NOVEMBER 2023

Follow us on social media:

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube  

In this newsletter:

  • My vote on the land swap
  • Don't miss LagoonFest
  • Get your Creativebug on
  • Gregg in the news
  • We're sharing pictures of a few events Mayor Weiss attended. Let us know if you'd like him to visit a meeting or event in your neighborhood.

My Vote on the Land Swap

On Tuesday, Oct. 24, the board rejected, by a 4-3 vote, a proposal to adopt a plan that would have allowed a developer, GL Homes, to build in an area of South County known as the Agricultural Reserve (Ag Reserve), in exchange for giving up land in the northwestern part of the county, in an area called Indian Trails Grove (ITG). The vote from last week followed earlier votes to initiate and transmit, but since the majority of the board voted not to adopt, the proposal is now laid to rest.


In February 2022, I voted to initiate the proposal because I wanted county staff to be able to vet the application. Last May, I voted to transmit the proposal because I wanted to see if the plan could come together. In the end, I voted to reject it because there was too much uncertainty surrounding the benefits to our county.


I want to explain why I voted the way I did. For me this was a difficult vote because it was not a black and white issue. The “land swap” was a complicated proposal with ardent supporters on both sides. I’ve made clear from the beginning that I struggled with the plan because in my judgment, there were benefits to approving this, but there was also a downside.


READ MORE

Don't Miss LagoonFest

10th Annual LagoonFest


Discover Why Lake Worth Lagoon is a “Lake Worth Saving”


Saturday, Nov. 4

from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

West Palm Beach Waterfront on Flagler Drive


LagoonFest celebrates the most popular waterway in the Palm Beaches


Lake Worth Lagoon, our Urban Estuary

Enjoy this amazing, free, family-friendly fun festival packed with over a hundred passionate exhibitors to connect, engage and inspire you about what makes Lake Worth Lagoon a fantastic place to visit and explore above and below the water with some live animals and touch tanks. 


What Can You Expect

A super fun Kids Zone with face painting, an archeology dig, a shell treasure hunt, a play zone, mural coloring, a gopher tortoise burrow to explore, mascot parades with photo opportunities, a live Python capture demonstration and more!


The city docks will be utilized with guided boat tour rides, free kayak cleanups, sailing demonstration/lessons, ANGARI marine research vessel (featured on Shark Week), 4Ocean and the City of West Palm Beach Dive Team cleanup and a “Meet the Creatures of the Lagoon” discovery activity.


Free Goodies

Come pick up your 2024 Lake Worth Lagoon calendar with stunning photos from local professional photographers, an LF commemorative tote bag and plant giveaways. 


Enjoy the local ECO vendors, delicious food and beer garden. 


For more information, visit  lagoonfest.com.

Get Your Creativebug On

Your Gateway to Creative Inspiration and Learning


Valued Palm Beach County Library System members will now have access to Creativebug's innovative online platform, providing a wealth of creative inspiration and opportunities for lifelong learning.


Creativebug offers thousands of high-quality, on-demand arts and crafts classes for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. With a wide range of tutorials covering everything from painting and knitting to cooking and decorating, Creativebug has something for everyone, making it a valuable resource for individuals and families.


Key features of Creativebug include:


  • Unlimited Access: Library members can enjoy unlimited access to a vast library of video tutorials, enabling them to explore their creativity without limits.
  • Diverse Content: Creativebug offers a diverse range of creative subjects, from drawing and painting to sewing, knitting and even kids' crafts.
  • Top Instructors: Learn from some of the most talented and well-known instructors in the art and craft industry.
  • Convenient Access: Access Creativebug from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an internet connection, 24/7.


To get started with Creativebug, you only need a valid Palm Beach County Library System library card. To access Creativebug, click here.

