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In this newsletter:
- New BCC lineup.
- Highlight video of Gregg as a Mayor.
- Happy Thanksgiving!
- Reycling cooking oil and other tips.
- No garbage pick up on Thanksgiving Day.
- PBI travel tips to ensure a smooth experience.
- 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.
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Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Board of County Commissioners' Meeting
Mayor No More
Gregg hands off gavel to Maria Sachs
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After presiding over the board for one year, Mayor Gregg Weiss handed off the gavel to Maria Sachs, who was chosen by her colleagues to serve as Palm Beach County Mayor. Commissioner Maria Marino was selected as Vice Mayor, and she will be serving as the chair of the Solid Waste Authority governing board. Gregg, first elected in 2018, was chosen to serve as mayor following his reelection in November 2022. He will serve out the remainder of his final 4-year term.
“All in all, I look back on a successful year. Despite our different perspectives, I think the board worked together collaboratively to conduct the people’s business. Personally, I feel privileged to have worked on bringing together stakeholders to expand Mental Health Court, which I will continue to do. I’m also excited to continue working on frameworks for the safe and responsible application of Artificial Intelligence, both locally and through the National Association of Counties. It’s been a true honor to serve the people of Palm Beach County in the capacity of Mayor for a year. I wish Mayor Maria Sachs all the best for the year ahead.”
Gregg gave a brief speech, thanking his fellow board members and county staff. He then proceeded to give parting presents to express gratitude to his colleagues. Because every house deserves a cat, animal care and control staff brought out cat carriers for each of the commissioners, who were surprised but delighted to find out that they all received not one but, because cats need friends, two plush kittens in addition to a photo portrait and a book.
Staff showed a video capturing some highlights of Gregg’s year as mayor. Watch below.
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Recycling cooking oil and other tips | |
WHY COLLECT USED COOKING OIL?
FATS, OILS and GREASE - these are commonly referred to as F.O.G.
F.O.G., which includes used cooking oils, can be a serious problem for home plumbing and Palm Beach County's wastewater collection system. Cooking oil that’s poured down the sink - even if followed with hot water or soap; or flushed down the toilet; or put down the garbage disposal doesn’t disappear. It can gel and solidify into thick layers inside drainpipes, sewage pipelines, and sewage lift stations, constricting water flow and possibly backing up home plumbing. It’s messy, smelly and costly to clean up. If you have used residential cooking oil and grease, we want it.
PUT GREASE WHERE IT BELONGS
To recycle cooking oil properly here’s what you can do:
- Allow the used cooking oil to cool.
- Carefully pour the used, cooled cooking oil into a large, sturdy plastic or wax-coated leak proof container, such as the original container or a juice carton, no larger than 5-gallons in size.
- Cap the container so it is secure.
- Store the container in a cool, safe location until it is full.
- Don’t mix the grease with any other liquids or products.
- Once the container is full, bring it to a Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County Home Chemical and Recycling drop off location.
WHERE CAN I TAKE COOKING OIL?
Palm Beach County residents can bring their used residential cooking oil to any of the Solid Waste Authority’s Home Chemical and Recycling Centers.
OTHER USEFUL TIPS TO BE A GREASE BUSTER
- Pour leftover grease and cooking oil into a separate container. Cool and dispose of as noted above.
- Before washing pots, pans and dishes, scrape leftover food into the trash can or use paper towels to clean out the residue.
- Clean out grease and leftover foods from the sink, and put into the trash.
- Teach your children to follow your grease-fighting example.
For more information visit the Solid Waste Authority.
READ City of WPB FOG Program
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No waste collection in unincorporated Palm Beach County | |
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THANKSGIVING TRASH PICK UP
If you live in unincorporated Palm Beach County and your trash pickup day falls on Thanksgiving Day, your trash will be collected on the next scheduled service day. If you live in a city or town in district 2, take a look at the list below to find out if and how your trash pickup schedule is affected around Thanksgiving.
