Free Florida?

All this bullying and bluster because Fort Myers City Council voted not to enroll in a specific Immigration and Customs Enforcement program. When you enter Florida on the east coast from Interstate 95 you are greeted by a sign that says, “Welcome to the Free State of Florida.” What a joke!

The Free State of Florida forbids any local government from making any decision that does not concur with the Free State of Florida’s predecided mandates. The Free State of Florida tells us what we can and cannot read or teach. The decision to control occupancy rates in vacation rentals should be a local decision, but not in the Free State of Florida.

There are more examples of the Free State of Florida’s invasion into daily life and decisions, but they are too numerous to mention. I’ve lived in this state since I was a small child. I love it, but I no longer recognize it. RIP Florida.

American politics

Having lived through the upheavals of the 1960s — civil rights struggles, Vietnam War protests and political assassinations — I find today’s political climate even more rigid and polarized. Despite past conflicts, leaders once sought compromise. Now, partisanship dominates, and mediation is rare. Social media and nonstop news cycles amplify divisions, making common ground elusive.

Yet, hope remains. Theodore Roosevelt’s call to be the “man in the arena” reminds us that engagement is essential. Younger generations, frustrated by gridlock, must be encouraged to participate, not just critique from the sidelines.

Local politics should be a gateway for change, but soaring campaign costs and partisanship block great candidates. Solutions exist — grassroots funding, nonpartisan groups, election reforms and mentorship — but breaking the status quo requires collective effort.

America has overcome deep divides before. Will we step up to shape a better future or allow polarization to define us? History shows change is possible, if we dare to engage.

DOGE sanctioned?

Let me begin by stating that I am a strong advocate for a robust military. My only questions about the commissioning of the next generation of fighter jets are: Was this decision vetted through DOGE? Does Elon Musk approve?

Asking for a friend.

Latinos and Trump

As a Cuban, here since the age of 10 and an American citizen since age 19, I am not surprised by the comments from Latinos supporting President Donald Trump. Not many would like to put a bullseye on their family for investigation when normal Americans seem to be winding up in Guantanamo. As for those Cubans who support Trump, I would like to add that we didn’t have a great track record picking a winner in Cuba, and that is how we wound up in the United States as refugees.

Spend your days with Hayes

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Sports page love

I always read the sports page first and really derive great pleasure from the sports writers’ articles, including those from Marc Topkin and John Romano. I especially loved the analysis of the 10 Tampa Bay Rays most vital to team’s success. I got worried when I did not see my favorite player right away. But I got excited when Josh Lowe was No. 1. Thanks to Marc Topkin for getting it right. Keep up the great work!

One less worry

As a coach and teacher, my top priority is my students’ safety. Parents trust us to be prepared for any emergency, including cardiac events. Whether in the classroom, hallways, or on the field, having an automated external defibrillator nearby and a well-practiced plan is crucial for survival.

Yet, not all Pinellas and Hillsborough County schools have a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, creating dangerous gaps. Each year, 23,000 children — about the seating capacity of Amalie Arena — experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital, with 40% linked to sports.

We’ve seen how a plan saves lives. Last spring at Leto High School, an athlete collapsed at track practice. I immediately performed CPR while my assistant principal, Scott Hazlett, sprinted for the automated external defibrillator. That rapid response saved his life.

A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan can increase survival rates by up to 50% when schools are trained to call 911, start CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator fast. As an educator, I want to be fully prepared to protect my students.

I am proud to be working with the American Heart Association in urging Hillsborough and Pinellas County legislators to support SB 430/HB 337 to ensure every school has a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. We owe it to our students and their families to be ready when seconds matter.