When a disaster strikes, it's best to know who to turn to for immediate help. For emergency information and assistance, visit ReadyPBC.com.

When a tornado spawned by Hurricane Ian whipped through the streets of Kings Point Retirement Community, it caused a path of destruction. Luckily, no one was seriously injured, but there was considerable property damage and many residents were left without shelter.

Your county was on the spot with Fire Rescue Chief Patrick Kennedy, Fire Rescue District Chief William Stansbury, County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker, Mayor Robert S. Weinroth, Kings Point President Frank Iovine and Vesta CEO Lisa Manzione. An emergency shelter was put into place at the South County Civic Center while calls to family and friends were placed to assist in finding shelter for those residents displaced.

Danielle Hartman, President and CEO of Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, was extremely helpful in finding temporary housing. Additionally, Eric Roby, American Red Cross Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter Executive Director, assisted in helping find emergency services for the residents of Kings Point.
Proclamations
Italian American Heritage Month
I presented a proclamation recognizing October 2022 as Italian American Heritage Month in Palm Beach County.

Italian American Heritage Month salutes the Italian American community, culture and heritage that have immeasurably enriched the lives of the people of this nation.
UNICO National Highland Beach Chapter District Governor Frank LoRe; UNICO National Highland Beach Chapter Past President Madeline LoRe; Alliance of Delray President Lori Vinikoor; Il Circolo Italian Cultural Society Director Robert De Angelis; Commissioner Maria Sachs; Sons and Daughters of Italy Boca Raton Lodge 2549 President Edmondo Catania and wife Angeles Torres Catania.
Sons and Daughters of Italy Boca Raton Lodge 2549 President Edmondo Catania and Commissioner Maria Sachs.
UNICO National Highland Beach Chapter District Governor Frank LoRe and Commissioner Maria Sachs.
Il Circolo Italian Cultural Society Director
Robert De Angelis and Commissioner Maria Sachs.
Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month
I presented a proclamation declaring October 2022 as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month in Palm Beach County. The month brings awareness to the many homeless or abused dogs in need of fresh starts and human friends.

As part of this proclamation, I requested to have Scotty, a shelter dog from Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, join us in Chambers.

Each month, I intend to feature a different animal from Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control in hopes that they find their forever homes.

If you are interested in adopting Scotty, click here to learn more or to fill out an adoption application.
Public Safety Department Director Stephanie Sejnoha; Tri-County Animal Rescue Executive Director Suzi Goldsmith; Commissioner Maria Sachs; Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division Director Jan Steele; Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Chief of Veterinary Service Dr. Kathleen Woodie; volunteer dog handler Heather Smith and shelter dog Scotty.
District 5 Road Update
I, along with fellow county commissioners, approved a contract with Rosso Site Development Inc. for $3,408,627.25 for the construction of Flavor Pict Rd. from SR7 to Lyons Rd.

The approval of this contract will authorize the construction services necessary to construct a two-lane roadway and a bridge over the Lake Worth Drainage District E-1 Canal.
Dear Commissioner
I want to help those that have suffered during the catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. What can I do to help?
 
We have had many calls to our office asking what people can do to help those impacted by the hurricane. Below is a list of organizations in need of donations and volunteers.
Donations Needed
American Red Cross: providing supplies, shelter, blood donations and other relief. To donate call 800-435-7669 or click here.
Catholic Charities USA: collecting donations to support response teams and provide food, water and shelter to those impacted here.
Convoy of Hope: supplying hygiene kits for families. To donate, text "IAN" to 68828 or click here.
Florida Disaster Fund: coordinating aid across governmental and nongovernmental organizations in the state. To donate text DISASTER to 20222 or click here.
Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services: working to assist residents impacted by the tornado at Kings Point in Delray Beach. To donate, click here.
Save the Children: providing support to kids and families displaced here. 
The Salvation Army: collecting donations by phone at 800-725-2769 or online here.
Tri-County Animal Rescue: collecting donations to support displaced animals here.
World Central Kitchen: serving comfort meals to survivors of Hurricane Ian. To donate, click here.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteer Florida: comprehensive site for specific needs (i.e., Red Cross Disaster Action Team, Disaster Mental Health Team and more). In-person and virtual opportunities. For more information, click here.

Samaritan's Purse: tree removal, roof repairs, tarps, flood remediation and more. For more information, click here.
Your County Commissioner,
Maria Sachs
Palm Beach County District 5
Commissioner Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners | District 5