I am thrilled to announce the newest addition to our family —  the one and only Fritz Gerald!

Let me rewind a bit and share how this adorable bundle of fur made his way into our hearts.

We lost our beloved Lola in the lead-up to my election in 2022. To keep our girl Zoey Grace company while our friends were away, we gladly took in their pups, Pepper and Harvey.

Now that our friends are coming back this summer (and we can't wait!), we knew it was time to find Zoey a new buddy. She is a big girl with a gentle soul. We had to find the right fit for her, easier said than done… 

All of our dogs have been rescued, so we knew what we had to do. I put the word out to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control that I was on the lookout for a new furry friend.

Lo and behold, Barky Pines, in their ever-amazing partnership, reached out to let me know about some pups rescued from a less-than-ideal situation. Among them was Fritz!

Now, here's where the fun really begins. Fritz isn't just any pup – he's already become the unofficial 8th county commissioner, attending all our BCC meetings, rubbing paws with county staff, and even joining us on community outings. Talk about a rising star!

The truth is, while Fritz might be stealing the show, he's also highlighting a crucial cause – fostering!

There are various paths to fostering, but currently, we're engaged in a process known as "fostering to adopt." This approach allows us to provide Fritz with a nurturing and caring environment for a temporary period before formally welcoming him into our family as a permanent member.

Fostering is a fantastic way to test the waters of pet parenthood and give a deserving animal a temporary haven. You may even decide to adopt, like me!

Animal Care and Control desperately needs more foster parents. If you're looking for some unconditional love and wagging tails in your life, please consider it.

It's a rewarding experience that could truly change an animal's life.

Stay tuned for more Fritz adventures, and for information on the different types of fostering, head over to the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control website!

Let's work together to help more amazing animals like Fritz find their “happy ever after.”

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

Bridge crews encountered unexpected debris underground while installing the wall along the water.

This required a slight adjustment to their plan for that section. On the east side of the canal, they removed part of an old wall that was in the way.

They've finished pouring concrete for support beam #4 on the east side and the road workers are nearly done laying the foundation material on the west side.

Additionally, they placed protective stones around the bridge support. The crews are now removing the temporary structures used for pouring concrete and starting to install the bridge deck itself.

Due to the unforeseen underground debris delay, the contractor's schedule shows substantial completion summer 2024.

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we improve the bridge infrastructure! We know construction can be disruptive, and we truly value your support as we navigate these important progress phases.

We are seeking a District 4 resident to join the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) Citizens Advisory Committee.

This dedicated group advises the SWA on important matters like reviewing administrative practices, offering insights on planning and operation of SWA facilities, and making recommendations to ensure the authority fulfills its environmental responsibilities.

Meetings are typically held at 1:30 p.m. every other month beginning in February at the SWA Administration Building Auditorium (7501 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33412).

To inquire about the application process, please contact my office.

Palm Beach County recently held a groundbreaking for Green Cay Phase 2!

This remarkable project will soon bring a breathtaking nature park, a state-of-the-art water purification facility, and a brand new learning center to Palm Beach County.

We owe a big thank you to Ted and Trudy Winsberg for their foresight in selling this land to the county. Their former green pepper farm is well on its way to becoming a true treasure for our community!

For those who haven't already visited Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands (12800 Hagen Ranch Rd, Boynton Beach) it's a hidden gem you don't want to miss!

The facility pumps approximately two million gallons of reclaimed water daily into the wetlands, creating a unique habitat home to many Florida species, including turtles, alligators and bobcats.

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

Pictured here (l to r): South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member Carlette Roman; Ted Winsberg, Mayor Sachs, Commissioner Woodward and Director of Palm Beach County Water Utilities Ali Byant

I am thrilled to have led the Business Development Board's (BDB) monthly roundtable.

We covered a variety of crucial topics, including transportation, upcoming housing bond allocations, and exciting projects happening throughout Palm Beach County, such as the new Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control facility and the Lake Lytal Family Aquatic Center!

One of the key takeaways from our meeting is the importance of collaboration with a diverse range of business leaders.

By working together, we can effectively prioritize the needs of our residents and ensure that our community continues to thrive.

The BDB is the county's official economic development organization that attracts and retains business investment through corporate relocations, expansions, and international trade. The efforts have a lasting and sustainable impact on our county.

We're excited to announce the approval of an agreement with the Town of Hypoluxo to acquire land for our very first Palm Beach County library branch in the district!

Located at 7200 S Federal Highway, this new facility will bridge a critical gap in access to resources.

Currently, the nearest county library branch is over five miles away, leaving many residents without convenient options.

The existing building on the property will be transformed into a modern library space. Residents can look forward to convenient access to a wide variety of books, resources, and programs for all ages, along with a dedicated area for learning, entertainment, and community events.

I recently attended the Town of Hypoluxo's council meeting to share an update on the new branch. A huge thanks to Assistant County Administrator Todd Bonlarron and Library Director Douglas Crane for joining me at the meeting! The town's enthusiasm for this project was clear from their comments, and I know it wouldn't be possible without your hard work.

The Pulte Family Foundation is a local nonprofit dedicated to fostering positive change in Palm Beach County.

The Board of County Commissioners recently approved The IDDeal Place, a groundbreaking project championed by the Foundation.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical need for affordable, accessible housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The IDDeal Place will offer independent living with supports for up to 24 adults diagnosed with mild to moderate I/DD, providing not just homes, but also a sense of belonging and inclusion.

This visionary project, supported by the Pulte Family Foundation, promises to serve as a model for communities across the county.

Did you know that Palm Beach County is home to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), the longest-running equestrian event in the world?

For 13 weeks, from January 3rd to March 31st, 2024, Wellington International comes alive with the thrill of competition.

National and international athletes gather here, some vying for prestigious prizes, others preparing for the Olympics, and still others launching their equestrian careers.

This renowned venue boasts a staggering 500 acres, with a dedicated competition area spanning a whopping 80 acres!

Spectators can witness the action unfold across 18 arenas, with the main International Arena featuring impressive stadium seating, private boxes, hospitality pavilions, and dedicated shopping options.

The WEF's impact extends far beyond the world of equestrian sports. Over the past two years, the event has secured nearly 260,000 room nights!

That translates to a significant boost for local hotels and vacation rentals, generating valuable bed tax revenue that helps support our community.

General admission to Wellington International is free, with the gates open Wednesday through Sunday during the WEF season.

Whether you're a lifelong equestrian enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and exciting day out, the WEF is an experience not to be missed!

I had the privilege of attending the WEF this year, and let me tell you, it was truly awe-inspiring! The athleticism of the horses and the sheer scale of the venue are unforgettable.

We had some brilliant minds tackling our February trivia question: "When did the Jupiter Lighthouse, the oldest building in Palm Beach County, open?"

A big round of applause for Betty David, Marco Hilty, and Dana Bloom who all guessed the correct answer: 1860.

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.