14 Terrace) for volunteer activities including neighborhood cleanups, decorating free lending libraries, and preparing care packages for children in need. At 9 a.m., the King Holiday Parade departs from Lincoln Park (600 N.W. 19 Avenue) heads east down Sistrunk Boulevard then south to Esplanade Park (400 S.W. 2 Street) for a Multicultural Unity Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event features music, dance, art, and more! For details, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/mlk.

Barbara Sharief, member, Broward County Commission

Looking ahead: Florida ranked third highest for human trafficking cases in 2017, per state reports. In Broward County, 149 calls were made to the national child abuse hotline for suspected human trafficking of minors, with 40 calls verified. If you suspect someone is being exploited through sex or labor trafficking, contact the 24/7 Nancy J. Cotterman Help Line at 954-761-7273 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The Nancy J. Cotterman Center, Broward’s only certified rape crisis and accredited Children’s Advocacy Center, provides crisis intervention and counseling to survivors at no cost. Visit Broward.org/NancyJCottermanCenter to learn about free support services.

Michael Udine, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Through collaborative efforts between the fire chiefs of Broward County, a new inter-local agreement that creates a countywide response plan was approved by the county commission. This agreement establishes what the expectations are for, “Mutual Aid, Automatic Aid, and Closest Unit Response for Fire Rescue Agencies.” Cooperation between our local fire rescue organizations will not only speed up response times but establish seamless coordination among separate fire departments. Now is the time for all of Broward’s cities to sign on and get this done for the safety of Broward’s residents.

Looking ahead: Super Bowl 54 is coming to South Florida, and the NFL and Super Bowl Host Committee are busy getting prepared. Through their Super Bowl Business Connect program, local businesses in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach have the opportunity to apply and compete for contracts for Super Bowl events. The program seeks all types of products and services. Everything from catering, photography, transportation, security, and more. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved with the major events, which could lead to future opportunities, as well as showcasing all our community has to offer!

Gerry Litrento, senior executive vice president, BankUnited

Last week: Artificial intelligence was everywhere on display at this week’s consumer electronics show: toothbrushes that can tell you how to brush better, washing machines that can suggest settings, TVs that recommend shows and refrigerators that order groceries when you’re out of milk. Millions of people have viewed the recent YouTube video of a six-year-old boy asking Alexa to do his homework.That isn’t appalling, that is the future. So where do we humans fit in? We need to sharpen our critical thinking skills to analyze the AI data that will become our main source of information.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group

Last week: Our new governor, Ron DeSantis, has truly come through for Florida’s environment and economy. Announcing his new water policy, “Achieving More Now for Florida’s Environment,”a list of bold actions that clearly confirm to all Floridians that his administration is truly committed to moving Everglades restoration forward. In addition, he acknowledges sea level rise and science as we now have a Chief Science Officer and an Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, as well as a re-focus by our agencies on solutions to deal with water quality challenges, investments in alternate water supply and the protection our fragile coastlines.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

Looking ahead: The MSD Commission should be commended for their findings that more needs to be done within the school system and the greater community to provide for social and emotional support for our young people. However, suggestions to have teachers and others carry firearms into schools is fraught with issues. Without military or SWAT-level training the risk of “friendly-fire” disasters is high. The risk of those weapons falling into a student’s hands could result in catastrophe. We need to arm educators with resources that allow them to do what they were trained to do – TEACH and support our students!

Bradette Jepsen, president, League of Women Voters of Broward County

Last week: The Parkland commission’s recommendation to arm teachers puts the credibility of the entire report in doubt. As their performances on NRA TV show, commission chair, Sheriff Gualteri and member, Sheriff Judd have long been proponents of arming teachers. Consequently, it is no surprise that, despite the objections of educators and no proof that guns in schools are effective in preventing future tragedies, Sheriff Gualteri’s commission concluded that arming teachers is a good idea. The public gave this commission its trust to find solutions to prevent future tragedies. Instead, it promotes Sheriff Gualteri and Sheriff Judd’s not so hidden political agenda.

Christine Hunschofsky, mayor, Parkland

Looking ahead: The Florida legislative session officially begins on March 4, 2019, but bills are already being filed in Tallahassee. While some of those bills are good for our community, others are not. Recently filed bills include victim’s compensation acts, moving Florida’s concealed weapons program from the Agriculture Department to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, repealing the new risk protection order law (“red flag law”) and a rollback of other parts of the MSD Public Safety Act. As all these bills are considered, we must remain vigilant, monitor what is happening in Tallahassee and be ready to take action to advocate for our community.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Broward County just lost an extraordinary woman. How can words adequately express what we all feel about Edith Lederberg and what she has done for so many? A passionate advocate and inspirational leader on behalf of seniors and all vulnerable people, Edith was a friend, a mentor, and a role model to me and so many others. She made a difference in the lives of thousands and thousands of South Florida seniors – indeed seniors across our state and nation. Those who knew and loved her, as well as those who never met her, are the beneficiaries of her unprecedented legacy.

