Central Florida 100: Sept. 11, the abortion debate and the return of McKenzie Milton

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

Mary Lee Downey, CEO, Hope Partnership

Last week: THANKFUL FOR HEALTH CARE: I’m incredibly grateful this week for all of the health-care workers and scientists who are carrying us all through this pandemic. I was able to enroll two of my sons in a vaccine trial for children. Kids remain the largest group of unvaccinated people, so studies like this are crucial if we are going to defeat this virus. I’m a proud mom because my boys were willing to do what so many adults in Central Florida are still refusing to do. Taking the vaccine is taking care of each other – it really is that simple.

John L. Evans Jr., Organizational behavior scholar; DeSantis appointee

Last week: BOOST DEVELOPMENT: It burns my fanny when Central Florida loses out in economic development to the likes of Austin and Nashville. Look, we need a diverse, robust economic environment for our children to build their careers. A thriving middle class is an American thing of beauty, a regional turnkey, supplying outsized societal good. Contrarily, look no further than San Francisco, once the greatest of cities. Now, divided by elite millionaires and tent cities, replete with syringes. A hearty “hear, hear!” to the leadership of Mayor Jerry Demings, with his new plan called clustering, catalyzing new business development in myriad industries. No tents at Maitland Crossing, thank you very much.

Tim Giuliani, president and CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership

Looking ahead: CHECKR IN ORLANDO: Innovative background check technology company Checkr announced that it will open a third headquarters in Orlando, investing $2.7 million and creating more than 600 new jobs in the next three years. The company chose Orlando over San Antonio and Albuquerque for our large, diverse and talented workforce as well as our fast-growing, tech-focused, welcoming and collaborative business community. Checkr’s expansion to Orlando is the perfect example of how well-invested Silicon Valley companies are increasingly choosing to grow and expand in our region thanks to the strength and value of our assets and business environment.

Viviana Janer, vice chairwoman, Osceola County Commission

Last week: HERITAGE AND NUMBERS: With the start of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15, it’s a good time to reflect — and look ahead. Diversity is our country’s strength. And in Osceola County, the Census 2020 numbers show that with a Hispanic population of 54.3 percent, we are a diversity powerhouse. Those numbers also speak to a bright future. Hard work, love of country and a deep commitment to faith and family are cornerstones of American life and our community. The contributions of Hispanics in Osceola County continue to be important. Even as we move forward, we can celebrate our past and embrace the future.

Ken LaRoe, Founder, Climate First Bank I/O

Last week: PROTECTION FROM VIRUS: On the heels of the FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine, a South Miami doctor announced that she’ll no longer be treating unvaccinated primary-care patients in person. With variant cases running rampant across the state, I believe it’s only fair that Dr. Linda Marraccini set policies that will protect her patients and fellow staff from unnecessary exposure. One of my best friends has long COVID after a patient lied on a form and exposed him to the virus. Really, now that the vaccine has been approved, there is no excuse for eligible adults to not get the shot.

Looking ahead: WEATHER WARINESS FOR HOMEBUYERS: With the climate crisis intensifying the frequency and the scale of extreme weather events, the recent flood of homebuyers to Florida and the Southeast are about to face a serious wake-up call. Many are drawn to these vulnerable regions due to affordability but haven’t stopped to consider the long-term effects of how climate hazards will affect their home insurance costs, property values and mortgages. The recent record number of hurricanes, wildfires and floods across the United States proves to lenders that the collateral is at risk and American consumers will feel the effects of a climate-driven housing crisis with their pocketbooks.

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

Last week: SEMINOLE MASK MEETING: The Seminole County School Board called a special meeting to discuss guidance to the new superintendent concerning mask choice in schools. What? Why? This was already decided a couple of months ago. The likely short answer – bucking Gov. Ron DeSantis. This meeting was scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on a Thursday — a difficult time for the public to attend. To the surprise of the new superintendent, the meeting lasted after 4 p.m. because so many parents came to speak for 3 minutes each concerning mask choice. A handful spoke in favor of forced masks. Good news — there is still no forced mask-wearing in Seminole County Schools.

A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College

Looking ahead: SEX EDUCATION: Florida politicians again are trying to solve a problem by attacking the wrong issues. Study after study show that the overall number of abortions significantly decreases while women’s economic success, educational attainment, and general health and well-being increases when states provide access to safe, legal abortion. Instead of limiting access to safe abortions, the state should focus on improving the sexual education taught in Florida classrooms. Again, research confirms that when sex education goes beyond abstinence-only lessons, teens are less likely to become pregnant. So, let’s start there. It is time Florida added sex education in the classroom — instead of subtracting our rights.

Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida

Last week: END THE FEAR: This weekend marks 20 years since the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. For the families and loved ones of the heroes we lost on 9-11, you are still in our hearts and prayers, and we share your pain. Unfortunately, on that day not only did we lose over 3,000 Americans, but we also lost our way as a nation. We allowed the fear of that day to drag us to 20 years of wars at huge cost in lives and treasure without winning. Let’s end the fear, because as President Franklin D. Roosevelt said “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida

Last week: LONG MEMORIES: It’s no longer true that everyone remembers where they were when the world stopped turning. A generation has come of age who don’t remember the Sept. 11 attacks, or how it was to travel on an airplane before that day. Nor are there memories of a time when the stock market and the airports shut down for days and even more unimaginable, when both political parties were briefly unified. Although 20 years have passed, the images of planes into buildings are still visceral and real to me. Even now, 9/11’s impact is witnessed daily in news regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Looking ahead: END TO PANDEMIC BENEFITS: September is National Workforce Development Month, but this month also marks the end of most federal benefits available to those affected by the pandemic and the economic downturn. Although the $300 unemployment subsidy and eviction moratorium have both expired, the pandemic unfortunately has not. There are resources available funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties to assist individuals with eviction diversion and employment supports.