City of West Palm Beach:
Thanksgiving Day:
Residential: No service
Recycling: No service
Bulk/Yard: 1 day delay
Commercial: 1 day delay
Day after Thanksgiving:
Residential: On schedule
Recycling: On schedule
Bulk/Yard: 1 day delay
Commercial: 1 day delay
For more info click here.
City of Lake Worth Beach:
No collection after Thanksgiving; must wait for the next trash day.
For more info click here.
City of Greenacres:
No pickup and no makeup day.
City of Atlantis:
No pickup and no makeup day.
For more info click here.
City of Boynton Beach:
No pickup and no makeup day.
For more info click here.
City of Lantana:
No pickup and no makeup day.
Town of Haverhill:
Will not be affected by Thanksgiving.
Be sure to check and plan accordingly for a seamless holiday cleanup!
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PBI Travel Tips to Ensure a Smooth Experience | |
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Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) recommends travelers follow easy tips for a stress-free journey through the airport this holiday season. The airport will be busier than usual with record passenger volumes occurring since late spring.
Tips for an Easy Holiday Trip:
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Check with your airline on your flight’s status before coming to the airport.
- If you are picking someone up, be sure to wait in the Cell Phone Waiting lot, located off Belvedere Road behind Drive Shack. Vehicles may not wait at the passenger pick up area near the terminal.
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Allow extra time to find parking and be aware parking areas closest to the terminal often reach capacityaround the holidays.
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Lock your vehicle when leaving it at the airport and never leave the keys with the vehicle.
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Never bring prohibited items including weapons of any kind to the airport. Mace and pocket knivesare among prohibited items.
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Always have your boarding pass and ID ready when going through TSA screening.
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Anticipate longer than typical screening times around the holiday season.
- Check with your airline to ensure your carry-on bag will fit in the overhead compartment.
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Label all luggage with your name and contact information.
- Liquids and gels in carry-on bags must be 3.4 oz. or less and fit in a one quart clear zip seal bag. Each passenger is only permitted one zip seal bag.
- If you lose an item at the airport, follow the instructions at: http://www.pbia.org.
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Remember: ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available on level three while taxis and busservice are available on level one.
- Monitor PBI’s social media accounts for significant announcements.
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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.
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NAMASTE AND HAPPY DIWALI
This past Saturday, Mayor Gregg Weiss, alongside his wife Rebecca, had the pleasure of attending the Diwali event hosted by the Palm Beach Hindu Mandir.
Reflecting on the Festival of Lights, Mayor Weiss highlighted the universal significance of Diwali, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The message resonated not only within the Hindu community but also across our diverse and vibrant Palm Beach County.
Amidst the illuminating diyas and sky-painting fireworks, Mayor Weiss encouraged everyone to carry forward the spirit of Diwali, fostering goodwill, making new beginnings, and reflecting on life throughout the year. He expressed his delight in witnessing the cultural richness of the Hindu community, acknowledging their traditions and vibrant celebrations as integral contributors to our county's multicultural tapestry.
As Mayor, Gregg Weiss emphasized his commitment to ensuring that Palm Beach County remains a place where diversity is celebrated, and every culture and community feels at home. In closing, he extended warm Diwali wishes to all, hoping for a festival filled with joy, peace, and prosperity, bringing brightness not only to individual lives but also to our entire community.
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VETERANS DAY
Last weekend, Mayor Gregg Weiss honored Veterans Day by joining the patriotic festivities at the Lake Worth, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach Parades! A heartfelt salute to our veterans and a wonderful celebration of their service and sacrifice.
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CELEBRATING 85TH ANNIVERSARY
To help celebrate the legacy of the Boynton Beach Garden Club, Mayor Gregg Weiss presented a certificate of recognition to the Club for its 85th anniversary on November 14, 2023.
Founded in 1938, this club has been a cornerstone of the city's growth and natural charm. From planting trees during World War II to gifting the iconic Blue Star Memorial Marker, their impact is woven into the fabric of Boynton Beach. Today, their commitment to environmental stewardship and civic beautification continues, making the city even more vibrant.
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SUMMIT ON HOMELESSNESS
On November 8, 2023, Mayor Weiss attended and warmly welcomed the crowd at the "Leading the Way Home: Summit on Homelessness." This event brought together industry leaders in homelessness and housing to discuss ways to enhance our homeless system, addressing the current state of homelessness and exploring solutions to provide much-needed support.