Tracey Grossman, chairperson, Anti-Defamation League

Looking ahead: Before the November election, I wrote a SF100 piece urging every Floridian to support Amendment 4. ADL is thrilled that it passed, and 1.4 million Floridians can now be added to the voter rolls. This is the beginning of the largest enfranchisement of U.S. citizens in more than 50 years. ADL has historically been a strong voice for voting rights, dating to our efforts to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I now urge all those who were forbidden from voting – and indeed, all Floridians – to register to vote, and exercise this fundamental American freedom.

George Moraitis, chairman, Broward Republican Executive Committee

Last week: Gov. DeSantis was sworn in on Tuesday. While he didn’t mention Broward by name, his intentions for Broward are clear: hold our public officials accountable. Alluding to the tragedy in Parkland, he said, “We must never turn a blind eye to those who represent a danger to our schools and community; we cannot sacrifice the safety of our people at the altar of social experimentation.” DeSantis also referenced need for voter integrity saying we “cannot allow Florida’s reputation to be further tarnished by the repeated failure of a small number of counties to conduct elections in a transparent, lawful manner.”

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

Looking ahead: Florida’s movie production revenue all but died five years ago when the Legislature declined to continue a tax incentive program and quit competing with other states for big-budget productions. Looking at today’s TV lineup. Those dollars have gone to Chicago and Atlanta. But Tampa Bay counties have shown that even relatively small incentives to independent film makers has resulted in millions of dollars to the local economy. It’s time South Florida got back in the game.

Peter Moore, president, Chen Moore and Associates

Looking ahead: The thought of my busy travel schedule for the upcoming year and the talks of delays resulting from the Federal Government Shut Down with TSA agents is causing me some heartburn. Americans take 488 million business trips and year and then there are the 116.5 million or so visitors to Florida each year. Things are going to get crowded!

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Last week: Hundreds of thousands of American families will sit around dinner tables tonight and explain to their loved ones how they can get by with no paycheck this week. Trump is using federal workers as pawns in this cruel border wall reality show he’s putting on for his political base. He doesn’t seem to care that families are being harmed. What will be worse is if Trump declares a state of emergency and bypasses Congress to fund his border wall fetish. That would weaken military readiness by draining defense funds that our armed forces need to protect our nation. That is unacceptable.

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

Last week: With all of the brinkmanship going on in D.C., it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that real people and real children on both sides of our southern border are suffering. Thousands of immigrant children are still being kept in cages or “ice boxes” at the border often separated from their parents. And an unknown number of U.S. children will suffer when their parents don’t get paid this week (back pay, if given, won’t help on bills due now or put food on the table now), or when the money for their school lunches or SNAP benefits run out.

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Last week: I oversaw the House from the speaker’s chair as we held a moment of silence to remember the 2011 mass shooting in Tucson where six people died and 13 were injured, including Congresswoman Giffords. As Speaker Pelosi said earlier, this would be the last time the House held a moment of silence on a gun violence tragedy without following it with action. With a new gun safety majority in the House, Democrats and Republicans jointly introduced legislation for universal background checks on all gun purchases. If you can’t pass a background check, you shouldn’t be able to buy a gun.

Looking ahead: House Democrats have wasted no time passing legislation to reopen the federal government. Now the longest government shutdown in history, its impact is being felt by millions of Americans. Over 800,000 federal employees are either out of work or working without pay; many are struggling to pay monthly bills. The FDA has stopped routine food inspections. Approvals for new medications could be delayed. TSA agents are calling in sick or quitting. SNAP benefits are at risk of being slashed. The President’s shutdown is creating a national emergency.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: The federal shutdown has now lasted over 20 days, with no end in sight. Many people claim to hate the government and frequently call to weaken or cripple it. But this shutdown should show everyone what that actually means. It means depriving 800,000 federal workers of their hard earned pay. It means depriving millions of their food stamps, WIC money, and potentially their tax returns. It means shuttering our treasured national parks and museums. It means furloughing our brave servicemembers in the Coast Guard, as well as NASA and Homeland Security. Government certainly isn’t perfect, but this shutdown is a reminder of all the good government that we would be missing.

Looking ahead: The Segment III Beach Renourishment will kick into high gear in Broward County in 2019. This week, the US Army Corps of Engineers and Broward County held a joint meeting/town hall with residents to educate on this project and take comments from the community. This project will bring 123,000 cubic yards to 7.2 miles of coastal land, stretching from Dania Beach to Hollywood to Hallandale Beach. These beaches have faced severe erosion that has been accelerated by climate change. The Segment III Beach Renourishment project is a major step in protecting our beloved beaches for generations to come.