News & Updates

March 2024

Greetings Palm Beach County District 3 residents,

I am thrilled to share the journey we've had together last month. We have assisted neighbors with information on self-sufficiency programs, connected fellow residents to their local municipality and city government, and answered multiple requests made to resurface and mill portions of Kirk Road.

My top priority, the Hispanic Multi-Cultural Resource Community Center, took center stage during Palm Beach County Day at the Florida Capitol. I fought passionately for funding, ensuring that our cultural hub receives the support it deserves. I also had the privilege of touring John F. Kennedy Hospital, and The Lords Place where we explored avenues for enhancing healthcare accessibility and housing support services for our residents.

I will continue to engage in BCC Meetings, Zoning Hearings, and Comprehensive Plan Meetings, fighting for crucial changes that shape a brighter future for District 3.

I am filled with gratitude for your continued support. We have all made strides toward building a stronger, more connected District 3.

Warm Regards,

Commissioner Barnett

Barnett's Boots on the Ground

Rabbi Jacob Benzaquen and Commissioner Barnett invite you to join them for coffee, a pastry, and a message of love on the 4th Sunday of each month at Temple Beth Tikvah at 4550 South Jog Road, Greenacres 33467.

The morning service begins at 9 a.m. in person and online. Visit templebethtikvah.net for upcoming events.

Commissioner Barnett celebrated the success of Fiesta de Pueblo. A heartfelt thanks to District 3 Commission Aides Sasha Lopez and Kayla West for their dedication to engaging with our district constituents, and a special appreciation to Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce Sam Roman, Santos Arroyo, and Juan Pagan for allowing us to take part in the festival.

Commissioner Barnett spoke at the 2024 annual Bridge Lighting and Pink Boots​ on the Ground Celebration in Downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday, Jan. 20. Congresswoman Lois Frankel joined Commissioner Barnett under the Royal Park Bridge. The Promise Fund of Florida lit the bridge in pink this year in loving memory of Irwin Levy as a symbol of the community's unity in the fight against breast and cervical cancer.

Thank you to former U.S. Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder of The Promise Fund of Florida and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, for all you do for our community.

​Commissioner Barnett takes to the streets of District 3 each Friday, visiting the most central locations in the district with PBC Connect cards, informing local business owners and residents about the county’s new mobile app, highlighting county services from trash collection to road repair needs can all be on the app.

Commissioner Barnett participated in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Walk. He also helped pass out medals to racers as they crossed the finish line at the 12th annual PBC Kicks Asphalt Employee and Family 5K Fun Run/Walk.

Hispanic Cultural Resource Community Center

The Hispanic Cultural Resources Community Center, crucial for our district, will serve as a centralized information hub and a small business incubator. Planning is underway to ensure it meets the diverse needs of our community and fosters economic growth. Your continued support is vital. Please get in touch with your state representatives, state senators and cabinet members, urging them to allocate funding for this essential project. Podemos hacerlo juntos! Please Note: The name of the building is not final and has recently been changed to reflect the progress of the project. Introducing The Hispanic Multi-Cultural Community Resource Center.

Palm Beach County Day

Pictured here (l to r): Bryan Prather of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, Juan Pagan of The Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, Brandon Cabrera, President of The BrandX Company, Commissioner Barnett, Laura Hanley aide to Commissioner Barnett and Lake Clarke Shores Mayor Greg Freebold.

Pictured here (l to r): Bryan Prather of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, Lake Clarke Shores Councilmember Jon Maples, Commissioner Barnett, Lake Clarke Shores Town Manager Joe LoBello and Lake Clarke Shores Mayor Greg Freebold.