National Association of Counties

https://www.naco.org/news/counties-welcome-thoughtful-discussion-around-artificial-intelligence-government


Palm Beach Post

GL Homes controversial land swap Ag Reserve deal is killed (palmbeachpost.com)


Palm Beach County's Ag Reserve vote shows importance of growth management | Editorial


WPBF 25 News

In a surprise vote, Palm Beach County commissioners reject proposed land swap deal (wpbf.com)


County leaders and local residents respond to rejected GL Homes land swap deal


WPTV NewsChannel 5

Palm Beach County Commission rejects Ag Reserve land swap (wptv.com)


The Real Deal

Palm Beach County Denies GL Homes Bid to Build in Ag Reserve (therealdeal.com)


WFLX FOX 29

Palm Beach County Commission rejects Ag Reserve land swap (wflx.com)


Boca Magazine

A Victory for Ag Reserve & Fine Out of FAU President Search


NPR

Feeling the pinch of high home insurance rates? It's not getting better anytime soon

Commish in the Community

Celebrations, anniversaries, meeting with agencies, advocating for health causes, recognizing community leaders, joining neighbors' festivities and going to neighborhood meetings, Mayor Weiss spends a lot of time in the community.


"As an elected official, I want to be part of the community I represent," said Mayor Weiss. "I want to understand the issues in my district, and that's why I spend many evenings attending events to listen and learn."

If you'd like to invite Mayor Weiss to your event, let us know. 

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY


On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Mayor Weiss attended a groundbreaking ceremony for Mint Eco CarWash. This will be their fifth location. The grand opening is estimated for spring 2024.

EMPIRE AVIATION USA


Empire Aviation USA, a West Palm Beach-based company specializing in airplane repair and maintenance, invited Mayor Weiss for a visit. Following a tour of the facility, the leadership team and the mayor posed for a picture.

HIV CARE COUNCIL


The Palm Beach County HIV Care Council held its annual retreat and recognition awards. The retreat aims to bring together stakeholders, leaders and advocates in the community to discuss challenges faced, progress made and the mission to eradicate HIV/AIDS. The awards were presented to organizations demonstrating commitment and contribution to the cause.

CELEBRATING SURVIVAL DAY


Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, was declared Celebrating Survival Day during the Celebrating Survival Day Domestic Violence Awareness event hosted by author and activist S.L. Cook. Celebrating Survival helps raise much-needed awareness of domestic violence.


The City of Lake Worth Beach hosted the ceremony, and Mayor Betty Resch set the tone. Lively atmosphere with music, food truck and vendors, fostering unity. Palm Beach County Victim Services showcased their vital services, and Designers & Creative Teams Against Domestic Violence, led by Karina Milagros, stood out, supporting survivors personally and professionally.

RIBBON-CUTTING


On Thursday, Oct. 19, District 2 had the privilege of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony of The Fortín Family Campus at The Lord's Place.


The inauguration of this new building marked a significant milestone in the incredible journey of The Lord's Place. The organization has been transforming lives and breaking the cycle of homelessness in Palm Beach County for 40 years. Their dedication and commitment to the most vulnerable in our community is truly remarkable.


Congratulations to Diana Stanley and the entire team at The Lord's Place for their unwavering dedication to ending homelessness. Let's continue to support and uplift those who need it the most.

TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT ISSUES


On Tuesday, Oct. 17, Mayor Weiss and other area leaders met with Transportation Secretary “Mayor” Pete Buttigieg at the West Palm Beach Brightline Station. They rode the train to Fort Lauderdale and discussed local transportation and transit issues.

WHITE CANE DAY


On Sunday, Oct. 15, Mayor Weiss and Commissioner Mack Bernard, armed with white canes, joined hands to present Florida Outreach Center for the Blind Inc. with a proclamation declaring Oct. 15, 2023, as White Cane Safety Day. The day honors the significance of the white cane, symbolizing the rights and independence of blind individuals.



Together, they walked a couple of blocks, experiencing firsthand the daily challenges faced by blind or partially sighted people. Let's support their journey, ensuring safety, dignity and equal opportunities for all.

Visit Mayor Weiss' Facebook page for more photos and stories. Make sure to follow him!

Ideas, suggestions, concerns?

Contact us!

We are here to help you!


Main Office: 561-355-2202  

Website: www.pbcgov.com/D2

Email our office: [email protected]


Niels Heimeriks

Constituent Issues

[email protected]

Office: 561-355-4966  Cell: 561-371-1089


Virginia Savietto 

HABLO ESPAÑOL

[email protected]

Office: 561-355-2209  Cell: 561-324-9621

GREGG K. WEISS

Mayor

www.pbcgov.com/D2

Facebook  X  Instagram