This month, I had the opportunity to accompany my fellow Transportation Planning Agency (TPA) board members on a valuable site visit to Orlando, exploring the latest developments in mobility.

We started the day off right with a smooth Brightline trip from Boca Raton to Orlando. It was my first time on this newest leg and it seems to have a healthy ridership.

After arrival, we had a good stretch of our legs with a tour of the train station connected to the Orlando International Airport (MCO). It was bustling with activity, a lot of people heading down to us in South Florida!

Next, we went to Beep headquarters for a lunch panel discussion with several local leaders and stakeholders who shared the various ways they are tackling mobility in central Florida. It was a great presentation but we could have used more time for Q&A as a lively discussion was just beginning….

We all got a chance to ride in Beep’s autonomous vehicle (AV) and take a quick tour of what the Tavistock Group has built in Lake Nona. 

The city-within-a-city has parking garages for everyone who needs to drive there but then micro-mobility is king. 

They have more miles of roads/pathways dedicated to AVs, bikes, scooters, and pedestrians than for cars. The next-gen version of Beep’s AV will be out next month. I’m curious to see what’s next!

Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) had a beautiful purple bus waiting to take us to our next stop in Kissimmee. 

There we visited the SunRail commuter train station in downtown Kissimmee and walked the area to witness the benefits of their Transit Oriented Development. It’s a lovely place and I think most of us would’ve been happy to spend more time there. Job well done Kissimmee!

LYNX got us back to the Brightline station in time to make our return trip home. Even though it was a long day we were still energized and had lively discussions back. Probably much to the chagrin of our fellow riders, my apologies if you were hoping for a quiet ride 

Huge thanks to the TPA and all who made this amazing day possible.

Transportation is an important issue I plan on tackling during my term as commissioner. It affects us all in different ways no matter your daily commute. Our quality of life is intertwined with effective transportation.

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

The bridge construction is moving ahead smoothly on both sides. On the west bank, they've laid down foundational materials and shifted equipment to the east side of the bridge for further work.

Although they encountered unexpected debris while driving piles on the west side, they successfully cleared it and proceeded with installation.

Meanwhile, on the east side, they're busy laying the groundwork for the approach slab, including setting up formwork and pouring concrete.

They've also finished installing 14-inch piles for wing walls on the southeast quadrant and are on track for completion in spring 2024.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to enhance our infrastructure. Your support is invaluable as we navigate through these phases of progress.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) is setting a new standard in emergency medical care.

As the first and only local fire department administering life-saving blood transfusions at the scene, they're rewriting the playbook for rapid response.

Since the program's inception, our trained professional have administered blood to nearly 100 patients, a testament to their commitment to saving lives.

In Palm Beach County, we are fortunate to have such dedicated and innovative emergency responders leading the charge in providing top-tier care to our community.

Palm Beach County’s Office of Community Revitalization invites applications for the Neighborhood Engagement and Transformation (NEAT) grants program.

The grant program provides up to $10,000 to neighborhood-based groups and/or organizations for improvement projects including beautification to safety and sustainability initiatives.

Applicants must attend a mandatory pre-application conference on March 6, 2024, and submit by May 15, 2024.

Some completed projects I have visited include an upgraded playground/fitness area, a community garden (where we enjoyed plantain banana bread and jam straight from the garden), a community center, and more!

Mark your calendars! Here are some important dates for the upcoming election:

The deadline to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot is 5:00 p.m. on March 7, 2024.

The Supervisor of Elections Office must receive your Vote-by-Mail ballot by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Early Voting is available from Saturday, March 9, 2024, through Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In Palm Beach County, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is a lifeline for many.

Through their patient services, including transportation and housing assistance, they ensure that no one fights alone.

ACS also provides crucial funding for local research, paving the way for breakthrough treatments, and their advocacy efforts champion policies that promote prevention and access to care.

Whether it's hosting community events or providing support groups, ACS is dedicated to empowering survivors and caregivers alike.

For more information, please contact Lindsay Bennett at lindsay.bennett@cancer.org.

In our bustling county, filled with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, did you know that we have a hidden gem waiting to assist you in your business endeavors?

Meet Valerrie, your friendly neighborhood business librarian!

Armed with a Masters in Business Administration, Valerrie is equipped to aid entrepreneurs, job seekers, and investors alike in their research needs.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking guidance on market trends, a job seeker looking to polish your resume, or an investor scouting for the next big opportunity, Valerrie is here to support your journey.

With her expertise, she can provide individual consultations tailored to your specific needs or guide you through informative group tours.

So, the next time you're pondering where to turn for reliable business resources, remember that help is just a phone call or email away.

Reach out to Valerrie at (561) 233-2789 or prittv@pbclibrary.org for more information on how she can assist you.

Stay tuned for more intriguing "Did you know?" topics in our upcoming newsletters!

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.