News & Updates

July 2023 | Back to School Edition

I cannot believe summer is almost over. My thoughts go to safety as we prepare for the start of a new school year on Thursday, Aug. 10. Please use caution when driving, and look for students crossing our streets, bus stops and busy parent drop-off lines at school entrances. Let’s do our part to keep our students safe when going to and from school. 

Time is going by so quickly. Parents, caregivers, guardians and teachers, make sure you and your families take advantage of the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday (see below for details). I appreciate it when government provides you with tax relief opportunities.

Speaking of tax relief, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners passed the most significant property tax reduction in thirty years. By a unanimous vote, your county commissioners agreed it was time to relieve residents by lowering the proposed maximum millage rate from 4.7150 to 4.500. We said no to the status quo and put taxpayers first by returning your money to your family’s pocket. This constitutes millions of dollars in savings.

Please stop by with any problems, concerns or questions you may need assistance with and my staff will help you navigate our county government. Together, we can make our county more efficient and effective for you. 

As always, I am here to serve.

District & County News

It's that time of year when we think about the kids going back to school. Hearing those words can sometimes make parents, caregivers, guardians and teachers feel like your money is flying out of your wallet as you purchase school supplies, uniforms, classroom supplies, computers, printers and all the other items your students need before the start of school. The state of Florida recognizes many are struggling this time of year, so they provide a "Back to School Sales Tax Holiday" to purchase approved items.

For the list of approved items, click here. I hope this provides a bit of relief to your overburdened wallets.

Hurricane Planning Information

Click here to watch an animation of varying hurricane wind damage.

For more information about how you can be prepared in the event of a storm or hurricane, view the official Palm Beach County Hurricane Guide or visit ReadyPBC.com.

Community Spotlight

How do you begin to thank people who put their lives on the line daily for people they do not know or may never see again? I want to thank our local heroes, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. I can't think of more professional, well-trained, knowledgeable and compassionate community leaders than the men and women who serve our county every day. These individuals' dedication and courage to serve, protect and rescue are second to none.

We are so blessed to have these individuals in our community. I want to thank each of you, and that is counting all the people in these departments who come to work each day to support the efforts on our streets. They couldn't do it if they were not dispatched to the proper location, or get there without a vehicle that runs properly, equipment that is adequately maintained, paperwork that is processed, supplies that are ordered and trainers who train them to be tremendous and leaders who lead the most incredible departments, our Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and our Fire Rescue Chief Patrick Kennedy.

We salute you and your teams for the work you do and the sacrifices you make for our county.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Quick Statistics

• 4,289 total PBSO staff
• 1,684 Sworn law enforcement
• 700 Sworn corrections
• 1,905 Civilian support staff
• 1,800 Volunteers

Non-Emergency Services

• Homeless outreach/interventions
• Foodbank/feeding programs
• Youth scholarships/camps/military programs
• Police Athletic League (PAL) / PBSO Explorers
• Business Partners Against Terrorism (BPAT)

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Quick Statistics

• 216,000 911 calls for help each year
• 50 fire stations, including Palm Beach International Airport
• Trauma hawks
• Covering nearly 1,800 square miles
• Nearly 1,800 employees

Non-Emergency Services:

• Fire and arson investigations
• Building fire safety inspections
• Construction plans review
• Community education presentations
• Mobile Integrated Health Program: following up with patients in need after 911 calls
• CARES Team: for emotional first aid for families & resource connection services
• Drowning prevention classes/presentations

Watch Inside PBCFR 2023 for a look at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue in action.

Community Outings

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Promotional Ceremony

Congratulations to all who were promoted at the ceremony. Your dedication and professionalism are to be commended. I am so glad I could be there with you, your family, friends and my fellow Palm Beach County Commissioners.

We are all incredibly proud of every one of you. Thank you to your families who sacrifice and worry about you whenever you walk out the door to serve your community.

Connect with Us

Palm Beach County District 3 is proud to serve Greenacres, Lake Worth Beach, Lake Clarke Shores, Palm Springs, Cloud Lake, Glen Ridge, as well as portions of unincorporated Palm Beach County.

Reach out to me or a member of my staff with any questions or considerations. As your county commissioner, I am here to assist you.

Commissioner Michael A. Barnett

561-355-2203

MBarnett@pbcgov.org

Danna Ackerman-White

Sr. Commission Aide

DAWhite@pbcgov.org

Katherine Kaps

Commission Aide

KKaps@pbcgov.org

Laura Hanley

Commission Aide

LHanley@pbcgov.org