News & Updates
November 2023
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A message from your County Commissioner | |
Hello residents and friends,
I'm thrilled to reconnect with you through our newsletter. October unfolded with an abundance of achievements and collaborations, truly reflecting the spirit of Palm Beach County. As we embrace November, I'm excited to continue this journey, spotlighting the ongoing progress and new developments shaping our beloved District 3. Thank you for playing a crucial role in our community's narrative.
Wishing you an inspiring November filled with opportunities, growth, and shared accomplishments. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, here's to a season of gratitude and celebration.
Warm regards,
Commissioner Michael A. Barnett
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Remembering Clinton B. Forbes Sr.
A Tribute to a Vibrant Leader's Legacy
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Clinton B. Forbes Sr., Executive Director of Palm Tran, was laid to rest this month! His legacy includes over 30 years in public transportation with achievements such as the LEED-certified administrative headquarters, the Go Glades Mobility-on-Demand service, and a revamped bus network through the Route Performance Maximization project.
My heartfelt condolences to his wife Inga Forbes, their family and friends.
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Hispanic Cultural Resource Community Center Roundtable | |
Pictured here l to r: Mabel Melton of The Hispanic Education Coalition of Palm Beach County, Maria Antuña of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Jorge Garrido of Hispanic Vote of Palm Beach County, Commissioner Michael A. Barnett, Virginia Savietto Senior Commission Administrative Assistant to Gregg K. Weiss and Juan Pagan of The Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce. | |
Pictured here l to r: The Village of Palm Springs Mayor Bev Smith and Commissioner Michael A. Barnett. | Pictured here l to r: Fabiana DesRosiers Chief Executive Officer of The Hispanic Human Resources Council, Commissioner Michael A. Barnett, Jezabel Maisonet Chief Strategy Officer of The Caridad Center, Houston Tate Division Director of The Office of Community Revitalization Pastor Valentin Fontanez Centro de Adoración Refugio Eterno | Pictured here l to r: Commissioner Michael A. Barnett, Lourdes Casanova President of the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association, Judge Lou Delgado 15th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, Aileen Walborsky-Josephs Honorary Consul of Guatemala in Palm Beach, Colonel Tony Araujo Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, Corporal Adrian Maldonado Palm Beach Sheriff's Office. | |
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What a fantastic turnout at the Hispanic Cultural Resources Community Center roundtable on October 23, 2023. We had three panels sharing insights on the 'what,' 'why,' and 'how' of making this initiative a reality. Thank you to Mayor Bev Smith for your hospitality. I'd also like to thank the participating panelists:
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Pres. Lourdes Casanova, Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association
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Saidy Garzon, Executive Director of Family Impact
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Aileen Walborsky-Josephs, Honorary Consul of Guatemala in Palm Beach
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Colonel Tony Araujo, Palm Beach Sheriff's Office
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Corporal Adrian Maldonado, Palm Beach Sheriff's Office
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Fabiana DesRosiers, Chief Executive Officer of The Hispanic Human Resources Council
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Juan Pagan, President of Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce
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Judge Lou Delgado, 15th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
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Jezabel Maisonet, Chief Strategy Officer of The Caridad Center
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Jorge Garrido, President of The Hispanic Vote
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Mabel Melton, Vice-Chair of The Hispanic Education Coalition of Palm Beach County
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Maria Antuna, President of Hispanic Chamber
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Valentin Fontanez, Pastor for Centro de Adoración Refugio Eterno
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Virginia Savietto, Senior County Commission Administrative Assistant for Com. Gregg Weiss
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Houston Tate, Division Director of The Office of Community Revitalization.
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La Tuna of Okeeheelee Middle School | |
Pictured here l to r: Palm Beach County Commissioners (back row), sponsoring Commissioner A. Barnett (middle row) with teachers, mentors and students in La Tuna of Okeeheelee Middle School. | |
At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Nov. 7, 2023, Commissioner Barnett presented a certificate of recognition to La Tuna of Okeeheelee Middle School. La Tuna of Okeeheelee Middle School was formed in 2008. It is the only musical group of its kind in the United States, as it is a modern take on the Spanish “estudiantina” group, with middle school students. | |
Palm Beach County Wide Survey | |
Palm Beach County Community Needs Survey | | |
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The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is working to gather public input through a Community Needs Assessment. The Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment intends to serve as a guide for obtaining feedback on the recreation needs and priorities of county residents. This assessment will help ensure that Palm Beach County is meeting the needs of residents today while continuing to provide a high-quality, sustainable, and equitable park system for the future. | |
Habitat for Humanity's Veterans Homeownership Program | |
Pictured here l to r: Retired Lt. Col. Jeff Garten and Commissioner Michael A. Barnett. | |
Habitat for Humanity is excited to launch its 2023 Veteran Build Homeownership program. Habitat partners with veterans to help them build safe, decent, affordable homes. Applications are now being accepted from former and current military members or surviving spouses of deceased military members. For questions, contact Homeowner Services Manager Kesley Mesalien at 561-680-2977 | |
Proclamations & Certificates | |
Certificates of Recognition for Participation in Back to School PBC! | |
Pictured here l to r: Chrystal Mathews, Kimberly Dawkins, Dr. Audley Reid, Dr. Kimberly Dawkins, Dr. Ilaria Gadalla, Dr. Kristen Smethurst, Ms. Diana Plank, Dr. Julia Canipe, Dr. Mary McMullen, Dr. Susan Hamley and Ruth Moguillansky. | |
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Pictured here l to r: Chrystal Mathews, Dr. Audley Reid, Rosmery Paulino, Roderick Fields, Miraidys Ceballo, Jesse Lopez and
Ruth Moguillansky.
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The Palm Beach County Office of Community Revitalization coordinates the Back to School PBC event each year. One day throughout the county, over 10,000 students in grades K-12 receive backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies, parent resource kits, and meals. Palm Beach County proudly presented certificates of recognition to the South University West Palm Beach Physician Assistant Program Director Dr. Kristen Smethurst.
We also recognized Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers Campus Director Rosmery Paulino. Thank you to both of these agencies who made invaluable contributions to the Back to the School PBC event and have significantly enhanced the educational experience for students. To participate in the event next year, email ocrnews@pbc.gov.
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Bringing Palm Beach County to You | |
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District 3 office hours are now a monthly affair, starting on the first Wednesday, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. We'll be at the Palm Beach County Library Greenacres Branch 3750 Jog Road, Greenacres 33467. Then, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., you can find us at Palm Springs Village Hall, 226 Cypress Lane, Palm Springs, 33461. We're excited to bring county government to you! Come with any questions or concerns, and we'll connect you with the right department for a solution.
We're here to serve you! Si Se Puede, Juntos!
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Palm Beach County District 3 proudly serves Greenacres, Lake Worth Beach, Lake Clarke Shores, Palm Springs, Cloud Lake, Glen Ridge, and 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 serve you. | | | | |
