Community Lens For July 28

My head is reeling from constant conservative hypocrisy. Sen. Rick Scott, who’s up for re-election, warns communists and socialists against coming to Florida, but he sided with Putin’s aggression by voting against aid to Ukraine. The conservative Supreme Court justices refused to examine Trump’s actions in the case before them about total immunity for a president, choosing to consider the issues for the rights of future presidents.

For nearly 30 years, the South Florida Sun Sentinel has honored the best high school journalists. Students from 15 schools in Broward and Palm Beach counties entered the annual contest with material published in the 2023-24 school year. Congratulations to the young journalists of tomorrow. News writing First Place: Graeme Melcher of The Muse at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, for “Reshaping the Square.” Second Place: Jasmine Bhogaita of Eagle Eye News at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, for “Diyas and Days Off: Hindus in Broward County petition for Diwali to become a school holiday.” Third Place: Daniel Morrison of The CHAT at Pembroke Pines Charter High School, for “Jags witness one of nature’s biggest spectacles until 2044.” Honorable Mention: Karmiah Smith of The Muse at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, for “The Silent Epidemic.” Honorable Mention: Jad Dargam of The Legend at Suncoast Community High School, for “No Money, More Problems.” Honorable Mention: Patrick Gohl of Tornado Times at Pompano Beach High School, for “Parent permission required by district for students to take AP Psychology.” Feature/Entertainment writing First Place (tie): Samantha Maynes and Veronika Egorova of The Paw Print at Boca Raton Community High School, for “Addressing Stereotypes.” First Place (tie): Brynn Schwartz and Andie Korenge of the Eagle Eye News at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, portfolio. Second Place: Sienna Rose Sossi of The Muse at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, portfolio. Third place: Sanaiya Pinnock of Calibre at Western High School, portfolio. Honorable Mention: Priya Gowda and Lila Goldin of The Muse at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, for “Up in Smoke.” Honorable Mention: Madison LeMaster of The Torch at Olympic Heights High School, for “Changing the Lives of Struggling Readers One by One.” Honorable Mention: Eric Tovin of The Navigator at Fort Lauderdale High School, for “Coach Terry Portice Inducted into HSBN Hall of Fame – Welcomed into Baseball Paradise!” Honorable Mention: Summer Mcelroy of The Sword & Shield at South Plantation High School, for “Girlhood.” Honorable Mention: Alexandra Kimbrell of West Boca Bullseye at West Boca Raton Community High School, portfolio. The South Florida Sun Sentinel honored high school student journalists from Broward and Palm Beach counties at a Thursday event Thursday in Deerfield Beach.

Clip and save this column. Better yet, download it. Here’s why: The 2024 election is six months away. And while it’s become a cliché that this is the most consequential election of our lifetimes, who would argue that this one truly qualifies? Mike Stocker/Sun SentinelSteve Bousquet is a Sun Sentinel columnist. Democracy is at stake.

A Broward school district proposal to close three schools and make major changes to nine others is facing major pushback from some parents, homeowners and elected officials. Oakridge Elementary in Hollywood, Olsen Middle in Dania Beach and Broward Estates Elementary in Lauderhill would shut down completely in the fall of 2025, under a plan Superintendent Howard Hepburn unveiled Monday to deal with declining enrollment.

Q: Do you think the Heat will give Jimmy Butler an extension this summer or expect him to play out the final years of his existing contract and deal with it after the ’25-26 season? – Brian. A: Getting inside of Pat Riley’s head would be a fool’s errand, especially at this moment, in the immediate wake of playoff disappointment.

The most fiercely debated patch of real estate in Broward County is only about 10 feet wide, but it’s instantly recognizable to everyone. It’s the tree-shrouded median along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, and it’s so familiar because so many people love it just as it is. For that reason, it should stay that way — permanently. For eight years or more, debate has raged over the future of this signature street of high-end retail shops, restaurants, bars, outdoor cafes and the classic Riverside Hotel.