June 1st marks the official start of another hurricane season here in Florida and I still remember what many went through during Hurricane Irma and Michael.

I remember speaking to a community member and asking if she was ready. I could hear the hesitation in her voice when she replied “I hope so, I just paid my rent”.

My siblings and I have called Coral Springs home for nearly three decades. Much like our fellow neighbors, we’ve been shaped by the vibrancy of our community and the cultural hallmarks that make residing here so unique.

In 2016, Floridians overwhelmingly approved Amendment 2 which legalized medical marijuana for people with certain medical conditions. In fact, over 6 million people voted in favor of the constitutional amendment.

This resounding victory at the ballot box left cities like Coral Springs with two options: ban dispensaries altogether or regulate them similarly to pharmacies.

Once a flourishing community, home to GM Motors and the hub of the automobile industry, Flint, MI was once provided the best schools, healthcare, and assistance programs. Now residents, refer to Flint as “living in a third world country” or a “war zone”.  Flint, MI resembles nothing it once was.