Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.
Martha Are, CEO, Central Florida Commission on Homelessness
Last week: HOUSING CRISIS: Perhaps the scariest news of the week was this: “Thousands of Orlando affordable housing units could vanish soon, expert warns,” detailing the nearly 7,300 apartments and rental homes in Central Florida where rent restrictions and assistance will expire over the next 10 years. Our region already has one of the worst affordable housing shortages in the nation. Evictions are soaring. Some Central Florida school districts are reporting a record number of homeless families. And the bulk of the region’s construction is aimed at single-family homes. In Metro Orlando, the median price is $385,000. Where are people supposed to live?
Dick Batchelor, president, Dick Batchelor Management Group
Last week: LESSONS OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD: Gov. Ron DeSantis has again debased the meaning of “freedom” for crass political theater by gratuitously shipping 50 Venezuelan refugees to Martha’s Vineyard. After previously signing legislation called “Victims of Communism Day," he said that “it was fashionable in some circles to whitewash the history of communism." Well, governor, are you in that circle? Tell us what type of regime you think these Venezuelans are trying to escape? Communism? Socialism? Please tell us just how your treatment of these refugees, many of whom are children, is the correct lesson for them to learn about living in a democracy?
Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County
Looking ahead: JUSTICE SERVED: Former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg’s 119-page sworn jailhouse deposition has brought to light the incredible arrogance and corruption of a few politicos calling themselves the "Seminole Mafia." However, many true public servants and brave community leaders have been fighting these thugs for years. Although these bullies’ greed and desire for power discloses their unfettered hubris, the "Mafia’s" victories have been few and short-lived. For those of us on the front lines, we applaud the judicial system’s aggressive actions in prosecuting these shady characters and their criminal schemes and look forward to law enforcement’s continued success.
Mary Lee Downey, CEO, Hope Partnership
Last week: HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT: We are now seeing regular stories about the housing crisis in Florida: retirees are being forced back into the workforce, young professionals can’t afford mortgages as prices soar, and rental prices are completely out of control. This is the same housing crisis we’ve had for years; now it’s hitting the middle class. There are plenty of ways to make housing more affordable, and none of them are easy. Little can change without a shift in our fundamental beliefs about housing. We’ve accepted that real estate is an investment strategy. What if we decided instead that housing is a human right?
John L. Evans Jr., Vice chairman, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Last week: FLAWED INFLATION STRATEGY: Remember the Affordable Care Act? LOL, your health insurance has inflated 26% in the last two years. Moreover, so many Americans gushed with joy when President Obama said we could all keep our plans if we wanted to. So do you think President Biden’s plan to curb inflation has merit? To my liberal friends, set aside your Trump histrionics for a moment, and ask yourself earnestly if this administration’s policies can get inflation under control. The societal disease is crushing our working families.
Mark Freid, Immediate past president, Holocaust Center
Last week: CALLOUS AND HEARTLESS: How is there not more outrage? In an act of political theater with human beings as pawns, our governor made a conscious decision to ship people to Massachusetts as if they were unwanted freight. I’d like to think the decision was rash and impulsive, because it’s impossible for me to believe that anyone who considered how terrified those people must have been – for their safety and that of their children – could have callously done what he did. Fortunately, our governor’s heartless act was met with kindness and compassion, as the state of Massachusetts, local nonprofits, and the faith community came together to provide shelter, clothing, food and, most importantly, hope.
Glenton Gilzean Jr., president/CEO, Central Florida Urban League
Last week: HAPPY 100th: It's not often we get to celebrate a 100th birthday, so I'd like to take a moment to wish Freddie Demings, the father of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and father-in-law of Rep. Val Demings a very happy birthday! Freddie has witnessed some incredible changes in our country over the last century and I know I speak for all our readers that I wish him a long, happy and healthy life to come.
Francisco Gonzalez, host, Agents of Innovation podcast
Last week: CAREFUL, DISNEY: This past week, 160 people in Central Florida were arrested on sex crimes, including charges of human trafficking. Two of them work at Walt Disney World. Earlier this year, five other Disney employees were arrested for similar crimes. Considering that thousands of children visit Walt Disney World each day, perhaps the Mouse needs to step up its background checks and do a little more diligence to make sure we are not putting our kids in the crosshairs of unexpected villains.
