I proudly represented District 4 in a whirlwind of meetings with our state legislators and leaders in Tallahassee for PBC Day!

With close to 400 people in attendance, our county was well represented. Some of our meetings included Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Sen. Jason Brodeur, Rep. Mike Caruso and DOT Secretary Jared Perdue.

We advocated for funds on a wide range of issues including affordable/workforce housing, infrastructure, water resources and more. Our state partners were welcoming, including a shout-out from the Senate floor.

As always, we are grateful to our state partners for their time and effort. As session continues through the month, a team of county lobbyists will remain in Tallahassee to monitor appropriations important to our residents.

A big thank you to TEAM Palm Beach County and my escort, PBC Firefighter Craig Gerlach. It was a great experience, and I look forward to continue to advocate on behalf of the residents of PBC!  

For a full update on week one and a preview of what is to come, click here.

Another highlight this month was the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in Delray Beach hosted by Delray Beach Fire Rescue.

We showed off our green and joined the fun-filled excitement on Atlantic Avenue with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue!

Wishing you all the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

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

The construction phasing necessitated re-routing of the certain utilities (i.e., water main) since they are attached to the south bridge (eastbound travel) and needed to be done prior to removing the remaining south bridge structure. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the month. 

Additionally, several sidewalk and crosswalk issues are also being addressed. Just recently, new crosswalk markings were completed. The county is currently working on the sidewalk issues in conjunction with the contractor and the city. 

The revised project schedule now shows completion in September 2023.

I live nearby and recognize the impact this project is having on residents and businesses and will continue to monitor it closely and provide updates.

Expect road crew on Camino Del Mar from SW 18th to Camino Real (see picture below) with temporary lane closures starting March 14 for a road resurfacing project. 

The expected completion is March 24, 2023. 

I recently toured the county's Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility and the adjoining Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach.

The site is a unique collaboration of two facilities resulting in a state-of-the-art wetland and nature reserve open to the public. 

The wastewater treatment process starts with wastewater being filtered and disinfected. Biosolids are removed and sold to the Solid Waste Authority to burn for energy!

Over two million gallons of reclaimed water are pumped into the surrounding wetlands to create valuable wildlife habitats for many Florida species including turtles, alligators and bobcats.

Wakodahchee Wetlands features various activities including an elevated boardwalk for bird and wildlife watching, interactive educational signage and more.

It’s an outstanding public amenity open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The new area code 728 is now being assigned to new telephone numbers and/or additional lines.  

The new area code resulted from the Florida Public Service Commission anticipating 561 would run out by this year. 

It will serve the same geographic boundaries as the 561 area code, and all existing 561 numbers will not be affected.

The Volen Center, located in Boca Raton, is a nonprofit serving seniors (60+) in South County in support of their physical, emotional and social needs. 

The center offers various services including adult day care, transportation, case management, luncheons, exercise classes and more!

The center was an agent of change throughout the pandemic by mobilizing its meal site programs, serving nearly 3,000 senior residents. 

Additionally, the center maintains a fleet of buses used to transport seniors to medical appointments and other essential destinations for free. Each year, the buses average over 85,000 trips!

Thank you to Elizabeth Lugo, John Sawdon and Kimberly Livito with the Volen Center for the terrific tour!

Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Like other Office of Inspector Generals (OIG) at the state and federal level, the Palm Beach County OIG is an independent, nonpartisan agency.

The mission is to promote integrity and accountability in government, and prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse. 

The OIG’s jurisdiction includes county government, 39 municipalities, the Children’s Services Council and the Solid Waste Authority.

OIGs are often called the citizens’ “watchdog.” They fulfill this independent oversight role by conducting audits and reviews of government organizations, operations and programs. They also investigate complaints of wrongdoing. 

Citizens, elected and appointed government officials and organizations doing business with the government play an important role in the OIG’s work. 

Your requests or suggestions are important and tips are critical in the fight against fraud, waste, and abuse. 

If you have suggestions or suspect wrongdoing in government, contact the OIG at HOTLINE at (877) 238-7068. 

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.