August 2024

For some people, Labor Day means furniture sales, backyard barbecues and a school holiday, but not much more. Let us all be reminded that this special day is set aside to honor the working men and women who make our country prosperous.

Growing up in the industrial Midwest, I was always reminded of the factories that produced some of America's greatest automobiles. Our workers took pride in their work, and this pride was reflected in America's leading role in manufacturing and industry.

As families come together to celebrate Labor Day, the first Monday in September, let us not forget that we owe our continued progress and leadership in workers' rights for better working conditions, pay and benefits to the working men and women of our country.

Happy Labor Day, America!

Maria Sachs, Mayor

Community Project Funding Check Presentation

During the Board of County Commissioners workshop, U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick presented the Board of Commissioners with a Community Project Funding check for $2.25 million for affordable workforce housing. This funding will provide gap financing for acquiring, constructing, and equipping condominiums, multi-family rental units, single-family homes, and townhomes, leveraging Palm Beach County’s $200 million Workforce and Affordable Housing Bond Program and other county funding.

On behalf of the people of Palm Beach County, I thank you for your commitment and support of our efforts to provide housing for all our residents. The demand for affordable housing continues to increase with the ongoing population growth in the area along with the average wage, which continues to lag behind the amount of money people need to buy affordable housing, and the result is that our essential workers and service providers are basically being priced out of our area. This new commitment by your office, from the federal government to us, will give us an opportunity to build affordable housing that we are hopeful will help ease the effects of this housing crisis. Thank you again, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, on behalf of the people of Palm Beach County and this County Commission, for your support in addressing and relieving the affordable housing crisis.

SWA Labor Day Waste Collection

Garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulk waste collection will not be impacted for residents and businesses in unincorporated Palm Beach County on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) disposal facilities will be open and haulers in unincorporated Palm Beach County will run their regular routes. Residents should place all garbage, recyclables and yard waste curbside by 6 a.m.

While SWA administrative offices will be closed, a limited number of customer service team members will be available to assist residents with questions about garbage or recycling collection or concerns. SWA Customer Information Services can be reached at 561-697-2700 or 866-792-4636 (toll-free) or contactcis@swa.org.

Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

The second Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is underway and will run through Friday, Sept. 6. For more information and to view the list of qualifying items, visit the Florida Department of Revenue's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday website.

Lyons Road Update

I'm pleased to announce that by the close of business on Friday, Aug. 30, northbound lanes on Lyons Road will be open from Linton Boulevard to the intersection at Atlantic Avenue, except for the center turn lane adjacent to TJ Turf Farm, traffic control devices will be removed, providing motorists access to all northbound and southbound lanes south of Atlantic Avenue. The contractor has provided a schedule showing that night paving will occur next week as they push to substantial completion.

A significant milestone was achieved at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Lyons Road as of Friday, Aug. 16, with the two westbound to southbound turn lanes opening. The two southbound receiving lanes were also opened. This was a significant improvement to the capacity at the intersection, significantly improving the delays the intersection has been experiencing. 

Signal timing at Atlantic Avenue and Lyons Road has also been adjusted to address any back-ups while traffic is being shifted around. This week, staff increased the green time for the westbound movement on Atlantic Avenue. Additional adjustments will occur once paving is complete north of the intersection.

As always, I appreciate your patience.

Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control

Hi there, my name is Pawley! If you're seeking a super friendly and playful companion, look no further!

Adopted pets are spayed and neutered, fully vaccinated, treated for ticks and fleas, microchipped and more.

If you are interested in adopting Pawley, call 561-233-1272 and provide reference number A2212212.



For additional information on other available cats that need a forever home, visit secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/snap/adoptabledogs.

Canyon District Park Phase II Groundbreaking

I’m excited to share that on September 30th, we will break ground on the much-anticipated Canyon District Park Phase II project, a significant step forward in enhancing recreational opportunities in my District. This project, which was made possible through a $1,500,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the well-being of our residents. 