Looking ahead: NO NEED FOR HOUSING FUNDS: It's clear that there is a housing crisis in Central Florida. But there is no need for Orange County government to use tax dollars to subsidize the mortgages of those who cannot afford a home. At the same time, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is now seeking a tax hike on residents and visitors through another penny sales tax on the dollar. Considering inflation is already devaluing our money every day, there's no need to take any more of it to pay for unnecessary programs. Orange County government should do like most families are doing: tighten its budget!
Jeff Hayward, president and CEO, Heart of Florida United Way
Last week: HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: Sept. 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time for reflecting on and celebrating the impact that the Hispanic culture and people have on our lives — including those that I have the pleasure to work with every day at Heart of Florida United Way. We are incredibly proud of our employees, board members, and partner agencies that make up our Hispanic leadership. We will be sharing their stories on social media throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.
Looking ahead: MARIA'S IMPACT: This marks the five-year remembrance of Hurricane Maria, a devastating storm that ravaged the northeast Caribbean. During times like these, it’s easy to reflect on the hardships people endured. However, we encourage everyone to also remember the way our community banded together to support those in need. Such circumstances are when organizations like Heart of Florida United Way are needed most, and we are incredibly proud to have supported survivors as they found a new home away from home in Central Florida. That is why we must all choose to “Vivir Unidos," or Live United, every day.
Jane Healy, former editorial page editor and managing editor, Orlando Sentinel
Last week: NEW MAGIC FACILITY: It’s exciting to see that the Orlando Magic has revived its plan for a sports and entertainment complex in downtown Orlando across from Amway Center. This comes on the heels of opening its training center there, away from Maitland. The complex is expected to have restaurants, stores, business and entertainment. It was first proposed for 2020 but shelved by the pandemic. What’s most significant about this is that it’s a major development west of I-4 in Parramore. For decades about the only new buildings were government offices. With the ever-growing Creative Village just to the north, the area is being redefined.
Viviana Janer, vice chairwoman, Osceola County Commission
Looking ahead: CELEBRATING AND REMEMBERING: Hispanic Heritage Month brings with it a special obligation this year – remembering all those impacted by Hurricane Maria five years ago. Osceola County residents can gather at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Osceola Heritage Park to look back at the impact of that terrible storm, here and in Puerto Rico. Then we will display our resilience by celebrating our amazing culture and the contributions of all Hispanics -- especially those of us who call Osceola County home. I look forward to gathering with neighbors, friends and family to remember where we’ve been and celebrate where we’re going.
Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard, Kissimmee economic development director
Last week: KISSIMMEE TRANSITION: This week the Kissimmee City Commission swore-in their two newly elected officials -- Angela Eady amd Jeannette Martinez. The meeting was bittersweet as it also marked the conclusion of Felix Ortiz and Jim Fisher's terms in office. Both were champions of the community. In government, the potential for change occurs every two years and in the case of Kissimmee, our future continues to look bright!
Looking ahead: REST IN PEACE, JIM SWAN: In our life's journey we are blessed when we come across people that touch our hearts. Recently, former Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan got his angel wings. Swan personified what it means to serve the people. In his two decades of public office, he never did things for personal gain and always voted for what was in the best interest of the community. He also didn't care if you liked him after a vote because he voted for what was right, which is also why he was so well-respected. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday morning at Kissimmee First Baptist Church. He was a mentor and a friend, who leaves an imprint on my heart, and I will forever treasure that blessing.
Ken LaRoe, Founder, Climate First Bank
Last week: SCHOOL GUN RAFFLES: In Lake County, various entities within the same school allegedly held gun raffles for a high-school graduation-project fundraiser. School-board leaders have not publicly denounced these gun raffles. It’s completely paradoxical that this is the same district that advocates for a “safety tax” -- a tax that raises money for added school security measures and mental illness support for students.
A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College
Last week: BEACON'S HIGH RANKING: I rarely take opportunities to boast in these weekly op-eds, but this latest news from U.S. News & World Report is too good not to. In its recent rankings, Beacon College in Leesburg was ranked No. 10 out of 132 universities and colleges across the South. Over the past two years, Beacon ranked in the mid-30s. As the nation’s first accredited college for neurodivergent students, this recent ranking was a very big deal. Beacon is a quiet success story and also a reminder that many of Florida’s hometowns have big things happening. Likely in your own backyard.
