Central Florida 100: Vaccine troubles and the presidential transition

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

Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County

Last week: CORONAVIRUS PREDICTION: Many have complimented the distribution plan of the COVID-19 vaccine in Seminole County. Our first-in-the-state system of guaranteed appointments at a fixed location has been a tremendous success and is prepared to ramp up as more supply is available. However, did you know that Altamonte Springs is the first city in Florida to develop a “Doppler radar” for coronavirus in their wastewater system? It enables them to predict COVID-19 spikes up to a week in advance, giving us the opportunity to deploy our resources more effectively, while teaching other communities this technology. Once again, Altamonte Springs is a paragon of innovation.

Mary Lee Downey, CEO and founder of the Community Hope Center

Looking ahead: HARRIS INSPIRES: I’ve talked about it before, but I really am excited to get to witness our country’s first female vice president sworn in Jan. 20. We have so many incredible female leaders right here in Central Florida. Still, it’s inspiring to see yet another glass ceiling shattered in our lifetime. It’s a shame that between the pandemic and security measures there won’t be a crowd present that suits this occasion. Still, I know that a lot of Central Floridians will be celebrating this historic occasion along with me.

John L. Evans Jr., consulting unit chief for a global investment firm; former congressional staffer

Last week: FUN DAY OUT: Have you had it with COVID? I have. Time to get out for an adventure in our heavenly sent cool air. Grab the pooch and head to Chuluota State Park for a delightful, healthy gallivant in nature. Then visit nearby Norma’s Hitching Post and enjoy a post-hike cold one. The 40-plus-year-old airy establishment used to be a biker bar, and Brooke the bartender will tell you stories. Like how bikers showed their jackets and colors, marking territories. The late Norma calmed that all down, but the place still has character in spades, just no leather jacket required.

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

Looking ahead: PROTECTING SENIORS: As each day passes, our community and state are getting closer to emerging from this terrible pandemic. Gov. Ron DeSantis has made it a priority to protect the most vulnerable in our community, our senior citizens, by ensuring that they are first in line to receive the vaccine. Furthermore, I would like to applaud Central Florida’s own Publix Supermarkets for partnering with the state to increase availability of the vaccine. In the coming days, the vaccine will be available at 105 locations across 12 counties, ensuring that everyone 65 and older who wants a vaccine will have access at no cost.

Tim Giuliani, president and CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership

Last week: BUSINESSES ADDRESSING RACISM: To fully achieve our region’s promise, where Orlando is a place in which equity and inclusivity are the foundation for prosperity, we must exponentially increase our efforts to battle racism. Orlando’s business community signaled commitment to improve regional diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) outcomes by committing to “Take the Pledge,” a regional effort focused on creating opportunities for those long affected by racial inequality. Now is the time for the business community to stand together to address racism and build a better future for our region.

Looking ahead: COVID-19 LAWSUIT PROTECTION: As our economy reopens, employers must be protected from COVID-19-related lawsuits if they are following public health and safety guidelines. Bills are being filed daily in preparation for the start of the 2021 State Legislative Session that begins March 2, and House Bill 7 and Senate Bill 72 are of critical importance to our economic recovery as they each seek to implement legal protections against liability related to COVID-19 for businesses, educational institutions, governmental entities, and religious institutions. At this time, neither bill includes protections for health-care organizations — something we will continue to advocate for with our legislative leaders.

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

Looking ahead: HONOR KING THROUGH GOOD WORKS: Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Orlando knows this. Our community laid bare its true character of caring in response to crisis such as the Pulse tragedy, hurricanes, and COVID-19. In honor of MLK Day, Heart of Florida United Way is hosting a Week of Action. It’s an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and start off 2021 by making an impact through service. Both virtual and in-person, Week of Action offers opportunities throughout the week. Learn more at www.HFUW.org. So, how will you be great this year through service?

