Within months of beginning my term, I was approached by two constituents about putting together a Veterans Service Advisory Board. I was surprised we did not have one for Palm Beach County. As a new commissioner, it was a great opportunity for me to navigate the inner workings of county government for a fantastic cause. 

I come from a family of veterans and know they are unique in their needs. Many non-profits, government departments, and private organizations do fantastic work for our veterans but often work in silos. The approach of both gentlemen was to bridge the gap. 

I learned Palm Beach County is home to the state’s largest veteran population without an active base. So many wonderful things are happening here; I wanted to help put them together.

At our August 22, 2023, BCC meeting, we made this idea a reality with unanimous support from the board. The Veteran’s Service Advisory Board (VSAB) has been approved, and we hope to have its first meeting by Veterans Day this year.

I want to thank Chief Duren and his staff for their work in creating this board. It went back and forth several times, but I believe we have put together something truly special. I hope to see this duplicated in other areas. 

The board will consist of 11 members from public and private organizations that assist veterans. They must live in Palm Beach County and know about local veteran support services, including mental health/substance abuse, housing, financial assistance, and employment. For more information and/or how to serve, contact us at (561) 355-2204. 

Thank you, David Kirkland (right), Grey Team CEO and U.S. Army Reservist, and Thomas Turkin (left), Vice Mayor of Boynton Beach and Navel Reservist, for bringing this to my attention and speaking to the board at our meeting. This is exactly the type of work I hoped to be part of during my term as your commissioner.

Also, a huge congratulations to Julia Dattolo, CEO/President of CareerSource Palm Beach County, on her recent appointment as the state director representing Florida members on the National Association of Workforce Development's (NAWDP) Board of Directors!

Julia has a proven record of service throughout her career. NAWDP will significantly benefit from her strengths in the workforce industry to help advance the association to better serve our members. 

I am just getting started on LinkedIn and I'm already hooked! Connect with me below.

The Alliance of Delray is hosting a panel discussion on September 6, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the rising cost of insurance for associations and property owners in the county.

The panel will include Senator Tina Polsky, Representative Joe Casello, Representative David Silvers, Representative Kelly Skidmore, and Mayor Gregg Weiss.

The meeting is open to the public at the South County Civic Center in Delray Beach.

I'm proud to share that travelers voted Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) 8th Best Domestic Airport for access, check-in/security, restaurants/bars, shopping and design. Our local airport has ranked in the top 10 for seven consecutive years!

A major expansion is underway of Concourse B, including the construction of two additional passenger jet bridges, a 3,000-square-foot restaurant space, terrazzo flooring and carpeting, an elevated glass ceiling, a nursing suite, a sensory room for travelers with autism and other sensitivities, expanded restrooms and more!

I recently toured the airport with administration and staff for a behind-the-scenes look at its operations that keep our residents and visitors safe. It's no surprise it is a national award-winning airport!

Below is a recent update from the Engineering and Public Works Department on the Palmetto Park Road Bridge project.

The contractor is installing storm drainage components at various project points to manage stormwater runoff.

Additionally, grout injections within city-owned utilities are in progress, ensuring their secure abandonment. 

Road crews continue to clear materials in the southern right of way for the new sidewalk and replacement driveways.

The existing eastbound bridge sections have been removed, debris cleared and pile caps demolished, paving the way for forthcoming new bridge construction.

The project schedule now shows completion in late November 2023 due to troubleshooting and material defect issues with certain utilities. 

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to enhance our infrastructure. Your support is invaluable as we navigate through these phases of progress.

The new playground at Caloosa Park in Boynton Beach is now open with equipment for all ages!

In addition, we are in the process of upgrading the athletic fields and roadways, replacing lighting, and renovating the racquetball courts.

Upcoming projects include a new press box at the athletic fields and restrooms.

Caloosa Park is over 65 acres featuring a fish-stocked lake, pickle ball, basketball and tennis courts, softball fields, playgrounds, picnic pavilions with grills, an exercise course with 20 stations and more!

Palm Beach County’s Building Division reopened its office at the Southeast Palm Beach County Administrative Complex at 345 S. Congress Avenue in Delray Beach.

The office will be open Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provide the following services:

• Assistance for owner/builders (in-person) with required forms
• Notary service for required permit documents
• Assistance with applications and inspection notices/comments

Additionally, permit applications are accepted 24/7 online in the ePZB portal and full services are provided at the main office at 2300 N. Jog Road in West Palm Beach.

Palm Beach County public schools are officially open! 

Remember, 20 mph is the maximum speed for school zones, and fines are doubled (up to $400) for illegally passing a stopped school bus displaying a stop signal.

Drivers convicted of a second offense within five years could have their license suspended. Also, be aware of the “no texting while driving” law that has a fine and potential points.

Palm Beach County achieved an 80% recycling rate, placing us first among all 67 counties in the state!

This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the millions of residents, visitors, and businesses in Palm Beach County who participate in the county's recycling programs.

It is also a result of the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County's (SWA) commitment to providing convenient and efficient recycling services.

The SWA is working to dispel recycling myths and ensure that everyone in the county is properly informed and inspired to participate. 

Here are some tips for recycling right:

• Only put recyclable materials in your recycling bin.
• Rinse out food and beverage containers before recycling them.
• Remove labels from plastic bottles and containers.
• Flatten cardboard boxes.
• Do not recycle Styrofoam, plastic bags, or plastic film.
• Separate metal lids from plastic containers.

By following these tips, you can help us continue to lead the state in recycling.

Stay tuned for "Trash Talk Tuesday" covering all things trash on my social media pages!

The Spirit of Giving Network is a group of over 75 local nonprofits dedicated to serving children and families in Palm Beach County.

The group’s objective is to streamline the delivery of services to the community by working collaboratively to solve issues and improve operations through internal and external partnerships. 

Some programs the network supports include:

• Annual Back to School PBC!
• The Roofclaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
• Annual Holiday Gift Drive
• Community Spirit Race
• Nonprofit Training, Networking and Engagement
• Forum for Nonprofits Radio Program

I recently attended the annual Back to School Bash at Village Academy in Delray Beach hosted by the Spirt of Giving. The annual event provides students from low-income families with backpacks, school supplies and resource kits to prepare for the upcoming school year. Kudos to everyone for such a successful and important event! 

Constitutional Officers

Constitutional officers were established by the Florida Constitution and are independently elected officials.

Palm Beach County has seven constitutional officers who manage their offices separately from the Board of County Commissioners including:

• Clerk​ of the Circuit Court & Comptroller​
• Property Appraiser
• Public Defender
• Sheriff
• State Attorney
• Supervisor of Elections
• Tax Collector

Additionally, they establish the budgets for their offices, independent of the operating budget set by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller

The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Palm Beach County is responsible for safeguarding public records and taxpayer money.

Joseph Abruzzo was elected in November 2020 as Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Palm Beach County and was sworn into office on January 5, 2021.

As clerk, he leads a team of nearly 650 employees who serve more than 1.5 million Palm Beach County residents and oversees an annual operating budget of $70.5 million.

As the comptroller for Palm Beach County, he is responsible for ensuring the proper investment and legal use of billions of dollars in taxpayer money.

His office supports Palm Beach County government and the 15th Judicial Circuit in his roles as chief financial officer, treasurer and auditor, clerk of the Circuit Court, county recorder and clerk of the Board of County Commissioners.

We welcome your feedback on our District 4 newsletter. Please let us know if you found this information helpful and what else you would like to know.