Central Florida 100: A yearbook debate and a new police chief

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

Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County

Last week: SPLIT OAK PROTECTION: This past week, the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) took extraordinary steps to protect the Split Oak conservation area, and the adjoining 1,550 acres that had been donated, while moving forward with the Osceola Expressway extension. Understanding some will never want the road, CFX fashioned an 8-point plan putting in place engineering, restoration and maintenance measures that will provide wildlife crossings, additional habitat, and conservation protection. Not only will the more than $13 million address Split Oak Forest preservation, but the unanimous decision will set a precedent for higher environmental standards, like the Wekiva Parkway has, for future roadbuilders to achieve. CFX has set an example that all government agencies should try to emulate.

Ben Friedman, attorney and community advocate

Last week: LYMAN YEARBOOK REVERSAL: After public backlash, the Seminole County School Board reversed its decision to cover up images of students holding pride flags in the Lyman High School yearbook. The board voted instead to add a sticker to the page saying that it was not endorsed by the school. But why is that necessary? Commemorating important moments in the lives of students is the entire purpose of a yearbook. As the former Editor-in-Chief of my high school yearbook, I know there are standards to prevent inappropriate material, but by treating this content as taboo, they are sending a message that queer students, teachers, and families still aren’t fully equal.

Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way

Last week: TAX SERVICE: An advertising campaign that says “free” 99 percent of the time has strings attached. This is what 4.4 million low-income Americans discovered when looking for the IRS free tax filing site and were misled by Intuit TurboTax. Every tax season, it’s these residents who are most vulnerable because they urgently need the money. Yearly, United Way works with the IRS to bring the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to the tri-county region. Taxes are filed for free with help, full refunds are received, and it ensures additional dollars for residents who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit so no money is left on the table.

Jane Healy, former editorial page editor and managing editor, Orlando Sentinel

Last week: BAD DEVELOPMENT: Was the latest attempt to plop a mega-development into east Orange County’s rural area some sort of bad joke by its Dallas developers? The developers have withdrawn their request but not before some laughable pitches. First, they changed the project’s name from Sustany — the name of its development that was rejected six years ago — to Sustanee. Huh? Then they actually added homes, taking the total to 2,400. This area is zoned for agriculture and that’s how it should stay with its imperiled species bordering the Econlockhatchee River. Fortunately, the area residents raised a stink and the developers have slinked back to Dallas, where they should stay.

Viviana Janer, vice chairwoman, Osceola County Commission

Looking ahead: KEEPING SENIORS SHARP: I’m proud of a new partnership with Advance Senior Center to provide a series of free events promoting health, exercise, and entertainment for our seniors. These activities are a great way to improve the mental health and the physical well-being of participants. It’s important to provide vulnerable seniors with these interactions as many faced isolation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first event will be May 19 at the Robert Guevara Community Center with activities such as Zumba, cardio and “Super Bingo.” We will also provide information on types of assistance available to seniors. Seniors looking for some fun and fellowship should check it out.

David Kay, chair, Interfaith Council of Central Florida

Last week: MISTAKES: “We all make mistakes … We own up to it, and we try to do what we can to fix it.” — Abby Sanchez, vice-chair, Seminole County School Board. That may be the most important lesson taught in Florida schools this year. Sanchez was talking about the reversal of the board’s previous decision to cover pictures in the Lyman High School yearbook of a student protest against a recently-passed Florida law. The vote was 5-0, with Lyman and other students showing up and speaking up. It was a refreshing change to see a government body evaluate the facts, rather than play politics.

Looking ahead: THANKS, CHIEF ROLON: Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón announced his retirement from OPD this fall, after a 30-year career. Being a police officer is a challenging job, and running the department is many times more so. Chief Rolón took the helm as the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping a steady course and implementing important new programs to enhance equity and inclusion on the force and improve the quality of service to the citizens. Of course, there is always more work to be done, but we owe Chief Rolón a debt of gratitude for his many years of service.

Ken LaRoe, Founder, Climate First Bank

Last week: NET-METERING VETO: It’s a miracle – Gov. DeSantis did something positive for the environment! A few weeks ago, he vetoed the controversial net-metering bill that would result in higher bills for solar energy customers. With solar panels customers can lower their energy bills and sell excess energy back to the company – something a majority of Floridians support, according to a recent poll. Furthermore, over 90,000 households have solar panels, a number that’s increased 467% since 2016. There’s such clear support for net-metering and solar panels in this state, it simply wouldn’t make any sense if the next legislative session tried this nonsense again.