Alex Martins, chair, UCF Board of Trustees; CEO, Orlando Magic
Last week: U.S. NEWS RANKINGS: UCF strengthened our reputation as one of the nation’s top universities with the new U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. UCF ranked No. 64 among public universities nationwide, the highest in our history, as we strive to reach the top 50 by 2027. We rated as the most innovative university in Florida and a top performer nationally for social mobility, and our nursing and engineering programs earned their best rankings ever. UCF’s high rankings are a credit to our talented faculty and staff who are impacting the lives of students, Central Floridians and people across the globe.
Khalid Muneer, broker/owner Jupiter Properties Central Florida
Last week: HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: The Hispanic Heritage month that began on Sept. 15 is another opportunity to celebrate the contribution of our Hispanic community to our Central Florida economy, culture and heritage over the centuries. It is encpuraging to see all our communities coming together to recognise the sacrifice, hard work and dedication of this community in building this area by attending their events.
Looking ahead: MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: As Mexico celebrates its Independence Day, we congratulate our local Mexican community for contributing to our Florida economy. Without their labor contributions, we would be in a serious situation in so many industries. Felicidades to Juan Sabines, our Mexican Consular General in Orlando.
Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida
Looking ahead: TERMINAL C: On Monday, Orlando International Airport’s $2.8 billion Terminal C will open. It will add 15 new gates and increase capacity by 12 million passengers annually. MCO was the seventh-busiest airport in the world in 2021 with 40.4 million passengers. The new terminal is high-tech and low-touch, with wireless chargers and biometric facial recognition systems at each gate. Its Bluetooth navigational beacons show travelers where they are within the airport in real-time, and the RFID baggage system means staff will know where every checked bag is always. Thank you to all those who made this dream a reality.
Pamela Nabors, president/CEO, CareerSource Central Florida
Last week: KUDOS TO CFHLA: I admire the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association for their commemorative breakfast honoring the memory of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and celebrating local heroes among the ranks of first responders. This year’s event featured a retired fire chief giving the keynote with a story about a New York City firefighter who responded on his day off but lost his life while saving others. Just as moving were the local stories of Central Florida police, fire, medics, and security who saved numerous lives by running towards a crisis, rather than seeking safety. Thank you CHFLA for reminding us to "never forget."
Looking ahead: QUEEN ELIZABETH II: When my mom was a teenager, she received a "Princess Elizabeth" doll which she cherished so much that in the '90s, she had it restored. My mother loved Queen Elizabeth and instilled that wonder in me and my sisters. With her death, an era has truly ended. Britain's longest-reigning monarch was a leader for the ages. She faced numerous challenges with fortitude, strength and grace, even up until her death. She was loved by millions around the world. My sister still has that precious doll and will cherish it just a little bit more in mourning the passing of this gracious lady.
Mark E. NeJame, founder, senior partner, NeJame Law
Last week: PEDIATRIC CANCER AWARENESS: There are many troublesome matters occurring in our world, including the climate, economy, political discord, Ukraine and discrimination. Despite these, it’s quite gratifying knowing that some local leaders continue to recognize those whose daily struggles can easily become overshadowed by such events. This past Tuesday, Mayor Jerry Demings and the Orange County Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and also honoring the local charity, Runway to Hope for its work on behalf of children and their families battling this horrible disease. Such recognitions mean much to those families and many volunteers knowing they aren’t forgotten but are supported and remembered.
Paul Partyka, past president, Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors
Last week: COOPERATION: Cooperation must be a dirty word anymore, because no one uses it. All you hear is “they are wrong." To solve issues, you need to cooperate with others, working together to get a positive result. When did you see anybody in politics (everything is about politics) cooperate with all parties to get solutions? Not on immigration, not on inflation, not on education, not fighting disease, not on tax reform, not on reducing health care costs. No more blame game. I have decided to vote for anyone in the next election that uses the dirty word "cooperation."
Gloria Pickar, president emerita, League of Women Voters of Orange County
Last week: WHOSE RIGHTS? The so-called “don’t say gay” law pits parents against Florida’s teachers and the LGBTQ community. A recent motion filed to reverse the law claims it “censors any positive or supportive reference to LGBTQ people,” causing irreparable harm. Throughout Florida, schools are purging any trace of LGBTQ. Teachers are afraid to show support for LGBTQ students or families. They fear they will lose their licenses for objectionable content discovered in their classrooms like warned by Orange County school officials: wearing rainbow colors, posting “safe space” stickers and having photos of same-sex spouses on their desks. Parental rights? How about teachers and LGBTQ rights!
