Perspectives

The combination of the coronavirus pandemic, economic uncertainty, contentious politics and other stressors seem connected to the recent rise in substance abuse across the nation. To talk about it are: Kathleen Roberts, executive director Community Coalition Alliance; General Arthur Dean, CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America); Joe Davis with Florida Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs; Florida State Representative Colleen Burton (R-Polk County); and Dr. Greg Colbath, an orthopedic surgeon based in Spartanburg, SC.

The question is whether or not to create a taxpayer-supported appointed council to coordinate the provision of education, health care and other services to young children in Leon County. It's generated lots of recent controversy as the November 3rd election nears. Two panels make the case for and against the proposal. The proponents are: Lashawn Gordon with United Partners for Human Services; Michele Watson who heads the Florida Children's Council; Tallahassee City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox; and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare CEO Mark O'Bryant. That's followed by arguments from the opponents: Community Activist Emily Fritz; and Lobbyist, Advocate and Public Policy Analyst Barney Bishop.

Since 2016, Curtis Richardson has occupied this seat on the Tallahassee City Commission. Now he's being challenged by Kearney Center Food Services Director Bill Schack. The two candidates have a sometimes impassioned discussion on economic development and other issues including poverty, income disparity and crime, and how local government has responded to the pandemic.

Since 2006, Bryan Desloge has represented the fast-growing and mostly affluent Northeast part of the county. Now, for the first time in a dozen years, he has a challenger; Chiles High School teacher Brian Welch. They give their views about issues ranging from economic development, to the response to COVID-19.

What was a packed field vying to succeed Mary Ann Lindley on the county commission is now down to three finalists: Carolyn Cummings and Kelly Otte - the top vote getters in the August primary election - and write-in candidate Melissa Villar.

The incumbent, Rocky Hanna, the challenger on the ballot, Pam Hightower, and write-in candidate Keisha Washington talk about the district's response to the COVID crisis, a serious teacher shortage and other timely educational topics.

Every year, more than one dozen hardy adventurers paddle more than 100 miles down the Apalachicola River to raise money and awareness for this unique ecological and economic resource. To talk about this year's event are: Apalachicola Riverkeeper Outreach and Advocacy Director Doug Alderson; along with Trekkers Jennifer Humayan; Courtenay Miller; and Harry Smith.

The coronavirus pandemic has compelled creative solutions to artistic problems. One of these was how to maintain a full season of performances for the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. CEO Amanda Stringer and Music Director/Conductor Darko Butorac provide a preview of the online offerings - featuring an all-star lineup of performers - between Sept. 11 and March 27, 2021.

The pandemic has significantly increased stress levels, leading to more mental health problems, including suicide. To talk about it are: Jay Reeve, executive director of the Apalachee Center; James Smith, social worker with Big Bend Hospice; Beth Dees, board member NAMI Tallahassee; Cynthia Foster, NAMI operations mananager and Bluebird Run coordinator; and Maddie Stults, FSU 1st year psychology major and NAMI volunteer.

Florida State University Vice President of Research Gary Ostrander says the coronavirus pandemic has made the work done in the school's laboratories and other exploratory facilities more critical than ever. He talks about FSU's new COVID testing lab for students, faculty and staff and how quickly its results can be turned around. He also has plenty to say about the increasing amount of private sector contract research the school is doing and the ongoing efforts to turn that into local economic advancement.