Looking ahead: NEXT-GENERATION CLIMATE: Record-breaking climate impacts from the past few years are changing us more than we think. Multiple people have confided in me that they see little point in having children if the future of our planet seems so bleak. Even national studies have found that more than half of people are considering having fewer kids or reconsidering kids altogether because of climate impacts. The Florida I grew up in is already very different from the one we live in now, and we’ve got to do whatever we can to preserve our state so people feel comfortable raising future generations of Floridians.

David Leavitt, former Seminole County Libertarian Party chairman, CEO of Refresh Computers

Last week: TAX MATH: Scott Maxwell’s Orange County sales tax commentary in the Orlando Sentinel provided a word to the wise. Maxwell wrote “Orange County needs to tap hotel taxes before raising sales taxes.” But how much additional cash is Orange County actually asking of taxpayers? Orange County is proposing that voters vote themselves a 15.4% increase in the sales tax rate. That’s right: 15.4%. Do the math: 1 is 15.4% of 6.5.

A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College

Last week: LEESBURG ABUSE: A hostile environment is a hostile environment no matter the victim, and when the victims are children, it makes the act doubly heinous. High-school children are hard enough on each other and should never expect aggression from faculty or staff. Recently, two staff members at Leesburg High School resigned after being accused of creating a cult-like hostile environment directed at nonpracticing Christian students. Thankfully, those responsible have been held accountable for their hostile actions, but it is imperative to address how this happened in a public school — and why the abuse of power and authority lasted for over two years.

Alex Martins, chair, UCF Board of Trustees; CEO, Orlando Magic

Looking ahead: SHARP MINDS IN FLIGHT: Space flight conjures up feelings of excitement but also involves isolation and long travel that can cause breakdowns in thinking and reasoning, potentially threatening safety and mission objectives. In new research funded by the Department of Defense, UCF cognitive sciences professor Stephen Fiore and colleagues will examine how changes in cognition affect collaboration and how training and technologies, such as artificial-intelligence-based assistants, could strengthen mental resilience and avoid decreases in team performance. Helping space travelers achieve their highest potential could fuel the success of future space missions and lead to scientific breakthroughs advancing human cognition, our understanding of the universe and much more.

Anna McPherson, past president, Junior League of Greater Orlando

Last week: COVID TEST FOR TRAVELERS: COVID’s here again (not that it disappeared, but you probably know someone who has it right now). So, when are you supposed to test for this? Quick answer: talk to your health-care provider. However, if you are embarking on an international trip soon, you’ll want to get a documented PCR test. According to current CDC guidelines for international air travel coming into the United States, if you provide proof of past infection combined with a letter from a health-care provider that states you indeed have recovered from COVID within the past 90 days, then you don’t have to present a negative covid test administered within one day of departure for your America-bound flight.

Khalid Muneer, broker/owner Jupiter Properties Central Florida

Last week: REDISTRICTING: With the ruling by a Leon County circuit judge blocking the implementation of a congressional map favored by the governor, the uncertainty for candidates filing to run for public offices just moved to another level. With primaries only just three months away, the low intensity of campaigns will continue unless there is an early outcome on the redistricting.

Looking ahead: ABORTION PROTESTS: The nation is once again on edge with the possibility of large protests if the Supreme Court reverses the abortion law. As the debate heats up, the coming weeks are critical in order to put in place some measures by security establishments to contain the spread of protests that could get out of control.

Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida

Last week: RENTAL ASSISTANCE: On Thursday, DCF stopped taking applications for the rental and utility-assistance program for low-income and unemployed residents. $1.4 billion allocated to Florida by the Treasury Department last year was distributed to more than 228,000 families. 28 Democratic lawmakers want the Florida Legislature to discuss the state’s affordable housing crisis during the upcoming special session at the end of May, and local governments like Osceola County are offering new programs to provide affordable housing for working families. While Congress is claiming it has no money to help needy Americans, it authorized $40 billion of taxpayer dollars for military aid to Ukraine.

Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida

Last week: MARVEL MOVIE OPENER: As a huge Avengers fan, I happily bought my tickets and headed to the theatre to see the latest Marvel release — “Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness,” which opened to packed theaters last week.? Although streaming services have many movie options, nothing beats the big-screen experience in a movie theater with a huge bucket of popcorn, giant diet cherry Coke, and a night out.?I love looking forward once again to summer blockbuster releases starting in May; coming soon to a theater near you, “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Lightyear” and, yeah, another Marvel movie – “Thor: Love & Thunder.”? Can’t wait!

Looking ahead: HURRICANE SEASON: Next month marks the official start of hurricane season, and while community emergency management teams are preparing to keep our communities safe, we all need to prepare as well.?If you’re a citizen with special needs, register now with your county’s EMS ystem and special needs program. By preregistering, there’s an advance plan for any transportation, evacuation, health, or medical needs in the event of a storm or emergency. Also take advantage of the Florida sales-tax holiday from May 28 through June 10 on storm supplies, which reduces costs for residents to stock up on items such as batteries, tarps, generators and more. The time to prepare is now.