Viviana Janer, vice chairwoman, Osceola County Commission

Last week: OSCEOLA SHOT SHORTAGE: Another week into the COVID-19 crisis and the lack of available vaccines in Osceola County remains a critical concern. Osceola. Is. Still. Waiting. The first batch of more than 3,000 vaccines have been given. On Monday, a local church will be the site of 500 shots. It is not enough in a county with almost 400,000 residents! Osceola is not even on par with counties with fewer residents (Citrus and Hernando) that have received more vaccine. At the least, Gov. Ron DeSantis should immediately expand a program with Publix to include Osceola locations. Our residents need this shot in the arm.

David Kay, rabbi, Congregation Ohev Shalom

Last week: VACCINE DISTRIBUTION GLITCH: While it’s true that the vaccines for COVID-19 have been developed and tested quickly, there was still plenty of time for governments to organize effective plans for distribution. It would be unrealistic to expect that there would be no glitches or unforeseen problems. Yet, it seems both our state and national governments fell short in both planning and execution. Of course, vaccinating a nation of 330 million was never going to happen within a month or two, even with enough doses on hand. But there seems to have been a lack of coordination that there’s still time to fix.

Looking ahead: OATHS OF OFFICE: With the 46th president and 49th vice president being sworn in on Wednesday, there’s still question whether some of the Florida congressional delegation will uphold their oaths of office. James Wilson, a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and an Associate Justice of the first Supreme Court, opposed oaths of office, declaring that “a good government did not need them and a bad one could not or ought not to be supported.” In the view of Wilson and others, someone who needs to be bound by an oath more likely should not be trusted to keep it.

Ken LaRoe, Founder, Climate First Bank I/O

Last week: MANATEE VANDALISM: 2020 was a difficult year for Florida manatees already, with more than 600 total deaths. Just last weekend, a manatee in the Homosassa River was found with the word “Trump” engraved into the thick algae on its back. This incident is just the epitome of the Trump administration’s total irreverence towards our environment. Just what kind of person could so cruelly molest such a docile and beloved animal like the manatee? This is an endangered, federally protected animal, not a political sign and whoever is responsible needs to be held accountable.

Looking ahead: CONGRESSIONAL FLORIDIANS: Now that the House has rightly impeached Trump for his role in igniting the insurrection on our Capitol, we must not forget that Trump’s loyal Florida GOP shares the blame for enabling this frenzied coup attempt. Either through outspoken support of Trump’s election fraud conspiracies or complicit silence, Sens. Scott and Rubio and Florida’s GOP House delegation fanned the flames of division, gave life to deception, imperiled law enforcement and their fellow duly elected officials, and made a mockery of American democracy. Florida must follow Georgia’s example and vote them out in favor of much-needed just and sensible leadership.

Jeremy Levitt, distinguished professor of international law, Florida A&M University College of Law

Last week: TRUMP OPENS OUR EYES: Albeit unwittingly, President Donald Trump has done more to advance the cause of racial justice than any other U.S. president including Barack Obama. His incitement of the violent white extremist insurrection of Jan. 6, savagely exposed the racist underbelly of the nation to Americans and the world. It forced Americans, particularly white people in denial of America’s race problem, to choose between white nationalism and American democracy, while simultaneously forcing Republicans to pledge their fealty to him or our system of democratic governance. His unmasking of our nation was unwittingly brilliant. Now that we see the ugly, will we fix it?

Ricky Ly, engineer, food writer

Looking ahead: GHOST KITCHENS: As the restaurant industry continues to evolve to meet the new reality of the pandemic, new businesses have begun to spring up in Orlando including “ghost kitchens” that focus solely on takeout and delivery. From Puerto Rican-inspired sushi to Tunisian brik rolls, these new concepts are beginning to pop up around Central Florida – serving as incubators to inspire entrepreneurs as a springboard to someday open regular brick-and-mortar restaurants. Look for them in Central Florida, including Cloud Kitchens in West Orlando founded by a co-founder of Uber, and Collab Kitchen in the Conway area led by the Omei Restaurant Group.