The Phase II development will feature four new lighted baseball and softball fields, a state-of-the-art concession and restroom building, batting cages, and a vibrant destination playground that promises to be a family favorite. Additionally, we’re adding two lighted sand volleyball courts, a canoe and kayak launch, picnic facilities, and other essential infrastructure to ensure that the park meets the diverse needs of our community. The COBWRA leaders and all my District residents have worked hard to bring this dream to reality.

I invite all residents to join me in celebrating this groundbreaking as we continue to build a brighter, healthier future for Palm Beach County.

National Voter Registration Month

Pictured here (l to r): Elections Specialist Francisco Padilla, Elections Specialist Olivia Martin, Mayor Sachs and Elections Specialist Lauren Klemowich.

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting, I presented a proclamation declaring September 2024 as National Voter Registration Month in Palm Beach County. Residents engage in voting as a voluntary measure to participate in America's core democratic principles. Through voter education efforts, the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections helps empower voters to voice their voices in elections.

Palm Beach County Library Happenings

West Boynton Branch

All Ages

Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour

Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, from 10–11 a.m.

People with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the Library and its services in a safe and welcoming environment.

Stop & Swap Clothing & Toy Exchange

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, from 10 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

Bring items you no longer use or want and "shop" for something new (to you)! Separating clothing by size beforehand will assist with organization. Please do not make donations after 11:30 a.m.

Adventures in Magic with Brent Gregory

Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, from 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Prepare to be blown away by Brent Gregory and his exciting magic show.

West Boca Branch

Adults

Paper Quilling For Beginners

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, from 5:30–6:45 p.m.

Learn the basics of quilling then apply your skills to make a flower to add to a gift tag. Pre-register.

Karen's Caberet

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, from 2–3 p.m.

Enjoy classical Broadway tunes, cool Sinatra melodies, seasonal songs, and golden oldies. Pre-register.

Library Card Sign-Up Month: Library Tour

Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 (3–4 p.m.) and Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 (3–4 p.m.)

Do you know your library card gets you access to movies, audiobooks, eBooks, magazines, etc.? Get to know your local library by joining us for a tour and learn more about our services and resources. Pre-register.

Art Workshop: Hand-Painted Earrings

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, from 2:30–3:45 p.m.

Get creative and make a statement with your handmade earrings. You will learn to paint and assemble earrings using acrylic paint on wood. Pre-register.

Spanish Exchange for Beginners

Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, from 3–4 p.m.

Learn the basics of Spanish pronunciation, day-to-day Spanish phrases and vocabulary in a fun, relaxed environment. Pre-register.

Hagen Ranch Road

All Ages

Art is for Everyone: The Joy of Music

Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, from 2–3 p.m.

Enjoy a hands-on experience where you can play a variety of musical instruments to create rhythms, songs, and movements together. Led by certified music therapist Tom Dalton. Pre-register.

Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, from 9–10 a.m.

People with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the use of the Library and its services in a safe and welcoming environment.

Adults

Coloring Club

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, from 2–3 p.m.

Relax, socialize and make art with other coloring enthusiasts. Materials provided or bring your own. Pre-register.

Jigsaw Puzzle Swap

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, from 9:30– 11:30 a.m.

Tired of your puzzles? Bring a few of your jigsaw puzzles to swap for some new-to-you puzzles at our Jigsaw Puzzle Swap.

Tech Tuesday: Organizing & Sharing Digital Photos

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, from 11 a.m.– noon

Learn how to use albums, cloud storage, searching, sorting and other features to organize and share photos on your phone or tablet. Pre-register.

Computer Basics

Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, from 9:30– 11 a.m.

Learn what a computer is and the basics of what computers do in this class.

Internet Basics

Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, from 2– 3:30 p.m.

Learn about what the internet is and how to use it in this class. Pre-register.

Glades Road

All Ages

Sensory Friendly Browsing Hour

Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, from 11 a.m.– noon

People with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the use of the Library and its services in a safe and welcoming environment. Pre-register.

Adults

Art is for Everyone: Van Gogh's Sunflowers

Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, from 2– 4 p.m.