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

Last week: UNBELIEVABLY REAL: The region has a new slogan and it’s unbelievably real. No, that’s actually the slogan, “Unbelievably Real.” It’s apparently a play on the fantasy that the theme parks sell and the region’s growing influence in technology, virtual reality and simulation industries. The Orlando Economic Partnership and Visit Orlando have just declared Orlando (and everywhere up to Miami) as the “MetaCenter,” or the national hub of tech that powers the Metaverse in a larger bid to attract more tech giants to set up shop nearby. But while we’re manifesting things, how about we magic up some affordable housing and cleaner waterways too?

Looking ahead: BEER HONOR: Orlando’s Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company just came home with a trophy for their Half-Toberfest Vienna Lager at the recent Brewers Association World Beer Cup event in Minneapolis. It’s one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world with over 10,542 beers entered from 2,494 breweries in 57 countries. The win isn’t just for Ivanhoe Park either, it helps to establish Orlando’s presence abroad as more than just a place to bring your kids for a vacation, but also as a real city with it’s own flavors and voice.

Beverly Paulk, founding member, Central Florida Foundation and The Orlando Philharmonic

Last week: KUDOS TO SEMINOLE SCHOOL BOARD: This time I’m proud to be a Seminole County resident. The Seminole County School Board made a thoughtful decision that supported students and protected the county and free speech. Given a new Florida untested law that defies understanding, a comprise was found that respected the Lyman students’ yearbook work with inclusion of a student-led protest against statewide LGBTQ-student discrimination. As an “antique” yearbook editor, each page, picture and word matter to the yearbook staff and every student. The students forever will remember the life lesson that their voices mattered and positively changed an outcome. Kudos, school board.

Jim Philips, retired longtime radio talk-show host

Last week: UNSCHEDULED FLIGHT: You’re a passenger on a small, single-engine plane heading from the Bahamas to Florida and the pilot conks out. What do you do? Simple … fly it back home yourself or look for the sick bag and a parachute. The newbie now at the controls was able to radio the simple understated message: “I don’t know how to fly an airplane!” An air traffic controller in South Florida came to the rescue and somehow managed to teach the amateur aviator to fly and even land the plane safely with no bumps, bruises or wings collapsing. Take it from someone (me) who took one flying lesson and said “this is not for me” to appreciate the joys of boating.

Looking ahead: AVOIDING ABORTION DEBATE: Gov. DeSantis is mum when questioned whether he would endorse a complete ban on abortion in Florida. But do not be surprised to know his acolytes are communicating with GOP members of the Legislature with the message: do not consider, talk, propose, or recommend anything to do with abortion when you meet for a special session later this month. Many consider DeSantis to be a loudmouth bully, but he knows how to read polls. In his quest for higher office DeSantis knows that a majority of Americans want some elements of Roe vs. Wade to remain in place.

Gloria Pickar, president emerita, League of Women Voters of Orange County

Last week: GOVERNOR’S MAP IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL: Judge Layne Smith, appointed by Gov. DeSantis, blocked implementation of the governor’s unprecedented congressional map declaring it violates the Fair Districts amendment to the Florida Constitution. Smith ruled the redrawn north Florida District 5 diminishes Black voters’ right to elect the representative of their choice. Central Florida’s District 10 held by Rep. Val Demings, also redrawn from a Black to a white district, is not affected. The governor will surely appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. His map gives Republicans a 20-8 advantage which could determine control of the U.S. House. DeSantis’ map seems to have one objective — to dilute minority voting power.

Looking ahead: VICTIMS OF OPPRESSION: When I was a senior at segregated Cocoa High School, my government course was Americanism Versus Communism. Gov. DeSantis recently signed “Victims of Communism Day” into law, requiring 45 minutes of instruction each Nov. 7 for Florida public high school students about the injustice and consequences of oppressive regimes and leaders. And yet, he and the Florida Legislature forbid instruction about the history of Black slavery bordering on critical race theory and discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. Aren’t Black Americans and LGBTQ+ persons victims of our oppressive state government? DeSantis is taking us backward with his culture wars.

Larry Pino, attorney and entrepreneur

Last week: GOODBYE, iPOD: I was not surprised to hear that, after 20 years, Apple has made a final decision to discontinue the iPod. The original iPod was born Oct. 23, 2001, and revolutionized digital music with the first portable MP3 player that could hold 1,000 songs. Barely escaping bankruptcy just a few years earlier, Apple rode the iPod line to a point where, by 2006, the year before the first iPhone was launched, it accounted for 40% of Apple’s revenue. The rest, they say, is history. The rise of the iPhone and the fall of the iPod are yet another reminder that nothing stays static in the world of free enterprise.