During Palm Beach County Day in Tallahassee, Commissioner Barnett spoke with numerous state representatives, state senators and cabinet members to explain the need for state assistance with the projects in District 3. Our communities have been forgotten for far too many years, and it is time for us to let our leaders in Tallahassee know we need their assistance. Commissioner Barnett discussed projects to address the aging infrastructure in District 3, including the numerous sewer and road expansion projects needed for growth in Palm Springs, Lake Clarke Shores and Greenacres; upgrades to West Palm Beach’s signalization to help alleviate the burden of the ever-growing traffic problems; and funding for Palm Beach State College to renovate, expand and look to the future. The proposed Hispanic Cultural Resources Community Center will help create a centralized information hub for resources in our county and a small business incubator. Please get in touch with your state representatives and state senators to help fund these much-needed projects in our communities. For more information, visit pbcgov.com/pbcday.

County & District News

Central County Housing Resource Center Ribbon-Cutting

Over 100 Palm Beach County residents, community leaders, and​ non-profit partners gathered at the Central County Housing Resource Center at 3660 Coconut Road in Palm Springs to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. The new housing resource center will provide temporary housing for adults, youth, families and seniors, with 74 beds, a full-service kitchen, guest laundry, lounge areas, and an exercise park. Clients will receive support services during their 90-day stay, including assistance with finding jobs and permanent housing of their own. The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County's Breaking Bread Program will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round, while Gulfstream Goodwill Industries will oversee all facility operations.

Proclamations

Recognition of International Women’s Day - Susy Diaz

Pictured here (l to r): Greenacres City Manager Andrea McCue, Greenacres Human Resources Director Suzanne Skidmore, Greenacres City Clerk Quin Moorer, Greenacres Mayor Joel Flores, Bertha Diaz (mother), Michael Piesco (husband), Commissioner Woodward, Susy Diaz, Commissioner Baxter, Commissioner Barnett, Mayor Sachs, Greenacres Community & Recreation Services Director Michele Thompson, Vice Mayor Marino, Greenacres Economic Development Director Griselle Chazu, Greenacres Development & Neighborhood Services Director Denise Malone, Bak Middle School of the Arts Foundation Board of Directors Chair Francine Mantyh, Greenacres Purchasing Director Monica Powery, Greenacres Finance Director Teri Beiriger.

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 5, 2024, Commissioner Barnett presented a certificate of recognition to Susy Diaz in observance of International Women’s Day. Diaz is a Palm Beach County native, first-generation American, proud graduate of Palm Beach State College and Florida Atlantic University, who has been serving her community for nearly three decades. She was elected to the Greenacres City Council in March 2022. Since 2013, she has been the executive director for the Bak Middle School of the Arts Foundation. Diaz is active in Leadership Palm Beach County, the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Hispanic Human Resources Council and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County.

Recognition of International Women’s Day - Alexandria Ayala

Pictured here (l to r): Susy Diaz, Takeata King Pang, Mariana Blanco, Dr. Pamela McDonnough, Ashley Cacicedo, Commissioner Marci Woodward, Commissioner Michael Barnett, Mayor Maria Sachs, Alexandria Ayala, Vice Mayor Maria Marino, Melissa McKinlay, County Administrator Verdenia Baker, Rob Long, Mabel Melton.

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 5, 2024, Commissioner Barnett presented a certificate of recognition to Alexandria Ayala in observance of International Women’s Day. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Village of Palm Springs, Ayala is the first Latina elected to the School District of Palm Beach County School Board. In 2020, she began her term representing District 2 that includes parts of the cities of West Palm Beach, Greenacres and Lake Worth, the towns of Cloud Lake, Lake Clarke Shores and Haverhill and the Village of Palm Springs.

Pictured here (l to r): Major Talal Masri, Ahnich Khalid, Colonel Al Starling, Colonel Prieschl, Carrie Mack, Colonel Tony Araujo, Sheriff Bradshaw, Commissioner Barnett, Margaret DeMario, Colonel Robert Allen, Chief Frank DeMario, Lynda Sullivan, Tina McCline, Tommy Shallcross, Sophia DeMario, Lori DeMario, George DeMario.

