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In this newsletter:
- County wants housing on Okeechobee Boulevard parcel
- New Veteran Services Advisory Board
- Utility assistance available to qualifying seniors
- Four new ways to foster!
- Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations
- Visit Mounts Botanical Garden in October
- 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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County Wants Housing on Okeechobee Boulevard Parcel | |
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To increase the housing supply, the Board of County Commissioners voted to surplus a 6-acre vacant parcel along Okeechobee Boulevard at the Sept. 12 meeting. This clears the way for the county to request proposals to sell or lease the property to develop affordable workforce and senior housing.
Initially, county staff wanted to discuss this during the Aug. 22 board meeting, but Mayor Weiss asked to have it taken off so that he could discuss this with Century Village leadership first. On Sept. 2, Mayor Weiss did just that: he met with the United Civic Organization (UCO) of Century Village board to explain the proposal and get input from the board.
Weiss asked county staff to keep an open line of communication with Century Village in the process moving forward. We will keep you posted along the way.
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New Veteran Services Advisory Board | |
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Palm Beach County is home to more than 70,000 veterans. Many of these veterans struggle with accessing benefits that may assist with health issues, employment and other human support services. In response to these challenges, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners directed staff to create a board that periodically assesses the needs of veterans in the county and provides more coordination between service providers to address Veterans’ needs.
The Veterans Services Advisory Board will have representatives of the different service providers including medical, financial, housing, public safety, mobility and employment services.
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Utility Assistance Available to Qualifying Seniors | |
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Every day in Palm Beach County, hundreds of families
are faced with utility service disconnection
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) are designed to provide financial relief from high-energy costs to prevent service disconnection for families in crisis. Services include crisis utility and water payment, home energy assistance and HVAC system replacement (only for homeowners).
To qualify for these programs, households must:
- Reside in Palm Beach County
- Have a utility bill in a household member's name
- Total household income must be at or below 60% SMI or 150% of the Federal Poverty Level
You can submit your application online
at Utilityassistancepbc.org
To make an appointment at one of their office locations or participating libraries
contact the Call Center at 561-355-4792
For more information
please call 561-355-4792
or email [email protected].
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Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Launches New Foster Programs to Pioneer a Community-Supported Sheltering Approach
Palm Beach County Public Safety Department's Animal Care and Control Division is excited to introduce a series of fostering programs designed to empower the community to make a lifesaving impact on animals in need.
By temporarily opening their homes to these animals, community members contribute to reducing shelter overcrowding, ensuring a more loving and supportive environment for the animals and significantly improving their overall well-being while they await their forever homes.
For more information, click here.
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Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration | |
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Hispanic Heritage Month lasts from Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
To celebrate and highlight the contributions of the
Hispanic community in Palm Beach County
- Mayor Weiss presented a proclamation to a variety of Hispanic community leaders.
- Palm Tran wrapped one of its buses in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. This year's theme is "We Are Leaders."
- The Community Services Department organized a bus tour on Sept. 15, for a select group of community members. The tour stopped at meaningful places in the county to learn about Latino culture and historical contributions from Palm Beach County residents with Hispanic backgrounds.
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The Palm Beach County Library System is hosting Hispanic-related events at its various branches.
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Visit Mounts Botanical Garden in October | |
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Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will host 24 fun and informative workshops, classes and special events throughout October.
For more information about all the events scheduled, click here. To register, Click here.
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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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Remembering Jack the Bike Man | |
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On Sept. 19, we gathered to honor the memory of Jack Hairston, affectionately known as "Jack the Bike Man," on what would have been his 82nd birthday. Jack, who passed away in July, left an indelible mark on our community through tireless efforts and unwavering dedication.
Witnessing our community coming together to pay tribute to Jack, a true local legend, was moving. Mayor Weiss, who shared many years of friendship with Jack, took the stage to share stories that bound them together.
In 1999, Jack embarked on his mission, repairing bicycles for Guatemalan children on the north end of West Palm Beach. Over time, this noble endeavor evolved into "Jack The Bike Man," a nonprofit with a singular focus: getting bicycles into the hands of those who needed them most, from children to workers and even returning citizens.
Joe Capozzi, local journalist and author of local news and features blog byjoecapozzi.com, wrote: “Jack was more than just a cyclist; he was a local folk hero on two wheels, a tireless community activist whose bicycle charity became a lifeline for the neediest residents of Palm Beach County. “
His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the smiles he put on faces.
