September 2024
News & Updates
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A Message from your County Commissioner | |
Dear Palm Beach County Residents,
September is filled with celebrations and remembrances. We proudly recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the Hispanic and Latino American community, including traditions and their contributions to our country's history. September also carries a somber note as we remember the impact of September 11, 2001, on our nation. It's a day to honor the lives lost and the strength that emerged from tragedy.
We also observe National Recovery and Suicide Prevention Month, acknowledging the challenges and resilience many individuals and families experience on the path to recovery. Let us offer our support and empathy to those in need. Together, we aspire to build a community where cultural diversity is celebrated, unity triumphs and compassion guides us all.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Warm regards,
Michael A. Barnett
Palm Beach County Commissioner, District 3
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Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation | At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Sept. 10. 2024, Commissioner Barnett and Commissioner Weiss presented a proclamation declaring Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2024 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Palm Beach County. Hispanics of every race, class and multiple nationalities have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of the county in countless recorded and unrecorded ways. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide and begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, with Mexico achieving independence on Sept. 16, and Chile on Sept. 18. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the U.S. since 1974. The Palm Beach County Community Services Department hosted the 3rd annual Hispanic Heritage Tour to celebrate and acknowledge contributions, cultural and economic impact and growth of the Hispanic/Latino community in the county. | |
Palm Beach County Mosquito Control Headquarters Groundbreaking | A groundbreaking for the Department of Environmental Resources Management Mosquito Control Headquarters was held in Lake Worth on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. The 26,000 sq. ft. compound will include five buildings featuring a laboratory, weather-secure storage for spray equipment to reduce wear and tear, sheltered and covered workspaces to reduce staff exposure to the elements, and safe storage for chemical equipment. These features will support the suppression of mosquito-borne illnesses and nuisance misquotes in the county. Palm Beach County elected officials, staff and project representatives attended the groundbreaking. The headquarters will be located at 9545 Lantana Road, Lake Worth, and construction is expected to be completed by October 2025. | |
Commissioner Mike Barnett Represents Puerto Ricans at the Hispanic Economic Forum in Washington, D.C. |  | On July 31, 2024, Palm Beach County Commissioner Mike Barnett traveled to Washington, DC, to represent the interests of the 70,000 Puerto Ricans residing in Palm Beach County at the Puerto Rico Economic Forum. The forum, hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), provided a critical platform for discussing economic development and support for the Puerto Rican community. During the forum, Commissioner Barnett engaged with federal officials, policy-makers, and community leaders to address the unique economic challenges faced by Puerto Ricans in the county. Key discussion points included the impact of recent economic changes on Puerto Rican families, the need for increased federal support, and strategies for promoting economic growth and stability. "The forum was a vital opportunity to bring the concerns of our Puerto Rican community directly to Washington," said Commissioner Barnett. "Our goal was to highlight the specific economic needs of our residents and advocate for resources that will help them thrive." The discussions at the forum focused on enhancing federal programs, improving access to financial assistance, and fostering economic opportunities for Puerto Ricans. Commissioner Barnett is committed to ensuring that the voices of Palm Beach County’s diverse communities are heard at the national level. The trip to Washington, D.C., and the forums outcomes reflect ongoing efforts to secure better support and resources for Puerto Rican residents and to strengthen their economic well-being. | |
9/11 Memorial and Veteran Home Dedication | |
We recently held a solemn 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor the bravery and sacrifices made on that fateful day. This event provided an opportunity for reflection and remembrance, allowing us to pay tribute to the heroes who served our country during such a pivotal moment in history. Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring their memory. | Pictured Here from Left to Right: Sgt. Marcus Hayward and Commissioner Mike Barnett. | |
The Home For Our Troops proudly dedicated a new home for Sergeant Marcus Hayward of the United States Army. This ceremony celebrated the service and sacrifices of our veterans, highlighting the importance of community support for those who have served. We are grateful to all who attended and contributed to making this special day a success. Your commitment to our veterans truly makes a difference! | |
Recognizing September as Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month | |
Palm Beach County has officially proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. This important recognition aims to raise awareness about the escalating rates of suicide and the importance of seeking help. Sharon L'Herrou, President and CEO of 211 Palm Beach County Treasure Coast, emphasized the need for community awareness and support. District 3 Commissioner Michael Barnett presented the proclamation, highlighting the lifesaving work of 211 and their commitment to providing essential resources to those in need. With thousands of local services available, 211 plays a crucial role in guiding individuals experiencing mental health crises. "This month, we encourage everyone to take part in discussions around mental health and to reach out for help if needed. Together, we can make a difference in our community," said Sharon L'Herrou. | |
Coffee with the Commissioner in Greenacres | |
"We are pleased to announce that the recent 'Coffee with the Commissioner' event was a great success. Held at the City of Greenacres Government Community Center, Mayor Chuck Shaw, City Manager Andrea McCue, and Councilwoman Judy Dugo joined us for an engaging discussion with residents and attendees from the nearby Senior Resources Fair," said Commissioner Barnett. This event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with community members from within and outside of District 3. "We are grateful for the strong partnership we have established with city leadership, and we are proud to work alongside Mayor Chuck Shaw, whose exemplary leadership and dedication to our community are truly commendable. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the vibrant discussions. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to enhance the quality of life in Greenacres." | |
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Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations | |