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 5, 2024, Commissioner Barnett presented a certificate of recognition to Chief Frank DeMario for his 25 years of service to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Chief DeMario served as Chief of Law Enforcement Operations and Community Operations and was responsible for an annual budget of over $498 million, with a staff of 1,626 sworn officers and 1,631 civilians. DeMario began his career with PBSO in 1998. His assignments included serving as Colonel of the Department of Law Enforcement Operations, Major of Strategic Operations, Commander of the Court Services Division, Commander of the Training Division, Executive Director of Human Resources, Detective Lieutenant for District 4 and Administrative Manager of the Division of Internal Affairs.

Pictured here (l to r): Commissioner Barnett, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast President/CEO Sharon L'Herrou and Commissioner Weiss.

​At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Feb. 6, 2024, Commissioner Barnett presented a proclamation declaring February 11-17, 2024 as 211 Awareness Week in Palm Beach County. Tens of thousands of people reach out to the 211 helpline each year. Staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help anyone who needs assistance with a variety of challenges including dealing with mental and emotional health, making utility payments, finding the next meal or struggling with suicidal thoughts. 211 staff also provides referrals for many services including employment, special needs, teen programs, senior services and free income tax preparation. 

Pictured here (l to r): Attorney Theodore Kypreos, Commissioner Barnett, Attorney Scott Hawkins and Attorney Steven Rothman.

Commissioner Barnett is proud to recognize the Law Firm Jones Foster. The firm is deeply rooted in Palm Beach County, serving as partners in progress to individuals, businesses and municipalities for over a century. Commissioner Barnett presented the proclamation to Attorney Scott Hawkins, Chairman of Jones Foster, Attorney Theodore Kypreos, Vice Chair of Jones Foster, and Attorney Steven Rothman, a Jones Foster Board of Directors member. The firm’s attorneys have held leadership roles in county-based nonprofit agencies, institutions, and foundations to support local advocacy critical to residents' well-being and quality of life.

Palm Beach County Engineering & Public Works

Roads & Construction

Visit the state and county websites to get a comprehensive update on road projects 6th Avenue S. from S. Congress Avenue to Grove Street (Village of Palm Springs and City of Lake Worth Beach).

The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department Summer Camp Scholarship Program provides full tuition and fees for summer camp for children residing in families with income at or below 185​% of federal poverty guidelines.

Palm Beach County Community Services Department

2024 Homeless Point In Time Count

The Palm Beach County Community Services Department Point-In-Time Count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January.

Commissioner Barnett joined Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, Palm Beach County Community Services, and The Homeless and Housing Alliance in the 2024 Homeless Point in Time Count. Commissioner Barnett worked from 8 a.m. to Noon and counted over 50 individuals during the shift. Staff passed out food, water and $5 gift cards to Publix while getting to know these families and hearing their stories. A special thank you to Captain Todd Baer, Corporal Isaac Morales and Corporal Lonney Moral of the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Community Policing Department District 14 in Lake Worth Beach.

Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management 2024 Natural Areas Adventure Awaits

Celebrate the beauty and wildness found throughout the 31,000-acre natural areas system at the Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management family-friendly FREE event!​​

Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control

New Foster Programs

Palm Beach County Department of Public Safety 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. With their Foster2Rescue, Foster2Adopt, Foster2Petpals and Foster2Family programs, community members can play a vital role in providing animals with a brighter future.

This initiative marks the shelter's commitment to kick-start a new era in animal welfare through community-supported sheltering. This approach actively engages residents and volunteers in the sheltering process. By temporarily opening their homes to these animals, community members reduce shelter overcrowding, ensure a more loving and supportive environment, and significantly improve their overall well-being while they await their forever homes.

Connect With Us

District 3 Mobile Office Hours

Commissioner Michael A. Barnett

561-355-2203

MBarnett@pbc.gov

Laura Hanley

Commission Aide

LHanley@pbc.gov

Sasha Lopez

Commission Aide

SLopez1@pbc.gov

Kayla West

Commission Aide

KWest2@pbc.gov