Meeting Room

Paint sunflowers like Vincent Van Gogh. Supplies provided. Pre-register.

Dear Commissioner

My daughter is in high school and needs community hours to graduate. Where in Palm Beach County can my daughter volunteer?

There are many volunteer opportunities in the county.

Morikami Museum

Morikami Museum's volunteer program enables volunteers to aid the museum’s daily operations. Volunteers can help weekly or during special events.

Minimum age requirement  

Weekly:17 years old

Special Events: 16 years old (accompanied by a parent or guardian at least 21 years old)

Weekly volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Museum Greeters
• Museum Store
• Museum Docents
• Office/Administration
• Bonsai Preservation
• Garden Raking

Green Cay Nature Center

Green Cay Nature Center overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland and provides educational opportunities about this unique habitat. The wetland features 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk featuring interpretive signs about the habitat. The Nature Center includes a lecture hall, gift shop and live animals in an extensive exhibit room highlighting wetland attributes. 

There is a wide array of tasks that the volunteers can take on when serving at Green Cay.

• Butterfly Gardener: Assist with gardening, watering plants, weeding, and general maintenance of the butterfly garden area.
• Docent: Educate visitors about the exhibits and the wetlands by leading guided tours and assisting with teaching programs.
• Front Desk Greeter: Welcome visitors, answer phones, and answer questions about the nature center.
• Gift Shop Cashier: Welcome visitors, assist with products and complete sales.
• Maintenance Worker: Cleans boardwalk of scat and debris, washes windows, picks up trash and performs general maintenance in and around the building.
• Animal Husbandry: Care for captive program animals inside the building, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
• Office Assistant: Assist with filing, word processing, faxing and copying.

Animal Care & Control

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control is the only open-admission shelter in Palm Beach County that accepts all animals in need. Help enhance the life of a pet and most importantly, help animals find a loving home.

Research all the services that Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control provides.

Communicate to friends, family, neighbors, etc., and ask if they would like to donate supplies to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.

Design a Supply Drive document with your name, school, date, and a list of items to be handed into Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. Be as creative as you like!

Students earn one community service hour for each new/unopened item below. All items must be the exact amount, brand, flavor, and size listed to qualify.

• Pup-Peroni Dog Treats – 22.5-ounce bag
• Milo's Kitchen Chicken Meatball Dog Treats – 18-ounce bag
• Nudges Dog Treats – 16-ounce bag
• Nabisco Easy Cheese – 16 ounces (2-8 ounce cans)
• Joy Ice Cream Cups -120 cups (5 – 24 cup boxes)
• Nylabone Power Chew – XL (50+lbs)
• KONG Classic or Extreme dog toy – Large, X-Large, or XX-Large, Red or Black
• Fancy Feast Kitten, turkey or chicken (no fish or adult) – 1 case/24 cans
• Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra Soft Mousse – 1-12 Can Pack
• Gerber Baby Food, Chicken & Gravy – 10 jars
• PetAg KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) – 12 ounces
• INABA Fillet Cat Treats – 6-pack
• INABA Churu Lickable Cat Treats – 20 Tube Package
• Whole Life Pet Just One Ingredient Pure Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Treats – 4-ounce bag
• Catnip – 4 ounce dried (nonspray/liquid)
• Petstages Tower of Tracks Interactive Cat Toy
• Petstages Chase Meowtain Interactive Cat Toy
• Poly-fil (The Original) – 32 ounce
• Blizzard or Anti Pill Fleece Fabric - 1yard cut (prints or solids - found in sewing/craft stores)
• Plastic Pet airline carrier – Small or Medium

New Bonus Bundles

Collect all items in any Bundle below to earn bonus hours for school! Each new/unopened item must be the exact amount, brand, flavor and size listed to qualify. Each bundle equals 20 hours.

Visit the link below for a full list of county departments offering volunteer community service hours. https://bit.ly/475f32r.

 Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

561-355-2205

MSachs@pbc.gov

Mayor Maria Sachs | District 5

Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners

PBC Commission District 5 | 301 N. Olive Avenue | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 US