Looking ahead: KEKE’S SALE: For entrepreneurial founders of locally grown Keke’s – Kevin and Keith Mahen — the restaurant chain’s $82 million sale to Denny’s some 16 years after starting is no doubt a dream come true. And rightfully so. For Denny’s, however, it represents a pivot point. With its iconic “Moons-Over-My-Hammy” menu, but deteriorating physical locations, Denny’s must embrace this as an opportunity to reposition itself and, in so doing, escape an inevitable Kmart demise. Denny’s may be bigger today, but if it doesn’t molt, it will be gone tomorrow. For the Mahens, it is indeed the American Dream. For Denny’s, let’s hope it is an $82 million elixir!

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

Last week: LYMAN STANDS UP: Meaningful high-school participation by serving on the yearbook committee allows students to learn essential skills, ethics and values through journalism. Bravo to the Lyman High School students for standing up with their voices when Seminole County Public School administrators insisted they cover up pages reflecting a student protest against the “don’t say gay” House Bill 1557. Photos of student-made signs saying “Love Is Love” and holding rainbow flags during a walkout this year displayed kind support for all students. Showing that adults can see the error of their ways feels good now that school-board members let reason prevail, allowing freedom to speak about the important student experience.

Looking ahead: OPD’S NEW CHIEF: When leadership transitions occur that touch a large, diverse population, i.e., Orlando Police Department, there’s peace of mind when the newly appointed leader comes with a well-trained background from within the organization. Retiring Chief Orlando Rolón served the community for three decades, leaving big shoes to fill. Mayor Buddy Dyer’s appointment of Eric Smith as the next chief, considering Smith’s 27 years with OPD working in almost every department, gives confidence that the transition will be seamless. Smith is ready to oversee operations and budgets and be OPD’s public face. Citizens look for fair and just policing policies and practices beneficial to the department and all OPD serves.

Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising executive

Last week: MOURNING: Pamela Jane Slaymaker Thys entered heaven. She was the best sister anyone could have asked for.

Carol Wick, CEO, Sharity

Last week: RHETORIC HAS CONSEQUENCES: While we often hear about the hate that is propagated by politicians to rile up their base, too often we omit the impact of that hate on the target groups. This week women began deleting their menstrual cycle-tracking apps for fear of persecution if they were to be late or miss a period. Other women with IUDs fear they could be soon on a list and charged with murder if they cross into the wrong state. This is the U.S. we are facing if we don’t all act now to stop it.

Nicole Wilson, Orange County commissioner, District 1

Last week: TEACHER APPRECIATION: Florida teachers deserve so much more than a day, week or month of appreciation. They deserve, at the very least, better pay. Our teachers mold the future of America, protect our kids from gun violence, shelter them in storms, care for them in times of need, and show our kids how to think critically. The role of a teacher is ever-expanding but they are up for the challenge. Thank you to our fearless and passionate teachers!

Looking ahead: BIGGER THAN DISNEY: If the rest of Florida’s business community thinks they are safe sitting idly by as the governor attacks the state’s largest employer they are missing the larger threat. It was unbelievably irresponsible for the governor to abolish the Reedy Creek Improvement District without conducting a thorough economic study. Orange and Osceola County taxpayers may end up shouldering the burden for the governor’s culture wars. Business owners heed the warning, you could be next.

Michael Zais, political blogger for thedrunkenrepublican.com

Last week: RICK SCOTT’S FUMBLE: Maybe Sen. Rick Scott intended to give Gov. Ron DeSantis a brief reprieve from being the focal point of constant attacks from Joe Biden and the Democrats. Why else would he plant himself on a political island by releasing his own 11-Point Plan to “Rescue America” — a plan not endorsed by any other Republican? This accomplishes precisely nothing, other than to throw a hanging curve to Joe Biden that he can exploit by cherry-picking and mischaracterizing — which he gladly did as he fumbled and bumbled through his latest teleprompter speech. And for the record, Mr. President — Scott is from Florida, not Wisconsin.

Looking ahead: VICTIMS OF COMMUNISM DAY: I find it unfathomable that any patriotic, freedom-loving capitalist could oppose Gov. DeSantis declaring Nov. 7 “Victims of Communism Day,” and the associated 45 minutes of instruction for high-school students to commemorate the day. This action by the governor is especially poignant given the large Cuban-American population that resides in Florida – most of whom have personal stories of how they, or family members, escaped the horrors of communism in Cuba, and the oppression of living under the iron fist of a murderous dictator like Fidel Castro. And given the socialist bent of those in power in Washington today, this is not merely an academic endeavor.