A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College

Last week: FIGHT MISINFORMATION: Our country is suffering greatly after protestors stormed and forced entry into the Capitol building on Jan. 6. In the aftermath, many of those responsible for damaging the building were arrested and will be held accountable for their actions. We mustn’t forget, however, the misinformation that our elected officials spread. Their words fueled the actions of those responsible for the terrorism on Jan. 6 and they, too, must be held accountable for their part in the violence. It is time for the Florida senators and congressmen who voted against certifying President-elect Joe Biden to resign.

Looking ahead: PANDEMIC DEPRESSION: In a national poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than half of Americans reported that the stress and worry over COVID-19 have had a negative impact on their mental health. Counselors in Central Florida reported that the impact here is likely worse, given the devastation that COVID has had on the tourism industry. During the first three months of the pandemic, drug overdose deaths spiked a whopping 70 percent across several counties. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed and it’s OK to reach out for help. If you need help, call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services’ (SAMHSA) national helpline at 1-800-622-HELP.

Amy Mercado, property appraiser, Orange County

Last week: GRAHAM HONORED: For his work championing Florida’s rivers, coasts and natural habitat, former Gov. and U.S. senator Bob Graham has been honored by the Florida Defenders of the Environment with its Marjorie Harris Carr Award for Environmental Advocacy. The award coincides with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, a massive public works project which was intended to facilitate barge traffic but would have had a negative impact on freshwater supply. Graham’s commitment to conservation in Florida is unparalleled in today’s political climate. We owe him our deepest appreciation for his part in protecting Florida’s environment.

Looking ahead: RENTAL ASSISTANCE: Help is on the way for renters in the region as Florida is set to receive $1.4 billion to help residents impacted by the pandemic. According to projections from the National Association of Counties, Orange County is expected to get $33.1 million, with an additional $8.6 million going to the City of Orlando. Stemming from Congress’ most recent stimulus package, the funds should arrive by the end of the month. Because of the concentration of theme park and service industry workers in our area, this relief could not come at a better time.

Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida

Last week: CITRUS TOXINS: On Tuesday the outgoing Trump EPA approved the use of neurotoxin aldicarb, which is banned in over 100 countries on oranges and grapefruits in Florida. The World Health Organization has called it “extremely hazardous.” The EPA also authorized the use of the antibiotic streptomycin, despite CDC concerns, as a pesticide on oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes. Streptomycin is banned for use as a pesticide in the EU and Brazil. These reckless decisions are dangerous to the health of American children and farmworkers and harmful to the citrus industry and Florida farmers’ ability to sell their future harvest around the world.

Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida

Last week: TRAFFIC BUDGET WOES: I’ve loved that this past year, I’ve only had to fill my gas tank about once a month. Fewer errands and travel, and more virtual meetings have resulted in savings at the pump and on tolls. But less traffic means fewer tickets, court cases and tolls. Traffic ticketing was down in 2020 and that means revenue from citations, fines and court fees also dropped. That revenue funds a variety of public-safety programs, community services, environmental efforts, and more in municipal budgets. Counties and cities will have to get creative to make up for these budget shortfalls, since those services add to the quality of life in the region.

Looking ahead: DISNEY’S MOVE EAST? With the recent news that Florida lost out to Alabama for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters, there is still some possible positive spotlight on Central Florida with the news that Disney may consider relocating some of their corporate divisions from California to Florida. With hospitality and the theme parks one of the hardest-hit industries, the additional jobs and commerce this could bring to the region is encouraging. There are many perks to doing business in Florida such as weather and business climate (i.e. low or no taxes). Having more Disney corporate presence would also add to the region’s economy. Sounds like a win-win!

