The Broward County Board of County Commissioners met on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 10:10 AM to 4:19 PM, with a recess from 12:41 PM to 2:18 PM. The meeting included approval of a large consent agenda, public hearings on several ordinances, and discussion of high-profile items including ambulance service regulations, affordable housing advocacy, and a proposed county renaming. All nine commissioners were present at various times; Commissioner Rogers was absent for the morning consent votes.
Yes, um this morning uh I'm I'm uh going to recognize uh moment of silence for somebody um that passed away in our community and I will tell you that um Congresswoman Debbie Wasseman Schultz who could not be here today was very close with this young woman and had asked me uh to uh if I would uh do this. And I will tell you that Congresswoman Debbie Wasiman Schultz, who could not be here today, was very close with this young woman and had asked me to uh if I would uh do this and I'm very proud to do it uh um for her and in recognition of her relationship with a wonderful young woman by the name of Laney Jones. Laney died on October 14th at the age of 41 while at home at her home in Fault Lauderdale. Two of her family members are here today. Her husband, Joseph, JJ Jones, and her father, Jeff Schultz, are here in the chambers. Laney suffered from Lee Frau Meanie syndrome, a rare genetic condition that made her prone to multiple cancers, leading to her first battle with cancer at only 18 months old. She credited her early detection as the reason she survived six different types of cancers, and it became the driving force behind her lifelong advocacy for early research and support for others facing cancer. While she eventually was eventually declared cancer-free at the age of 24, she was diagnosed again, this time with breast cancer. Over the years, she faced breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, adrenal carcinoma, non-smokers, lung cancer, and finally geo blastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor. Laney's radiant positivity led to her befriending Congresswoman Debbie Wasseman Schultz, and they worked together to raise awareness funds and legislation for cancer and early education. After Laney's passing, the Congresswoman said she was all gas, no quit. She had every reason to really only think about herself, but instead thought about everybody else but herself. Even after enduring brutal treatments for brain cancer, Laney insisted on speaking at Debbie's annual Cancer Survivor Summit last month. She was determined to be at that summit and deliver her message. She chose to live every day like it's your first, in her words, and her optimism never dimmed. Those who knew and loved Laney Jones knew she would want to be remembered as a warrior, with her husband describing her as a rainbow, always colorful and bright. Her last message to her Instagram followers around the world showed her commitment to funding research for cancer treatment. She said, I faced seven primary cancers, gone through multiple treatments, and I'm still thriving. And research doesn't just matter, it saves lives. Laney Jones is survived by her husband JJ, her father Jeff, Mother Kathy Schultz, and her brothers Brian and Joey Schultz. May her memory be for a blessing. Mr. Dibbs. Thank you. And we wish him and his family grace at its time. And I know probably I know a few worked with him, Hazel. Yeah, so he he passed on. He was mainly representing Mammy Dade, but he was a force for that community. Also, I would like to recognize Alexander and Serena Warren, who were the father and daughter who passed away on a humanitarian mission to be to bring hurricane relief to Jamaica when their plane crashed. So we can keep that family in our prayers as well. Thank you. Thank you. I was also going to mention uh County Commissioner Scott Cohen. Because he had so he had an enormous amount of c accomplishments. Among them were the he uh included the construction of the convention center back then, both ways to energy plants, the expanded airport and the Broward County Performing Arts Center. That's a lot of things. And so I know you're sometimes controversial, but he did a lot for this county. And I we should remember that. I also want to comment uh or remind about Jeff Barrett. He was a really well-known activist in Hollywood. He passed away last week. He was active on a lot of local issues. I always appreciated his sharp and incisive mind and always went to him for ideas and suggestions. He was a good friend. And uh always appreciated his input. He served on Broward County Substance Abuse Advisory Board and was active on housing and homelessness. I know that his wife Rini and his wonderful daughter, Sophia, Sophie and Alexis will be in our thoughts. And then lastly, um I just wanted to acknowledge also Kim, who's part of our family here. Uh her mom 98th birthday was uh would have been yesterday. And so uh hearts are with you.