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ALZHEIMER'S COMMUNITY CARE
On November 8, 2023, Mayor Weiss met with new President & CEO Michael Jessup and Vice President of Development from Alzheimer's Community Care to present to them a proclamation declaring November 2023 as Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
In Florida approximately 580,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Cases are projected to increase by 24% to 720,000 by 2025, with 70% of the care provided by family caregivers in the community.
In Palm Beach County approximately 47,880 currently have probable Alzheimer’s disease.
It is critical that Alzheimer’s families coping with the disease are safe, with wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life preserved, through services and resources accessible to all.
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A DISCUSSION ON ANTISEMITISM
Mayor Weiss moderated a discussion on antisemitism at the Vi at Lakeside community. More than 100 seniors attended. Chief Assistant State Attorney Alan Johnson, Palm Beach County Jewish Federation security director Carson Nightwine and Captain David Moss made for a great panel and they were able to respond to excellent questions from the audience.
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PALM BEACH KARATE
On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Mayor Weiss presented Certificates of Congratulations to the Palm Beach Karate School, Sensei Alex Jinesta and 6 outstanding young athletes for qualifying for the 2023 Junior Pan American Games, in Santiago, Chile and the 2023 U.S.A. National Karate Championships and Team Trials held in Richmond, Virginia.
Julio Velasquez (2 gold medals): Julio is currently ranked second in the world. Kevin Cruz (1 gold medal), Bryan Cruz (1 silver medal), Gabriela Navarrete (1 silver medal), Luca Serafimovich (1 silver medal), and Christopher Garrido (1 bronze medal).
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JESSICA CECERE
To celebrate Jessica Cecere’s retirement and over 30 years of service, Mayor Weiss presented Jessica with a Certificate of Recognition for her outstanding contributions to the nonprofit communiuty.
As the CEO of Nonprofits First, Jessica has impacted 780 agencies, distributed $4 million in grants, and recognized 990 nominees. Beyond her roles, she has volunteered her time on several board of directors and is also a graduate and active alumnus of Leadership Florida and Leadership Palm Beach County.
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60 YEARS IN THE COMMUNITY
On Sunday, November 5, to help celebrate New Horizon Worship Center's 60th anniversary, Mayor Weiss presented them with a proclamation declaring New Horizon Worship Center Day in Palm Beach County.
New Horizon Worship Center has been a valuable community member for 60 years, providing ministry to the residents of Palm Beach County. Through its Academy the center has touched numerous lives of children, teenagers, adults, families, couples, widows and senior citizens.
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MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN
On November 1, 2023, Mayor Weiss honored two incredible individuals for their outstanding contributions to environmental education and water conservation in Palm Beach County.
Diane Robaina, Mounts Botanical Garden's Youth Programs and Schools Associate Director, received a well-deserved Certificate of Recognition for her role in creating the Ambassador of the Palm Beach Soil & Water District Wetlands program. This initiative empowers students to be stewards of our wetlands, promoting water conservation and environmental education.
Laura Bloom, the Director of the Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District, was also recognized for her exceptional work in water conservation education and her commitment to interactive learning in partnership with Mounts Botanical Garden. Laura's hands-on approach ignites the passion of our future leaders to protect our precious water resources.
Together, they've impacted over 8,000 middle and high school students in Palm Beach County and all the way to Japan!
Mounts Botanical Garden surprised Gregg with a recognition for his unwavering support, beautifully painted by the talented artist Lydia Marie Elizabeth!
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CLINICS CAN HELP
On Friday, October 27, Mayor Weiss presented a proclamation declaring Clinics Can Help Day in Palm Beach County. Gregg played a round of golf in support of the KINDER Project (Kids In Need Of Durable Equipment Right Now). It was a day filled with golf, sunshine, and fun, all in support of a worthy cause.
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Ideas, suggestions, concerns?
Contact us!
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GREGG K. WEISS
Mayor
www.pbcgov.com/D2
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