I am pleased to report the traffic switch to the new bridge on Palmetto Park Road over the El Rio Canal occurred on January 31, 2023. 

The contractor will begin the demolition of the remaining existing bridge and begin construction on the new section by the end of Feb. The project is expected to be completed by August 2023.

This month I continued to tour county facilities including Mounts Botanical Gardens, Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Delray Oaks Natural Area. These facilities are open to the public and offer unique experiences. I highly recommend everyone to visit!

I also received a number of presentations from various departments including Youth and Community Services, Palm Tran, Environmental Resource Mgmt., and Parks and Recreation.

These presentations are key to understanding their functions and services, especially in support of our constituents. In future newsletters, we will highlight various county departments and the services they provide.

As always, I am here to assist, so feel free to email me at mwoodward@pbcgov.org or call 561-355-2204.

Also, please follow me on social media for regular updates and happenings in Palm Beach County.   

Touring the Delray Oaks Natural Area

The county's Engineering and Public Works Department recently conducted a study for a traffic signal at the entrance of Boardwalk at Boca Raton on SW 18th Street. This was in response to residents' concerns for their safety due to several tragic car accidents. 

We are pleased to announce a traffic signal was warranted and recently approved by the commission. Construction is expected to begin in mid-March and will be completed within eight months. 

The County’s Animal Care and Control Division (ACC) is currently experiencing an increase of dogs and cats in need of adoption. Many of these animals are being surrendered due to the financial hardship of their owners.

Consequently, ACC is offering $14 adoptions on all pets during the month of February.

Your new best friend will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and much more!

To preview adoptable pets, click here or call (561) 233-1200.

Touring the Animal Care and Control Facility with Executive Director Jan Steele and Division Director David Walesky

This month I had the opportunity to participate in Fire Ops 101 Training with the county's Fire Rescue (PBFR) Department at their training center in West Palm Beach.

From extricating a vehicle passenger with the "jaws of life" to responding to the scene of an active shooter, I was carefully guided through a number of scenarios by seasoned emergency professionals.

This experience provided with a greater appreciation of the challenges faced by these brave men and women. I am proud to report we are in very capable hands with our first responders.

PBFR is one of the largest fire departments in the state of Florida. In addition to fire and/or medical emergencies, personnel are trained to respond to hazardous materials/conditions, plane crashes, aircraft emergencies, active shooter incidents, chemical and fuel spills and animal rescues. 

In preparation for the upcoming Board of County Commissioners Agriculture Reserve Workshop on March 28, there will be a public meeting for interested parties on March 2 at 4:00 p.m. at the Vista Center Hearing Room Chambers (2300 N. Jog Road - 1st Fl.)

Anyone interested in this area's history and future development is encouraged to attend.

Congratulations to the Palm Beach County Sports Commission for winning the bid to host the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup at the Delray Beach Tennis Center on April 14-15.

I look forward to welcoming the best players from around the world, including hometown player Coco Gauff.

We are proud of our sports commission for attracting sporting events and activities to the county that enhance economic impact, stimulate bed tax revenues and maximize utilization of county facilities.

The Billie Jean King Cup is the world's largest women's international sports competition with more than 100 nations competing yearly.

I joined Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis at his press conference in Boca Raton where he highlighted the "Four Pillars of IRS Protection" that safeguard local families and businesses from overreach by the IRS. 

The four pillars include:



• Report IRS access to state-chartered banks and create a transparency report.

• Incentivize Floridians to fight back against the IRS by making them financially whole if discrimination is proven.

• Create protections for taxpayers from the IRS and Big Tech's $600 shakedown.

• Establish penalties for discrimination by IRS agents targeting Floridians.

I recently attended the Habitat for Humanity Greater Palm Beach County Women Build Kick-off Reception that was held to encourage women to proactively serve their community. 

Habitat for Humanity works in more than 70 countries and has helped over 39 million people improve their living conditions since 1976.

Their mission involves the collaboration of local volunteers and partners focused on providing accessible, affordable and safe homes. 

They also address policy reform to remove systemic barriers preventing low-income and historically underserved families from accessing adequate, affordable shelter.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Palm Beach County Women Build Kick-Off Reception at the Waterstone Resort & Marina in Boca Raton.

"So…, What Exactly is Palm Beach County's Comprehensive Plan?"

Palm Beach County's Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) is a state-required legal document containing principles and strategies for our county's future development and land use.

The Board of County Commissioners meets quarterly to discuss the Comp Plan that provides a roadmap for future development of the county.

The Comp Plan identifies land as being used for purposes such as residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational, agricultural and also conservation. 

It also provides the maximum densities for residential areas and the allowable intensities of commercial and industrial areas. 

Another important component are the fifteen elements including future land use, transportation, coastal management, library services and more. 

These sections reflect the goals, objectives and policies for implementation by the commission. 

All development proposals must be found consistent with the Comp Plan in order to obtain approval from the commission. 

If a proposed development is inconsistent with the plan, an amendment to the Comp Plan may be approved to ensure consistency. If a required amendment fails, the project cannot proceed as proposed. 

Comp Plan hearings are publicly advertised, and the public is welcome to attend and speak.

The meetings are held at the Robert Weisman Palm Beach County Governmental Center, 301 N. Olive Ave., 6th floor, West Palm Beach, on the following dates: 

• May 5, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.
• August 30, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. 
• November 1, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.

If you have any questions about the Comprehensive Plan, contact the Planning Division at (561) 233-5300.

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.