Cole NeSmith, executive director, Creative City Project

Last week: ESKAMANI A PROBLEM-SOLVER: Already a rising star, the last year has catapulted state Rep. Anna Eskamani into the stratosphere. Not because she politicked her way to the top, but because she whole-heartedly served her constituents and so many others. While many politicians were leveraging COVID-19 as another platform for promoting their own agenda, Eskamani’s office was solving problems and getting people the help they needed. Early on, it was apparent that the state’s unemployment system was designed to fail. Those people caught in the system turned to Eskamani to help get them through. Her office fielded more than 30,000 inquiries.

Looking ahead: CITY EQUITY OFFICIAL: The City of Orlando hired Merchon Green as Orlando city government’s first Equity Official. According to the city’s communications, Green is tasked to “embed equity and inclusion into everything we do as a municipal government, supporting our continued work to ensure that Orlando is a place where every resident feels equally valued, equally protected and has equitable access to opportunity.” Following last summer’s protests, the city committed to exploring the deployment of mental-health counselors to relevant 911 calls. That program has begun. Green’s hiring seems to be another step in the effort to create a safer and more equitable community.

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

Last week: ORLANDO’S CENTRAL PARK: The City of Orlando and Creative Village just broke ground on a new Central Park, just west of the Central Business District. The new 2.3-acre Luminary Green will serve as the belly button for the university-centric development in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood and will feature some high-tech interactive light installations and ongoing public programming after it opens later in 2021.

Looking ahead: OUTRAGE ON THE RIVER: A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the prosecution of a (insert four-letter descriptor) “person” who wrote “Trump” on the back of a manatee that was spotted in the Homosassa River. Florida Fish and Wildlife observed that the (insert colorful word) who molested the threatened animal simply scraped away algae on its back and did not carve it into its flesh, but it’s still a reminder that some people just don’t care about anything but themselves. But while we’re outraged, can everyone buy a cage for their boat propellers, please?

Kathleen Oropeza, co-founder, FundEducationNow.org

Last week: NO VACCINES FOR TEACHERS: When COVID-19 spiked back in March, Gov. Ron DeSantis closed schools and enthusiastically praised the essential work of public-school teachers who quickly adapted to online learning so students could complete the 2019-20 school year. Less than a year later, Florida is under grave assault from COVID-19 and DeSantis refuses to give the vaccine to these heroic teachers, who he has now ordered back into classrooms. Under DeSantis, Florida vaccinates visitors over age 65, with no priority granted to state residents. When the governor hands out the state’s limited COVID vaccines to non-residents while refusing the teachers he once called “essential,” we have a problem.

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

Last week: A SPECIAL HEART: Apopka nun, Sister Teresa McElwee, has passed away at age 91. Standing beside the two remaining nuns and many friends at Hope CommUnity Center, she had committed her life to farmworkers and immigrants who had almost no voice or power. Her priorities were education and organizing. This kind person did her serious work with total joy. She was described as always smiling and occasionally giggling, often with eyes sparkling. She improved a great many lives with her teaching and advocacy. We are left to consider how to best honor her and her life’s work. A starting point is hcc-offm.org.

Jim Philips, retired longtime radio talk-show host

Last week: USTA TAX BREAK: The Sentinel’s Jason Garcia has uncovered that the multi-million-dollar USTA National Campus at Lake Nona avoids $1 million dollars in property taxes because… get this…it claims a “charitable purpose.” A lot of political hands approved the tax go-ahead, including a former Orange County property appraiser. That same “pol” received campaign contributions from the tennis center’s developer. Even the city and county mayors support the tax break. When a $70 million tennis complex gets a pass on taxes, someone… like you… has to make up the difference.

Looking ahead: VACCINE WOES: Add another blemish to Florida’s haphazard distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointment, no appointment… first come, first served… lines of shivering senior citizens hoping to get a shot before the supply of doses runs out. Now comes word that anyone over the age of 65 from outside Florida is eligible for the vaccine. Cross the state line and wham, you’re good to go. So… your cousin in Lake County can’t get vaccinated because someone else’s cousin from Georgia drove across the border? Try to get an answer from state health officials and you’re likely to get a shrug. What else is new?