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

Last week: LIL NAS X’S GOOD WORKS: Out queer rapper Lil Nas X is preparing to “give birth” to his new album “Montero” on Sept. 17. In honor of the occasion, he’s donned a fake pregnancy belly for his social media channels. He’s even gone so far as to release a gift registry that accepts donations for charities that are near and dear to his heart, including one in Central Florida. Bros in Convo is a Black queer-led organization that promotes and provides health equity to Black gay, bisexual, queer, and same-gender-loving (GBQ/SGL) men in Central Florida and they’re doing some amazing work.

Looking ahead: PRIDE PAINT PROGRAM: West Lakes Partnership is currently accepting applications from residents for funding assistance to repaint their homes as part of the Neighborhood Pride Paint Program which provides a one-time $1,500 grant for people who live in select West Orlando neighborhoods. It’s an inspiring effort by Lift Orlando to maintain and improve the character and property values within those communities and I’d love to see something similar adopted by our Main Street programs for local businesses.

Paul Partyka, past president, Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors

Last week: MILTON’S COMEBACK: I was at the FSU-Notre Dame game: epic thriller, overtime, homage to Coach Bobby Bowden, loudest crowd. But the real special moment was McKenzie Milton entering with FSU down 10 points, throwing a 22-yard first pass, leading them to a TD, then to a field goal that tied the score by the end of regulation. To watch Milton play after three years of rehab, leading FSU to a great comeback was a tearjerker. Both Seminoles and Irish fans appreciated what McKenzie did. It was an unforgettable, almost “Rudy” moment. Alas, Notre Dame won, but Milton also triumphed against great odds. What a powerful “feel-good” human story!

Jim Philips, retired longtime radio talk-show host

Last week: SEPT. 11 BRAVERY: We can’t remember where we put the car keys, but we certainly remember where we were on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. Despite the horror of that day, I remember an acquaintance who went by the name of “Cannon Mike.” C-M was a demolitions expert by trade who raced across the Hudson River on day two to operate one of those mechanical jaws that look like a giant metal T-Rex. Who knows how long he stayed at “the pile” trying to move girders like pickup sticks. He died of cancer a few years back. Was it the toxic fumes at ground zero that led to his demise? Who knows? Cannon Mike offered himself without question and no expectation of reward. We should all be so brave.

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

Looking ahead: 3,000 TO 650,000: This weekend we remember the 2,977 deaths from Sept. 11, 2001, but have become numb to overwhelming COVID-19 counts. Nationally, total COVID deaths are pushing 650,000 including 47,000 Floridians. Ranking first for total COVID deaths, Florida moved up to 16th from 26th in deaths per capita. August deaths at 5,721 surpassed the state’s previous high last January of 5,469. Our biggest increase is in the 50-59 age group. Florida morgues and funeral homes are almost at capacity. Experts expect another transmission surge from the Labor Day holiday and an even higher death rate. Unlike Sept. 11, most of us now know someone who has succumbed.

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

Last week: VETERAN VACCINES: Reading that our VA hospital leads the pack in COVID-19 cases, I wondered what history should have taught us about using vaccines to prevent the spread of diseases. In the winter of 1777, 90 percent of the Continental Army deaths were caused by diseases, mainly the variola (smallpox) virus. Even with fear among the colonists about vaccines, Gen. George Washington ordered mandatory vaccinations of his Army, which perhaps is why we won the war for independence. Our VA provides free shots to veterans and staff. For staff, its required. Sadly, most hospitalized veterans didn’t take them. Still, there’s no vaccine mandate for staff at AdventHealth and Orlando Health.

Looking ahead: BEAUTIFUL BILLBOARDS: Kudos to the Corridor Project Billboard Exhibition, a project of Patrick Greene, Orlando’s Downtown Arts District, and Clear Channel Outdoor soon-to-be Central Florida’s most extended 2022 temporary art gallery. Thirty-five digital and traditional billboards stretching along Interstate 4 will display Central Florida artists’ blown-up images for motorists’ enjoyment. Greene coordinated another event, 2014’s Transit Interpretation Project, working with artists and Lynx buses to bring art to our mobile lives. Previously, leading up to and during World Cup Orlando 1994, outdoor billboard companies and Lynx shared excitement for soccer arriving in town with giant images of the beautiful game.

Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising executive

Looking ahead: COPYING TEXAS ON ABORTION: Will Florida duplicate the Texas law? The Texas law to ban abortion didn’t stop abortion. It stopped safe and legal abortion. Is the hanger in the back alley what you want? Abortions are being banned before assault rifles. It’s not about the sanctity of life. It’s about control and power. Body autonomy is a critical component of the right to privacy protected by the Constitution as decided in Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), McFall v. Shimp (1978) and Roe v. Wade (1973). Texas’ SB2 is bad lawmaking. Shame on any Floridian thinking it would be a good idea to replicate it.

Michael Zais, political blogger for thedrunkenrepublican.com

Last week: MCKENZIE MILTON: “There’s no crying in baseball!” Tom Hanks famously exclaimed in “A League of Their Own” — but he never said anything about football. And I can’t imagine any UCF Knight, including yours truly, not at least feeling a tinge of emotion watching McKenzie Milton come off the bench against Notre Dame to lead underdog Florida State within a hair of victory. After that devastating leg injury almost three years ago, where just not losing his leg felt like “victory,” then enduring a seemingly endless, painful rehab, Milton incredibly comes back to perform the same magic we marveled at when he was a UCF Knight. Inspirational? Off the charts.