Looking ahead: ABORTION BAN ON BALLOT: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has signed on with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. to ban abortion after 15 weeks in any state that doesn’t have more restrictive laws. He’s our senator and this puts the women’s right to choose right on the Nov. 8 ballot. Is Rubio taking his last campaign breath with this effort? Even Republicans in Congress and on the campaign trail think this is a bad idea just eight weeks before the election. So do a steady 60% of Americans who opposed overturning Roe v. Wade and his opponent Val Demings. Women’s rights depend on your vote.
Larry Pino, attorney and entrepreneur
Last week: ROYAL SUCCESSION: American media are in awe as the U.K. pays homage to Queen Elizabeth’s historic 70-year reign. Whatever your thoughts about monarchy and its place in modern times, few Americans can sit on the sidelines unimpressed by the authenticity of the outpouring of grief and respect this past week as Brits bade farewell to their Queen. Intimacy, love and connectedness all contributed their part. But so also was the textbook succession. “The queen has passed; Long live the king.” It might be a constitutional monarchy, but it is also a democracy. And in a democracy, succession is expected to be treated with honor, dignity and grace – in America as in England.
Looking ahead: DISNEY TAKES A STAND: Disney’s CEO, Bob Chapek, defended company leaders in the “don’t say gay” standoff with Gov. Ron DeSantis. While the governor attacked “woke corporations” addressing the national conservativism conference in Miami, Chapek felt a need to reassert the rights of Disney employees in a company that strives for inclusivity. Originally stung by criticism for his initial inaction, Chapek came back with a vengeance and stood his ground. This is a trying time in our country and in our state, but what is clear is that America stands for both human and political rights. Disney’s stand is a beacon of hope in a tempestuous sea of ideology.
Stephanie Porta, former co-executive director, Florida Rising
Last week: RENT ON THE BALLOT: Big real estate and corporate landlords just lost and rent stabilization is going to the ballot, where the decision should be--in the hands of the people. We have an uphill fight against the corporate lobby, but we will not be deterred. These corporations want to push us out of our community, pick our elected officials, prevent our votes from being counted and don't even want to allow those impacted by their profiteering to be heard in court. That's how we know they fear us, they fear organized communities who stand up and say "not on my watch," who fight to protect their communities and vote accordingly. The message is clear: the people are more powerful than corporate special interests when we come together to rewrite the rules to keep more families in their homes. Onward to November, let’s stabilize rent now.
Looking ahead: A PLACE TO CALL HOME: Our homes are where we lay our heads and recover from a hard day’s work and where we heal from sickness and nourish our families. But today, this most basic of human needs — shelter — is increasingly being put out of our reach to turn a quick profit for the wealthiest 1%. Real estate speculators have been buying up homes in Orange County and across the state. These wealthy corporations are pushing Florida families out of their communities, jacking up rents and mortgages. We must come together to pass rent stabilization and keep more families in their homes. We deserve an Orange County and Florida where all of us—whatever the color of our skin or the contents of our wallets—have a place to call home.
Sheena Rolle, senior director of strategy, Florida Rising
Last week: RENT ON BALLOT: Housing is officially on the ballot. Florida families are rejoicing over the verdict to allow rent stabilization on the November ballot. This is a major win for our communities and is a direct result of our collective grassroots organizing. This ruling signifies another step in the long journey towards housing justice in Florida. While we have more steps to take and more policies to pass like a Tenants Bill of Rights and a Landlord Registry, we’re thrilled to know that voters can show up to the polls and vote down the rent. With this judge's ruling, democracy wins.
Joanie Schirm, GEC founding president; World Cup Orlando 1994 Committee chairman
Last week: SWAN'S SOCCER LEGACY: We lost a good man in the passing of former Osceola Commissioner and Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan. Not many people realize Central Florida wouldn’t have been a World Cup USA 1994 venue without Jim. After a Soccer 101 lesson from County Manager Bill Goaziou, Jim, then the Chair of the Kissimmee-St. Cloud Tourist Development Council, ensured that our Bid Committee received the match money required by Orange County’s Visitors Bureau. The Bureau challenged us to raise $30,000 elsewhere in one month to receive their money supporting the bid document. Jim realized what was at stake and motioned for the full amount. Thus, the winning bid became: Orlando-Kissimmee-St. Cloud. RIP.
