Nicole James

Guest columnist

At the beginning of each new year, we pause to reflect on the previous year. We recall significant events. We share memories. And we generate new ideas and plans for the future.

In 2018, we saw significant national events in mid-term elections, destructive wildfires and hurricanes, positive economic growth, and the appointment and confirmation of a new Justice on our U.S. Supreme Court. In Florida, we elected a new governor and a new U.S. senator. And we faced both loss from Hurricane Michael and gain in our state’s economic indicators, including high numbers in employment and the addition of new jobs. Finally, in Central Florida, we elected new legislative and county leaders, expanded our footprint in the defense and space industries, and began to address issues important to our local communities such as public safety, transportation, water quality, and infrastructure needs. Such efforts are of course ongoing.

These events exemplify some of the worst and some of the best. Among the worst, the vitriol that accompanied the election season and other national politics was unprecedented in modern history. The media too often poured fuel on the fire, and the hatred was palpable. The wildfires out west were also tragic, and Hurricane Michael, among other storms, was not only damaging to the properties of Floridians, but also caused loss of life and hurt Florida’s businesses.

On the positive side, record numbers of Americans paid close attention to the elections and, at least in Central Florida, we were largely spared from storms. We felt deep sympathy for our friends in the Panhandle and collected donations, organized food and supply drives, and provided support in more ways than can be listed. In these selfless acts, the generous character of so many people was on visible display. While certain regions of our great state and nation have yet to fully recover, plans are in place to help them do so, and we are hopeful that they will.

‎In matters of public policy, looking to the immediate past can guide us into the immediate future. Considering what was and what is likely to be can help our communities identify and address our most pressing priorities. For example, the Indian River Lagoon has become a matter of importance not only to our local natural environment, but also to our water resources. Knowledge on this issue is being disseminated, and the issue has appropriately risen to a broader significance and discussion.

From Lake Okeechobee, to the Caloosahatchee River, to the Everglades to the Gulf —not to mention aging infrastructure, including pipes, storm drains, culverts, and septic tanks — local and state officials have pledged to work to find solutions for these issues in this upcoming year. The elections remind us to stay informed and the storms remind us to be prepared.

Those joining the workforce in our region now enjoy multiple avenues for education and training to prepare them for the expansion of existing companies and the opportunities available through new businesses. Eastern Florida State College received a public grant this past year worth over $2.5 million to bolster its training for aerospace and advanced manufacturing jobs. The University of Central Florida also recently received a private grant worth $1.5 million for a new cyber innovation lab that will open in 2019. These are two examples of the confidence that the public and private sectors are placing in the future economic prospects of hard-working Central Floridians who pursue these careers. Plans for EFSC to construct a Center for Innovative Technology Education are also in the works.

So what else is next for Central Florida?‎ I am looking forward to our new leadership, the discussions of priorities in our state and county budgets and the exciting possibility of our astronauts’ return to space from our launch pad in Brevard County. I look forward to learning from the hard issues that confronted our state, the actions that will be taken, and building on the successes of the past year, especially in our economy.

As businesses grow and thrive in our region, taxes remain reasonable, and we remain vigilant in our preparedness for what may come, 2019 will hold good things in store for us all.

Nicole James teaches political science at Eastern Florida State‎ College. She graduated from the University of Central Florida and holds two graduate degrees from the University of Florida in political management and business management.