Over the past year, many residents have voiced their concerns about the frequent use of the bridge horn at the Camino Real bascule bridge.

In response to these concerns, I took the initiative to bring this matter before the Board of County Commissioners.

Together, we directed a thorough study to evaluate the usage of the bridge horns throughout the county.

Previously, the horn sounded during each bridge raise sequence. However, the study led to a revision in our procedures across all eight bascule bridges to address resident concerns while maintaining safety standards.

Now, bridge horns will only sound in two specific situations, when the vessel requesting passage uses a horn or the bridge tender deems it necessary during an emergency.

It's important to understand that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is the governing body overseeing marine traffic at this bridge location.

While the Coast Guard regulations mandate the use of bridge horns for communication with marine vessels, they aren't necessary for pedestrians and drivers. (We have those flashing lights and bells for a reason!)

However, the horns can be used as a last resort to alert distracted pedestrians who've ignored other warnings.

I am confident that the new procedures will strike a balance between the safety of boaters and the quality of life for residents living near the bridge.

Speaking of safety, I'm also happy to announce that the county commission recently approved $2 million for AI-powered camera monitoring systems at all our bascule bridges.

These cameras will provide additional support and improve safety during bridge opening and closing operations.

Installation is underway and expected to be completed by early 2025.

Additionally, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is about to take off!

Our exciting new 5-year plan is revving up for an expansion of Concourse B, a state-of-the-art firefighting facility, and even the possibility of a new airport hotel. Plus, a super-convenient rent-a-car center with an automated people mover is on the horizon!

Get ready for a first-class experience that reflects the amazing Palm Beach County we all love. As a board member, I can't wait to see our airport become a true destination in itself.

To see the full workshop and dive deeper into these exciting plans, click the link below!

We were thrilled to unveil the newest Peace Pole with the Boca Raton West Rotary Club at Daggerwing Nature Center!

Huge thanks to Angelica Blakely and Douglas Heizer for initiating this project and to Jennifer Cirillo and her Parks & Rec team for making it a reality.

The Rotary International has over 250,000 Peace Poles all over the world. It’s a wonderful reminder for all of us to seek peace in our own lives and to strive for peace in our communities.

Daggerwing Nature Center is set within the beautiful confines of Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in western Boca Raton. The nature center features interactive exhibits, a butterfly garden, and a boardwalk through a lush swamp filled with alligators, turtles, and more.

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

Bridge crews have finished laying all the bridge sections (decks) and installed the 120 cables that will help hold the bridge together.

They're now working underneath the bridge to install additional support structures and prepare for pouring concrete.

On the ground, road crews are building up the soil that will support the bridge approaches on both sides (east and west). They've also set up the frames and metal bars that will strengthen these areas before pouring concrete.

Work is also underway on the pedestrian areas of the bridge, with crews installing frames and metal bars for the south sidewalk, railings, and center divider. Steel inspections passed for the sidewalk, and the crews placed and finished concrete

Road crews are busy building sidewalks and pedestrian ramps, and preparing the soil around driveways for planting grass.

The contractor's schedule shows substantial completion summer 2024.

While we actively push the project forward and closely monitor progress, we appreciate your continued patience.

I'm excited to share news of a remarkable exhibition arriving in Boca Raton.

Now through May 19th, The Center for Arts & Innovation, in partnership with the Boca Raton Museum of Art, will host Renzo Piano's Building Workshop (RPBW): Le Fil Rouge of Contemporary Architecture.

This marks the U.S. debut of Renzo Piano's work and coincides with the unveiling of his vision for The Center in Boca Raton.

In September, The Center selected Renzo Piano to design its forthcoming multimillion-dollar creative campus, a testament to its significance as RPBW is highly selective and only pursues two to three projects a year.

The campus will provide a platform for new and inspiring works and ideas, comprehensive STEAM education in partnership with local and regional institutions to shape the next generation of leaders and creators

Join us to explore 50 years of architectural innovation and envision the future of our county's cultural landscape.

I recently attended the press conference and unveiling of the exhibition at the Boca Museum. It's a momentous occasion not to be missed!

I am seeking a District 4 resident to join the Palm Beach County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Council.

The EMS Advisory Council plays a vital role in ensuring our county maintains a top-notch emergency medical response system. They advise the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) on matters related to EMS, proposing and discussing ideas to continually improve the quality of services offered.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of odd-numbered months at 9 a.m. at the Emergency Operation Center in West Palm Beach. Please contact our office for more information.

This year's Mayor’s Ball, sponsored by the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, exceeded all expectations!

The recent Homeless Point-in-Time count identified over 2,000 people in Palm Beach County who do not have a safe, permanent place to call home.

The coalition has been at the forefront of efforts to combat homelessness through advocacy, education, and community outreach.

Central to the coalition's endeavors is its flagship fundraising event, the Mayor’s Ball, which brings together a diverse cross-section of community leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers.

Since 2014, the Mayor's Ball has helped the coalition positively impact nearly 2,100 people, moving them from homelessness into permanent housing.

Pictured (l to r): Michael Woodward, Commissioner Woodward and Congressman Mast

The Grey Team is a nonprofit located in Boca Raton with a mission to reduce and hopefully eliminate PTSD-related veteran suicides.

Alarming statistics show that suicide rates among veterans are six times higher than those facing active combat.

Grey Team addresses this head-on by researching, developing, and implementing programs that effectively reduce veteran suicides – both for active duty and post-service members.

Their vision extends beyond immediate crisis intervention. Grey Team strives for a future where veterans receive the comprehensive care and support they deserve.

If you or someone you know is a veteran in need, Grey Team can help.

It was an honor to support our local veterans at this year's "They Are Not Bulletproof" Gala hosted by Grey Team. We had the pleasure of seeing Political icon and military hero Lt. Col. Allen West (pictured above).

Palm Beach County might surprise you! It's known for sunshine and beaches, but there's a whole other side to this Florida paradise.

Did you know Palm Beach County is the top agricultural producer in the entire state? It even holds the prestigious title of being the largest agricultural crop-producing county east of the Mississippi River!

Over a whopping 400,000 acres, or more than a third, of the county's land is dedicated to growing a variety of crops, including sugar cane, sweet corn, sweet bell peppers, rice, lettuce, radishes, and Chinese vegetables.

The expertise extends beyond crops. The county also ranks third in the state for nursery production.

This dedication to agriculture is a big business, leading the state in wages and salaries for those in the industry.

Western Palm Beach County takes things a step further with a billion-dollar industry built around agriculture.

From packinghouses and sugar mills to harvesting equipment and transportation systems, it's a complex and well-oiled (or perhaps we should say, well-farmed) machine that gets our produce from farm to fork and beyond.

So next time you enjoy a delicious meal, remember, there's a good chance part of it might have come from the fertile fields of Palm Beach County!

We had some brilliant minds tackling our March trivia question: "When was the ground breaking for Palm Beach County's main library?"

A big round of applause for Richard Farrington, Jennifer Day, and Linda Smithe who all guessed the correct answer: 1972.

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