McKinlay Memo Newsletter Banner.jpg
Facebook  Twitter  Web

December 31, 2021

f746_McKinlay_Color_.jpg

2021 End of Year Update


This year has been one of great challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard, causing a record surge this summer with local hospitals reaching capacity. My staff was tragically impacted, as aide Lisa Wilson lost six members of her family to the virus in just three weeks. We also suffered a community tragedy when a grandmother and toddler were murdered at a local Publix.


Despite these heartbreaking challenges, I'm proud of the strong way our community came together. Your strength inspired me and my staff, and we were able to accomplish many wonderful things for the residents of District 6 and Palm Beach County. Here is a document summarizing the many agenda items passed in District 6, which total over $82 million. Throughout the year, I've highlighted these accomplishments in my newsletters. Here are a few of my top priorities and promises that were fulfilled in 2021:


Addressing COVID-19 has been a consistent priority. I recognized the need to protect farmworkers, ensuring they had easy access to vaccines. I worked with local farmers and labor contractors, former Director of the Florida Department of Emergency Management Jared Moskowitz, the Florida Department of Health, and the Health Care District to bring mobile vaccination clinics to these farmworkers who are growing our nation's food.


In April, I fulfilled a promise when Palm Beach County opened its syringe exchange program, becoming only the second one in Florida. This was an important step to combating the opioid epidemic. As fentanyl and illegal pills rage across the country, I'll press for additional strategies in 2022 to fight this epidemic and save lives.


In the Glades, I fulfilled another promise with the opening of Lake Village at the Glades and the Belle Glade Intake Assessment Center to provide COVID-19 and homeless sheltering. A homeless shelter in the Glades was long-needed, and in 2021 it finally came to fruition.


In other significant Glades housing news, I was also happy to see the release of the Belle Glade Housing Authority audit, performed in response to the deplorable conditions at the Okeechobee and Osceola Centers that came to light in 2019. This audit confirmed my concerns, and I'm happy for the many improvements made at these properties. The residents of the Glades will benefit greatly.


I'm excited for another promise that moved forward this year. The ATV/Off-Highway Vehicle Park near 20-Mile Bend was granted unanimous approval by the County Commission. This will be a wonderful recreation and tourism destination for Palm Beach County!


Finally, my one-year term as President of the Florida Association of Counties ended this summer. Under my Presidential theme of Farm to Metro, I had the opportunity to visit counties throughout our beautiful state to learn more about the issues each face, help bridge the gap between rural and urban counties, and discuss ways to work together to protect Florida agriculture and its workers, particularly during the pandemic.


I'm optimistic for 2022. In January, I'll travel to Tallahassee for the legislative session to advocate for appropriations benefitting our County. I promise that in my final year in office, I will continue working tirelessly to represent you as your District 6 County Commissioner.


My staff and I hope 2022 brings you much joy, and we look forward to representing you in the coming year!

happynewyear.jpg


In Closing


COVID-19 testing sites


To find vaccine sites near you, click here: Interactive Vaccine Locator


Health Care District Weekly Vaccination Schedule


For rental assistance, click here: Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Commissioner Melissa McKinlay

(561) 355-2206

mmckinlay@pbcgov.org


Kelley Burke

Chief of Staff

(561) 355-2206

kburke@pbcgov.org

Joseph Sophie

Senior Legislative Aide

(561) 355-2206

jsophie@pbcgov.org


Lisa Wilson

Legislative Aide

(561) 996-4814

awilson1@pbcgov.org

Facebook  Twitter  Web