July 2021 Newsletter

JULY 2021

For daily updates and important information follow us on social media:

Facebook: @CountyCommissionerGreggWeiss

Twitter: @GreggPBC

Instagram: @commissionergreggweiss

Luckily, Hurricane Elsa didn't affect Palm Beach County. However, we should not get complacent because Hurricane Season just begun, and it promises to be a busy one.

Blue-green algae continues to plague our waterways. We're giving you the latest.

Though COVID numbers are low, they're on the rise. We need to be mindful of this new Delta variant.

The Surfside condo collapse raised some serious issues that Palm Beach County is now studying.

You can now also connect with us on Instagram!

Meet our new summer intern, Kate Deviney!

WWII veteran, Sidney Walton, was in town last week and Commissioner Weiss got to meet with him.

Commissioner Weiss was at a conference in Orlando last week.

Happy and Safe July!

HURRICANE UPDATE

Hurricane Elsa became the first hurricane of the 2021 season. Hurricane Season started on June 1st and it runs through November 30th. Storm experts are forecasting this to be an above average season with 17 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major ones.

Last year we got lucky: despite a record-breaking storm season, no hurricane made landfall in Florida. We can hope for the best, but let’s get ready for whatever might come our way.

As Hurricane season pushes on, it’s important to be prepared.

Download PBC Hurricane Guide in pdf format

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ALERT

The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County issued a Health Alert for the presence of blue-green algae. Blue-green algae blooms can impact human health and ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic animals.

The C51 Canal Military Trail, Upstream of S155, and Forest Hill Blvd water bodies are all in District 2.

This recurring pattern of algal blooms makes it clear that, unfortunately, blue-green algae is here to stay. We need to figure out how to safely live alongside this algae while we address the underlying factors that cause algal blooms.

Below is a map of the three pinpointed areas in District 2 affected by the algal bloom:

Be careful: don’t drink, swim, wade or water ski in these waters. Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom to the Florida Poison Information Center. Call 1-800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist immediately.

If you see an algal bloom, please call the toll-free DEP hotline at 855-305-3903 or report it here online. If you have a pet, give it bottled water instead of tap water until the advisory is lifted. Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with blue-green algae contaminated water. To report fish kills, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 1-800-636-0511.

If you have other health questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms, please call the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Communications Office at 561-671-4014.

Pictured above: Blue-green algae in the C51 Canal on Military Trail

PBC COVID UPDATE

Although vaccination rates are increasing, COVID cases are unfortunately beginning to rise, yet again. The more infectious Delta variant has made its way to Florida, which means staying cautious is more important than ever.

Last week, we saw almost a thousand new cases, while almost eight thousand people were vaccinated last week. Of our senior population, more than 80% are fully vaccinated and for the youngest age group, ages 12 – 19, now surpasses 30%.

Vaccinations have been open to people 12 years and up, so go get your vaccine! Even if you and your family are fully vaccinated, it is suggested you should continue practicing social distancing when in large crowds.

If you have questions or concerns about getting a vaccine, watch Commissioner Weiss

interview Dr. Michael Farzan, a leading vaccine scientist.

SURFSIDE CONDO COLLAPSE

As we mourn the loss of life from the tragic partial condo tower collapse in Miami-Dade County, I’m sure some of you wonder, could this happen here?

Commissioner Weiss and county staff continue to closely monitor the tragedy. At this point, we don’t know what caused the building to collapse, as this is still under investigation.

Palm Beach County plans to engage all building officials within the county and appropriate stakeholders to discuss and develop a plan to address re-certification of these type structures as soon as possible. Miami Dade and Broward both have Ordinances in place that require recertification of high-rise structures.

Currently, Palm Beach County does not have such an Ordinance in place. However, if a questionable structure is brought to the attention of a County Building Official, the structure is inspected and there will be appropriate follow up with the owner(s) to address outstanding life/safety improvements.

If you are concerned about structural defects in your building that may result in life/safety issues, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Hey, we're on Instagram!

MEET SUMMER INTERN, KATE DEVINEY

Kate Deviney is Commissioner Gregg Weiss’ intern this summer. A violin player since age 4, Kate will enter the 12th grade at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, where she majors in orchestral strings. Over the years Kate has played her violin at numerous community events in Palm Beach County.

At Dreyfoos, Kate is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and the National Spanish Honor Society. She has served on the City of West Palm Beach Mayor’s Youth Council, and is a proud graduate of the 2021 Class of Leadership GROW, the Leadership Palm Beach County Youth Leadership Program.

Kate loves living in Palm Beach County, and enjoys volunteering at events and for causes that improve the lives of county residents. In her spare time she enjoys sailing, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family. Kate intends to become a civil trial lawyer who returns to Palm Beach County to practice.

HONORING OUR VETS

On June 28, 2021, Mr. Sidney Walton, 102, a WWII veteran, visited the Palm Beach County Historic Court House courtyard to meet with Commissioner Weiss and other county officials.

We are grateful to Mr. Walton and other members of the Greatest Generation for their service and sacrifices!

FAC CONFERENCE - 6/29 to 7/2

Last week, Commissioner Weiss and other county officials

attended the Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference

& Educational Exposition (FAC) in Orlando.

Pictured above: Commissioner Weiss and fellow Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria G. Marino stuffed back-to-school backpacks for children in underserved communities.