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

Last week: CORPORATE BACKLASH: Sen. Rick Scott was named Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee responsible for bringing in cash. But that job got a lot harder because he voted to block the presidential vote certification, reinforcing the Trump lie that the election was stolen (even after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol). Then many major U.S. corporations like Marriott, AT&T and Amazon announced that they would suspend donations to legislators who objected to certifying the fairest election in U.S. history — that would be 147 Republican Congress members, including Scott. Oops! He may not be the best person for his new role as the corporate backlash grows.

Looking ahead: CDC FOLLOWS FLORIDA: The CDC, under the direction of Operation Warp Speed, recommended lowering the age to 65 for seniors next in line for vaccinations, along with all persons age 16-64 with co-morbidities, like diabetes. Gov. Ron DeSantis already went around the CDC’s initial age barrier of 75-plus to vaccinate age 65-plus seniors. For Florida with 21% of the population age 65 or over, this may make sense. However, these new national guidelines mean 163 million vaccinations are needed right now. The demand far exceeds the supply and may add even more logistical stress to the overwhelmed distribution and administration systems. But for now, Florida is the leader.

Larry Pino, attorney and entrepreneur

Last week: THE TRUMP PARTY: Out of the debris of the failed Epiphany ’21 Coup could well be the unraveling of our two-party political system. Ten Republicans joined Democrats in the impeachment of Donald Trump on Jan. 13, led by Rep. Liz Cheney channeling Republicans’ anger. And Sen. Mitch McConnell, according to insiders, is waffling between voting for impeachment or excommunicating Trump from the Republican Party. Either outcome, if successful, will create The Trump Party. Regardless of any of our political leanings, the ‘24 election will be seen as a pivot point in the ideological battle for the future vision of America.

Looking ahead: DOUGHNUTS RULE: The Salty, a new Audubon Park doughnut shop on Corrine Drive near Old Winter Park Road, continues to draw lines of eager customers around what used to be an auto repair shop. The success of the doughnut chain for Andy Rodriguez and his wife, Amanda Pizzaro, pays tribute not only to the creative novelty and sheer delicacy of the donuts, but also to the resilience of entrepreneurism and free enterprise. Congratulations to Andy and Amanda, as well as to all of those small-business entrepreneurs facing the challenges of COVID-19 and the opportunities the future offers.

Stephanie Porta, executive director, Organize Florida

Last week: GOP HYPOCRISY: Florida Republicans have been spouting “law and order” but this moment lays bare the blatant hypocrisy. We watched as our Capitol was attacked by armed insurgents, many identified as Florida Republicans. Our own attorney general encouraged folks to attend with robo-calls and lit the fire by falsely regurgitating claims of election fraud. Florida Republicans want to pass anti-protest legislation criminalizing Black and brown communities who stand up for liberation while allowing insurgents who threaten our democracy to get away scot-free. This is what’s called a double standard.

Looking ahead: HOMELESS PRIORITY: On Jan. 20, Joe Biden will take office and we will turn the page on a horrific chapter in our nation’s history. Those among us most in need of change are the millions of Americans facing homelessness due to the pandemic and economic fallout. People have been living month to month fearing they will be on the streets with no safety net. Each time, only days before they are sent packing they’re offered a temporary panacea. We are hopeful that the new administration will prioritize this dire situation and respond quickly. It’s time to put our communities first.

Rob Rosen, partner, Burr & Forman

Last week: FREEDOM OF SPEECH: What are the boundaries of freedom of speech? The basic tenet is that you cannot shout “fire” in a crowded movie theater, as that speech has a real potential of doing harm to others. But who are and should be the arbiters of free speech? The courts have laid the groundwork — there is no ban on speech simply because people do not like what is said. But now we ban posts on the internet, and even congressional leaders threaten those who stray from the party line. It time to remember that this basic constitutional right has to be protected.

