Local Opportunities

Article 1: Red tide may be ‘natural,' but scientists believe coastal pollution is making it worse
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&format=text&val-base-0=&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=pollution&fld-base-1=alltext&docref=news/16E1FC889A1D93D0

Red tide, an algae that is notorious for killing marine life, has been present in Southeastern Florida for a significant amount of time. Although red tide outbreaks have been recorded for several decades, scientists have confirmed that man-made pollution is worsening the outbreaks. Using satellite imaging and water testing, scientists have determined that high levels of nutrients worsen the spread and impact of outbreaks. The article goes on to describe how difficult it is for scientists to discuss these issues during political campaigns. Overall, the problem is the lack of regulation and surplus of nutrients that are being allowed to fuel these massive red tide outbreaks. They can cause respiratory problems in humans and have devastating impact on marine life. The people who are most directly affected are those who depend on the diverse and rich marine ecosystems that exist in South Florida. Not to mention, elderly people and people with compromised respiratory systems are also at a huge risk.

Article 2: Even after record storms, 1 in 5 Floridians say they won't evacuate for a Category 4
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0910%21September%2B10&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E5CDB0D7469E40

The article discusses the lack of interest many Floridians have for hurricane evacuations. As the article title stated, 200 out of 1000 Floridians surveyed said they wouldn't evacuate for a Category 3 or 4 hurricane. The article continues to discuss the dangers of staying in the path of these large and powerful storms. However, the problem described is regarding the damages incurred and the lack of coverage by most insurance plans. This is a major problem with the average deductibles for hurricane insurance well over $5,000. In addition to this, they don't cover flood damages. As large hurricanes are becoming more frequent due to climate change, Floridians are not prepared for the damages or costs associated with them. The people facing this problem are homeowners that live in an area prone to hurricane damages like Southeastern Florida.

Article 3: Fire drills and false alarms are re-traumatizing Stoneman Douglas students, teachers
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0913%21September%2B13&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16E6CAD10FD95F80

After the shooting that left 17 dead, students at Stoneman Douglas High School have been repeatedly traumatized. False active shooter warnings and students pulling fire alarms like the shooter did has caused many students fear and anxiety. This article discusses a more advance fire alarm system that would limit the ability for it to be used as a weapon. The problem here is clearly that students and employees of the school don't feel safe here. The problem is most profound at this school because of the shooting that occurred, but this is not a localized issue. Anyone who works in a education environment has started to realize the flaws associated with protecting students, teachers, and employees.

Article 4: A black community ‘drowning' in gunfire wonders if it will ever ride the Parkland wave
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0406%21April%2B06&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16B1F274B8352900

Shevrin Jones, a democrat representative from South Florida attempted to bring attention to the violence in underserved communities. This article discussed the attention that has been given to the Parkland Shooting and the subsequent gun reform. However, the violence in the communities that Jones is discussing will not be affected. He said, "Because we're not going to the store to buy a gun. We're going to buy them illegally." The unfortunate reality, is that the illegal sale of firearms is a large problem in South Florida. People who live in low socioeconomic areas have a higher chance of being killed or impacted by gun violence with stolen or illegally purchased firearms. 

Article 5: DRUNK DRIVING - Miami-area DUI arrests plummet
Link: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AMIHB%21Miami%2BHerald%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2018%212018/mody%3A0801%21August%2B01&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/16D89E4C99123298

This article showcases the large drop in DUI arrests made by two Miami-Dade police departments over the past four years. Less than 600 people were arrested in 2017 for DUI which is a 60 percent decrease from a 2015 statistic. This article credits ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft for the large drop off in DUI arrests. In addition, this article also sites a more educated public as a reason for less people driving under the influence. However, it does highlight that many people driving under the influence are not caught or arrested by police. This problem is occurring across the nation, but Miami-Dade police have a hard time due to lack of resources and man-power.