Let's continue to pedal forward in the spirit of Jack,
spreading kindness and helping those in need.
Rest in peace, Jack. Your memory will forever inspire us!
Read Joe Capozzi's article about Jack here.
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FLORIDA OUTREACH CENTER FOR THE BLIND
On Monday, Sept.18, we welcomed the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind Inc. to our Mayor's Office!
The Center's Director, Carolyn Lapp, moved to Palm Beach County years ago and shared the immense importance of Palm Tran paratransit services and accessible transportation for the visually impaired. Her family chose Palm Beach County primarily because of its outstanding transportation system.
After moving to Palm Beach County, Carolyn and her husband Bill, both visually impaired, co-founded the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind in 2003. They've created a training facility that enriches the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals, empowering them with the tools and training to reach personal, academic and vocational goals. Their inspiring work continues to make a lasting impact.
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STARTING THE ENGINES OF MEAL MOBILE
Mayor Weiss and many other elected officials held the key to ignite the engines of The Lord's Place's brand-new Meal Mobile! This initiative is now on the move, thanks to the generous support of GL Homes.
The "Meal Mobile" isn't just any vehicle – it's a symbol of hope, set to journey across area neighborhoods, providing nourishment to those in need. But it doesn't stop there; this mobile marvel will also serve as a vital link, connecting residents with many essential services.
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BROADBAND EXPANSION DISCUSSION
A longtime proponent of ensuring everyone has internet access, Mayor Weiss was part of a panel discussion on Broadband expansion at the 2023 Florida Association of Counties' Conference in Orlando.
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9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
At the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, county officials, including Mayor Weiss, joined Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, other elected officials, county staff and community leaders to honor the lives lost on that fateful day.
This event served as a tribute to the memories we hold dear.
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ALLIANCE OF DELRAY RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATIONS
Shoutout to the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations for hosting this dynamic panel discussion on insurance issues and their engaged members who filled the room!
Along with several state legislators, Mayor Weiss took the stage to discuss the rising insurance costs and its impact on our community.
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WHAT A FANTASTIC LABOR DAY PICNIC
For Labor Day weekend, a crowd gathered at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers property on Summit Boulevard to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our labor force at the annual AFL-CIO picnic.
Mayor Weiss joined our county workers, their families and community leaders for fun-filled activities, delicious barbecues and games for the little ones.
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ARTS & TOURISM SUMMIT
During day two of the Arts & Tourism Summit - Access for All, held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, on Thursday, Aug. 31, Mayor Weiss gave a welcoming speech addressing hundreds of attendees representing diverse industries, He highlighted the incredible spirit of Palm Beach County as a haven of inclusivity and hospitality.
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MEETING CONSUL GENERAL OF ISRAEL
On Wednesday, Aug. 30, Mayor Weiss and the Consul General of Israel in Miami, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, engaged in a fruitful discussion about various topics. Their conversation delved into the community's well-being, addressing issues regarding the environment, technological advancements, housing initiatives and the dynamics of local businesses.
In addition, they exchanged insights on economic affairs, highlighting strategies to enhance the region's financial landscape.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County held a CEO Build Kick-off Party on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the Aloft Hotel in Delray Beach. Mayor Weiss joined business leaders, Habitat families, supporters, and volunteers to close the gap in affordable homeownership.
Owning a home is critical in strengthening families and is a pathway to stability, self-sufficiency, improved health, education, and quality of life.
This event also provided a unique networking opportunity for local CEOs and corporate leaders with opportunities to engage with other employees.
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RESEARCH PARK AT FAU
For almost 40 years, the Research Park at FAU has been home to technology companies and research-based organizations working to support scientific research at Florida Atlantic University with innovation and leadership.
Research Park has facilitated the commercialization of new product releases, revenue growth, job creation and research into new technologies. Gregg toured the facility with President Andrew Duffell and Program Manager Ryan Lilly, meeting some interesting entrepreneurs who happily shared information about their products and how they work.
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WELCOMING FAMILY IMPACT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
On Thursday, Aug.17, the Lake Worth West Resident Planning Group underwent a fantastic transformation, unveiling its new name, Family Impact of Palm Beach County.
Mayor Weiss was honored with an invitation to the unveiling event to mark this exciting change.
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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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