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

Last week: CAPITOL ATTACK: Inspired by a big lie, a mob walked on Pennsylvania Avenue beside the FBI building on their way to the Capitol. Along the way, some now-declared domestic terrorists intensified their actions. They were on a dangerous seditious mission incited by our “Stop the Steal” inciting president. Their joint destructive malice was not just towards the U.S. Capitol but also our way of life under our Constitution. Do we think now our non-transparent, evasive Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, faced with a mob marching down Orange Avenue, would summon the National Guard’s assistance if insurrectionists and white supremacists descended on Orlando City Hall?

Looking ahead: FEDERAL RESURGENCE: Trustworthy, dedicated public servants, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will restore dignity and safety to the We the People house and our country. In the U.S., governing is shared between federal, state, and local governments. A lot is at stake for Central Florida. Federal matters will include a more significant organizational role in quelling the coronavirus, domestic terrorists, climate change effects, and jumpstarting the economy. Federal policymaking, laws, money, and more, hopefully, will weigh in big for our Central Florida economy (technology, defense, tourism, big and small businesses), public schools, counties and municipalities, and more. Let’s support the common good.

Beverly Seay, chair, UCF Board of Trustees

Looking ahead: AFFORDABLE DEGREES: UCF students are buying fewer textbooks, thanks to more faculty providing free online textbooks and other course materials for students. During the fall, 6,425 students saved an estimated $751,000 in textbook costs. These savings align with the goal of the State University System and UCF to offer high-quality, affordable degrees. U.S. News & World Report ranks Florida’s state university system No. 1 in the nation for higher education, and Florida’s public universities charge the second-lowest tuition in the nation. The growing use of free materials will help more students graduate with no debt or less debt than the national average.

John Thedford, entrepreneur, founder of SMART Financial

Last week: NEW STIMULUS CHECK: Many Americans have experienced a loss of income during this global pandemic and need this second stimulus check to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Under the bill passed by Congress, millions of Americans will get a stimulus check for $600 (additional $600 for each child). The IRS is mailing Economic Impact Payment cards (EIP) to those that do not have banking information on file with the tax agency. Don’t throw this ATM card away thinking it’s a scam. Put that stimulus check to work for your family and our economy.

Carol Wick, CEO, Sharity

Last week: WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE: The federal government reported that the nation’s net job loss in December was entirely due to women — men actually gained jobs during the month. Many women with children are facing pressure to step back from career advancement or out of the workforce entirely as schools and child-care centers stay closed during the pandemic. Those who return will lag even further behind men than they did before. Study after study shows that when women thrive economically, communities thrive. More must be done to help ensure women’s return to the workforce is done without penalty, for all our sakes.

Michael Zais, political blogger for thedrunkenrepublican.com

Last week: BIDEN DIVIDES: People often say “words matter.” It is just as often said that “talk is cheap.” What really matters is action. And like Neil Armstrong took “one giant leap for mankind” back in 1969, Joe Biden had an epic opportunity to take a giant leap towards unity in the country, seemingly so elusive, by calling off the impeachment dogs in the House of Representatives as a sincere olive branch to the nearly 75 million Americans that voted for President Trump. Instead, he has mostly supported this insane “drive-through” impeachment against a president already leaving office in a few days. A clear choice of divisiveness over unity.

Looking ahead: SORE WINNERS: The abhorrent manner in which the progressive left is conducting itself is akin to a football team sporting a 50-point lead with a minute to play, and pushing over another score instead of taking a knee. An impeachment attempt of a president already almost out of office, the obliteration of the free speech of conservatives by the Big Tech tyrants and the resurrection of McCarthyism by the overt blacklisting and canceling of Trump supporters by corporate America and the political elite. Nobody likes a sore loser. But everyone absolutely despises a sore winner.