Looking ahead: TOP-SECRET PUNISHMENT: As the Mar-a-Lago storage problem simmers on, we wonder what would’ve become of us if we’d accessed and taken top-secret information, crucial to our country’s security, and obstructed its return. Although no example of a past president exists, in similar cases where people unlawfully took government classified materials, immediate arrests and justice protected and kept us all safe. One prosecution includes a former defense contractor and sailor, Weldon Marshall, who unlawfully retained classified information stored on discs and computer hard drives at home. His sentence? More than three years in prison, followed by a year of supervised release. No one is above the law.
Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising executive
Last week: PHILANTHROPY AWARDS: The winners of the National Philanthropy Day Awards have been announced. The H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Sharon and Marc Hagle. The Kenneth F. Murrah, Esquire Outstanding Philanthropist is Paula Madsen. Excellence in Volunteerism goes to Jennifer Socarras. Terri Chastain Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award goes to Kimberlee Riley. There are other honorees as well. The event is coordinated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Florida Chapter. Awards will be presented at a breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, on Nov. 4.
Kannan Srinivasan, former president of Asian American Chamber of Commerce; CEO of Global KTech
Looking ahead: ARTEMIS LAUNCH: NASA has two new dates in mind for the next attempt at launching its massive new moon rocket on an uncrewed test mission. But there are still several things that could stand in the way of getting the Artemis I mission off the ground, any of which could push the launch date back further. NASA is trying to work through a leaky fuel problem with the rocket, called the Space Launch System or SLS.
Last week: MISSPENT $12 MILLION: Gov. Ron DeSantis spent $12 million of our tax dollars on a potentially illegal publicity stunt. Here’s what that money could have done: fully funded habitat expansion of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refugee that rescued the Tiger King big cats ($3 million), AND replicate a research study on the extent of violence against women in the U.S. ($100,000), AND help women rebuild the Pico Bonito rainforest ($4 million), AND permanently house 1,000 survivors of domestic violence ($1.5 million), AND create a needed cash reserve for Homeless Services Network ($300,000), AND still have enough ($3.1 million) to build affordable housing for 50 adults with severe mental illness.
Looking ahead: PRISON ABUSE: Lowell Correctional Facility for women in Ocala is a hellhole. Despite a Department of Justice investigation in 2020 that found “Lowell fails to protect prisoners from sexual abuse by the facility’s staff," little has changed. A new lawsuit has been filed claiming the warden is doing little to stop ongoing abuse. Another lawsuit filed in July cites the same conditions. Both report they were raped by guards. The response by the Department of Corrections? They promoted the warden. Apparently their mission statement of “creating a safe and professional environment with the outcome of reduced victimization” doesn’t apply to their inmates.
Nicole Wilson, Orange County commissioner, District 1
Last week: MORE HOUSING OPTIONS: On Tuesday, County Commissioners unanimously approved a plan to create 2,550 affordable housing units in Orange County, along with a separate plan to incentivize the construction of more affordable housing. Despite all the attention on our rent stabilization ordinance, it is not a panacea. Rather, it is one of many ways we can begin to broach this issue. Done in conjunction with measures like these, we can make real short-term and long-term progress in providing our residents with realistic housing options. It takes a village to save a village.
Looking ahead: SHINGLE CREEK FLOODING: I get daily calls about flooded streets, backyards and even the parking lot for a high school football field but rarely have immediate solutions. On Tuesday, the Orange County Commission discussed the importance of the Shingle Creek Basin and mapped out an action plan for protection and preservation of this biodiverse environmental system. What does that have to do with flooding near you? The Shingle Creek Basin also plays a critical role in the Orange County Drainage System aiding in flood control and stormwater treatment. Saving the headwaters to the Everglades could also mean keeping us all above water.
Michael Zais, political blogger for thedrunkenrepublican.com
Last week: NO. 1 IN EDUCATION FREEDOM: It should come as zero surprise to anyone that Florida has been ranked number one in overall education freedom in terms of transparency regulation, and school choice by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. After all, these are the things Gov. Ron DeSantis has overtly strived for the past few years through various policies and legislation -- empowering parents in school choice, and shining a bright light on indoctrinating and age-inappropriate curriculum. Yet, DeSantis is routinely and confoundingly excoriated as an authoritarian dictator by the left and media -- the very people who typically favor central government, top-down, one-size-fits-all policies and mandates. Pot. Kettle. Black.