Thursday, January 25, 2018

Identifying Local Opportunities 5A

Assignment 5A:
Title: Accommodate Puerto Ricans here as they recover from Maria
My Description: After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the 3.4 people on the island, many were without power for months and forced out of their damaged homes. The article breaks down the then migration of families to Florida and the addition of many new students to schools due to the storm. Finally, the story ends with a discussion about the effect of forced migration onto Florida both socially and economically, speaking to the specifics of its sustainability.

Description of Problem Presented in Story: A forceful natural disaster displaced many Puerto Ricans and forced them to migrate to the United States. As many came with little financial stability due to the devastation, a new large number of individuals are without necessary resources for sustainable futures. The article implores people to lend a helping hand in a time of need for so many individuals.

Who Has the Problem: Those effected by the large natural disaster, Hurricane Maria, are burdened with the problem of no home, electricity or economic stability, as they many are forced to migrate to Florida without an economic safety net to feel physically safe.

Title: Citrus crops, homeless shelters - shiver under freezing conditions - Coldest temperatures since 2010
My Description: Florida’s citrus scene is driven by its constant humidity and temperate weather that are ripe for growth. However, the large cool spell that has overcome Central Florida has been devastating for farmers, and much of their crop has become frozen and not ripe. Additionally, homeless shelters in Central Florida are being overwhelmed with individuals and the need for endless supplies. The weather creates logistical problems for both one of the largest economic sectors of the state and a community of steady volunteers.

Description of Problem Presented in Story: Citrus crops are not able to be steadily monitored and grown properly without the proper climate to create proper growth characteristics. Also, the mass increase in homeless shelter needs due to the prolonged cold spell creates burdens for volunteers that are hard to live up to.

Who Has the Problem: Farmers whose livelihood depends on citrus production and sale, along with both homeless individuals and the volunteers who set up camps for the needy in Central Florida are those who face the largest problems because of the cold spell.

Title: Brightline train kills 2nd person in 5 days
Link:
My Description: Brightline, the high-speed train known for its quick transportation, killing it’s second pedestrian in a span of merely five days. The victim, a cyclist, tried to beat the train through an intersection, and was then struck near Ocean Avenue in Boynton Beach. Florida Senator Bill Nelson believes that the transportation line must change its habits to create a safer environment for all citizens and spoke to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao regarding the issue.

Description of Problem Presented in Story: Brightline and other major high-speed railways that are beginning to be implemented across the state of Florida are in main areas of common transportation to help ease other citizens. However, their prime locations and general lack of knowledge create a dangerous precedent for unaware citizens.

Who Has the Problem: In this situation, the individual fatally killed by the Brightline had the problem of miscalculating how fast the train could travel and trying to beat the engine through a station.

Title: Flu virus widespread in the region, nation - 2 influenza-related pediatric deaths in Florida
Link:
My Description: Although the flu virus has had a relatively quiet previous couple of years regarding both its contraction rate and death count, it has sprung back up and shown its capabilities for damage in 2018. Hospitals, doctors and urgent care facilities have voiced a larger concern with the higher traffic of individuals who have contracted the influenza virus. The death count has rose in correlation, specifically with twenty confirmed deaths nationwide due to the dangerous virus. Central Florida needs to remain on alert for potential harm, as recently Alabama has declared a state of emergency to combat the current trend of sickness.

Description of Problem Presented in Story: Not only are citizens contracting the flu at a higher rate than in previous memory, but this year’s strand of the influenza virus is more apt to become deadly, with the highest number of recorded deaths in the short amount of time span ever. The United States as a whole is riddled with the disease, and the current trend slopes toward more individuals becoming harmed with its side effects.

Who Has the Problem: United States citizens should be alert for the increased presence of the flu virus, as it has spread across the entire continent and is becoming more lethal with the increase in contractions.

Title: More birth defects reported in states with local spread of Zika, including Florida
My Description: In places that were a main stake in the Zika virus scare of 2016, a report found that birth defects are rising. Southern Texas and throughout Florida, which were places that the Zika virus was spread locally, have had an uptick in birth defects, including eye abnormalities and improper neurological development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are now investigating the correlation between the prevalence of the Zika virus and the defects, although they due contend that outside factors may play a role in this increased behavior.

Description of Problem Presented in Story: The geographical presence of increasing birth defects in areas previously with higher cases of the Zika virus have obvious short-term consequences and leave thousands with lifelong health issues. However, although the Zika virus is considered contained and with limitations for damage at its current state, the real issue remains the little-known information about its capabilities long into the future.

Who Has the Problem: Mothers and their babies in areas previously disease stricken by the Zika virus have a higher probability of lasting birth defects, such as brain abnormalities and physical ailments.


2 comments:

  1. This flu isn't messing' around. I just had it and I thought I was dead, so I agree, there is an opportunity for something to happen there. It is crazy how many people are dying from it and how little that seems to be able to be done. There is also an opportunity in Puerto Rico like you said. The storm has caused them to ave to almost completely restart. Since the federal government is doing very little to support this process, there is an opportunity for several different industries and businesses to help the people of Puerto Rico.

    ReplyDelete
  2. With the flu, Zika, disaster in Puerto Rico, and other diseases or disasters, there really is opportunity for private industry to help people while making money. Emergency and medical services usually have many different industries supporting them. The cold has caused problems throughout the South in the ways you mentioned (homeless shelters and citrus industry) but also in fisheries and livestock sectors that may also present opportunity.

    ReplyDelete