22-04-2025
Florida's latest push to increase affordable housing comes with risks for military bases
Proceed with caution
Florida's push to expand affordable housing is commendable. However, the proposed legislation, including amendments to the Live Local Act and various agricultural/farm bills, risks unintended consequences by overriding local regulations without safeguards for our military installations.
As these bills fast-track development approvals, they must include a clear protection clause for military airfields and training ranges, recognizing established safety zones. Incompatible development near bases threatens flight safety, training readiness and mission capability — jeopardizing national security and billions in economic impact. Public safety of the future residents it is meant to serve is also in jeopardy.
Florida can lead in housing and defense. Legislators must amend these bills, coordinating with military planners to protect vital installations and airspace from encroachment. Let's build smart — without compromising the future of our military and residents.
Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, USN (ret),
naval aviator,
former Florida Defense Support Task Force member,
chairman,
Association of Naval Aviation,
Fleming Island, FL
Reyes was family
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Miami City Commissioner Manolo Reyes, who died on April 11. He was not only my boss but also a true father figure. His unwavering dedication to his family, friends, the City of Miami, the district he represented and the broader community has left an indelible mark that will be felt for generations to come.
Beyond his public service, he played a profound role in my life. He mentored me, believed in me and always had my back — through every challenge and triumph. He didn't just treat me like a colleague; he welcomed me into his world like family. His guidance shaped who I am today and his trust in me gave me the strength to grow, professionally and personally. He was there for me in ways that went far beyond the workplace, offering wisdom, support and unconditional care.
He was a man of great faith — a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. His love for his family was matched only by his love for Miami. He embodied the spirit of this great city in everything he did. His leadership, compassion and integrity served as a guiding light for us all. I am incredibly grateful to have had the privilege of working alongside him as his Chief of Staff — and to have him and his family become part of my own.
He leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness and deep dedication to his family and community. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit and the lessons he shared will continue to inspire us all.
Esteban (Steven) Ferreiro,
Miami
Housing struggle
Re: the April 18 Miami Herald online story, 'Black South Floridians struggle to buy and keep homes in Miami's gentrifying communities.' There are certainly challenges for Black families in Miami's housing market, stiffer even than 25 years ago when my partner and I built two dozen single family homes for first-time homebuyers in West Grove. We learned a few things which are still true today.
First, the goal must be to bring the total monthly payment down to the equivalent of rent in the area where the house is. Second, would-be homeowners 'self-select' by saving a three percent down payment and are required to do serious work — with counseling — to improve low credit scores.
Third, private lenders are needed to supply 50% of the purchase price in a 30-year first mortgage at market rate interest. These loans are low-risk. Finally, the city and county must fund 'soft second' 30-year interest-only mortgages at zero to three percent for the balance of the purchase price. These can be funded partly from the 'public benefits' generated by new high-rise development, and the rest from Affordable Housing programs that now focus mostly on rental subsidies.
While this alone won't solve the housing crisis, high-rise rental apartments do not stabilize neighborhoods and each new homeowner in a historic Black community helps to keep others from surrendering to gentrification.
Anthony Parrish,
Coconut Grove
People's Pope
I was greatly saddened of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time. For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased.
As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths. He commanded us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climate crisis. He advocated for the voiceless and powerless. He made all feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and an end to poverty and suffering across the globe.
Above all, he was a Pope for everyone. He was the People's Pope — a light of faith, hope and love.
Paul Bacon,
Hallandale Beach
'This is America'
As a teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the 2018 mass shooting, I write with a heavy heart and an urgent plea. Last week, I watched Stephanie, one of my former students — now a graduate student teaching a class at Florida State University — speak on national television after surviving yet another school shooting.
'Here we are again,' she said. 'This is America.' Her words cut through the noise with painful truth.
I am proud beyond words of how she protected her students. Twice, she's faced the unimaginable. Twice, she's shown strength and grace no young person should ever have to summon. This is not normal. This is not acceptable. Our students are not soldiers. Our schools are not battlegrounds.
The continued failure to pass meaningful gun safety laws is a national disgrace. Our young people are paying the price.
To Stephanie and to every student who has endured the trauma of a school shooting: you are not alone. We see you. We honor your pain and your resilience. Hope is our greatest resistance. Let it also be our call to action.
Diane Wolk-Rogers,
Coral Springs
Shady charity
Finally, some in the Florida Legislature are questioning Gov. Ron DeSantis' expenditures and those of his wife's charity, Hope Florida. While Hope Florida has lofty goals, disclosure that only five percent of its donations have gone to actual charities is a shocker. Nobody would donate to such a charity unless it is seeking something else; perhaps a pay to play?
The disclosure that a $10 million settlement was directed to Hope Florida and then to DeSantis' campaign against the marijuana and anti-abortion amendments, although shocking, is not surprising. Taxpayers have been subsidizing DeSantis' follies for years.
We've paid millions for his migrant flights from Texas, the Election Fraud division he created, and the State Guard, to mention a few. All of this while refusing Medicaid, food assistance and Kid Care to needy Floridians.
Kudos to State House Speaker Daniel Perez and others in the legislature for finally growing a spine. It is about time.
Norman Segall,
Coral Gables
Haitian corruption
Re: Miami Herald reporter Jacqueline Charles' April 18 article, 'France forced Haiti to pay for independence. 200 years later, should there be restitution?' Haiti has received more than $20 billion in aid from the world in the past 60 years. Perhaps the reporter should investigate where all that money has gone before Haiti demands reparations from France.
Look for all the billions the Duvalier family stole and the billions more stolen by all the corrupt governments after that.
Mike Hernandez,
Kendall
Improper priorities
Six innocent civilians are shot, two of whom are dead and all Gov. DeSantis had to say was that 'our prayers are with our FSU family.'
Not to be outdone, President Trump, indifferent to the horror on FSU's campus, proclaimed his fidelity to the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment (the only amendment he appears to respect), instead of the fate of the wounded and their families.
David Kahn,
Boca Raton
Bad weather
Once again, an active hurricane season is predicted, with an expected 17 named storms, including the possibility of nine hurricanes and four becoming major hurricanes. While I'm a proponent of storm preparation, the non-stop media coverage of approaching storms whips up a frenzied approach.
I would call for all of South Florida to gather supplies early rather than freaking out and overrunning grocery stores at the last minute. This is one way to calm the anxiety in an already stressful situation.
Chad van Horn,
Fort Lauderdale