We had a fantastic time at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration held on Sept. 28, 2024, thanks to our partnership with Family Impact PBC! The event, held at Bethel Assembly of God Church, featured delicious treats from 19 different Latin American countries and was made possible by our amazing volunteers. A big thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and embrace the rich cultures in our community. Keep an eye out for more fun events coming up by signing up for our newsletter. | |
A big congratulations to the new executive board of Family Impact/Lake Worth West Resident Planning Group! We’d also like to acknowledge Saidy Garzon and her team for their incredible work supporting families and children through Bridges of Lake Worth West and the fatherhood initiative, which was developed in collaboration with the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County. | |
Commissioner Barnett proudly presented Mayor Bev Smith from the Village of Palm Springs with a Certificate of Recognition honoring her contributions to the Hispanic community. We celebrate this opportunity to acknowledge the importance of diversity and its impact on our community. | |
Commissioner Barnett and Commissioner Weiss presented a Certificate of Appreciation for Hispanic Heritage Month to Dina Rubio, the owner of Don Ramon restaurant on Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. | | |
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Dina's contributions to the Hispanic community highlight the important role that local businesses play in enriching our community. Thank you, Dina, for your commitment to providing exceptional cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere! | |
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Bus Tour Highlights | |
On Friday, Sept. 13, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an incredible bus tour across District 2 and District 3 in Palm Beach County. Special thanks to our School Board Member-Elect Virginia Savietto, the Palm Beach County Community Services Department, Palm Tran and the amazing team at PBC Channel 20 for making this event a success! The turnout was phenomenal, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who joined us. | |
A special thank you to the Caridad Center, Principal Elizabeth Morales and her students from Okeeheelee Middle School, Dina Rubio from Don Ramon Restaurant, Rolando Chang Barrero and Rosendo Agramonte at The Box Gallery, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Judges Ed Artau and Daliah Weiss, Juan Diaz from the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association, Maricela Torres at Esperanza Community Center, and the Palm Beach Symphony team, Olga Vazquez, Renée LaBonte, and Dr. Claudio Jaffé for contributing to an unforgettable day. | |
I was also grateful for the opportunity to address attendees and share updates on our office's accomplishments for the Hispanic community, including securing $1 million in funding for the new Multicultural Center and our strong partnership with the Community Foundation. ¡Muchas gracias a todos! | |
Barnett's Boots on The Ground | |
Each week, Commissioner Barnett diligently visits local businesses and residential communities in his district, forging connections and gaining firsthand knowledge of our community's needs while providing access to resources. To learn more about Commissioner Barnett's work, visit his website at pbcgov.com/D3. To invite Commissioner Barnett to an event, meeting or community gathering, please contact him directly at 561-355-2203 or via email at mbarnett@pbc.gov. | |
If you’re facing challenges with rent or housing, the Palm Beach County Helpline is here to help! We provide resources and support for those in need of rental assistance. Whether you’re dealing with financial difficulties or housing instability, don’t hesitate to reach out. | |
Are you dreaming of owning your first home? Palm Beach County offers a First-Time Home Buyer Program designed to help you achieve that goal! This program provides financial assistance and resources to eligible buyers, making homeownership more accessible. Participants can benefit from down payment assistance, affordable mortgage options, and guidance throughout the home-buying process. Whether you're navigating the complexities of purchasing a home for the first time or looking for support, we're here to help you every step of the way. | |
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Dear District Three Resident,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to you regarding an urgent matter that could significantly impact your community and other condominium associations within District 3 and throughout Palm Beach County. Recent legislative changes in Florida's condominium laws have raised serious concerns about the future management, financial obligations, and overall sustainability of many condo associations. As your Commissioner, I believe it is imperative that we address these concerns promptly and effectively.
To that end, I sought and successfully received approval from the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners to send a letter to Tallahassee, urging the Governor and the legislature to convene a special session specifically focused on addressing the required condominium engineering inspections of all condos older than 20 years and taller than three stories. This with combined insurance costs and general inflation, are placing significant stress on condo ownership and affordability. I have been in close discussions with Florida Representatives Mike Caruso and Katherine Waldron, Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks and several prominent attorneys to ensure that the voices of our communities are heard at the state level.
However, our collective efforts will be significantly stronger with your support. I am proposing a community meeting where we can discuss these legislative changes in detail and hear your concerns. I would ask you to consider signing a petition to further support the call for a special session. This is a pivotal moment for all condominium associations. Your feedback and participation are crucial. I urge you to engage with your condo association and elected representatives and join us in this effort. Together, we can ensure that any new legislation is fair, balanced, and in the best interest of all condo owners in Palm Beach County.
Do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any immediate concerns. I look forward to working closely with you to safeguard the future of our communities. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Link to Petition for Condo Special Session
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Commissioner Barnett is committed to making government more accessible to residents of District 3. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month at one of our two convenient locations to address any questions or concerns you may have. We're here to serve you! | |
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Laura Hanley
County Commission Assistant II
Inter Governmental Affairs
LHanley@pbc.gov
O: 561-355-3279
C: 561-601-7712
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Sasha Lopez
County Commission
Assistant I
SLopez1@pbc.gov
Hablo Español
561 -355-6279
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Kayla West
County Commission Assistant I
KWest@pbc.gov
To Schedule an Appointment
561-355-2203
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