News & Updates

August 2024

A Message from your County Commissioner

Dear Palm Beach County Residents,

As we recap the Month of July, I am grateful for the opportunity to share the many exciting events and initiatives that have taken place across the District. We kicked off the month with a significant milestone as I had the honor of supporting the City of Lake Worth Beach and Commissioner Weiss at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Harold Grimes Memorial Park. This revitalization project, funded through a Community Development Block Grant, brought numerous enhancements to the park, including a new pavilion, expanded parking, updated restrooms and more. It's a testament to what we can achieve through community collaboration.

The month also saw us celebrating Independence Day with enthusiasm. I had the pleasure of opening the Fourth of July festivities in the Village of Palm Springs and joining the City of Greenacres' "Ignite the Night" celebration. These events are a reminder of the spirit of liberty and community that define our great nation.

Additionally, our commitment to supporting our local heroes was evident during the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue promotional ceremonies at the South County Civic Center in Delray Beach. I also attended the Delray Alliance's "Meet the Candidates for Law and Order" event, reinforcing the importance of staying informed and engaged in our civic processes. Our ongoing dedication to community support continued with my participation in the Be A Blessing GETMA Ministry's annual fundraising gala, which raises vital resources for homeless individuals and families. These organizations are crucial in providing access to essential services and support.

Throughout the month, I engaged with various groups on topics, including workforce housing, transportation, infrastructure and the importance of preparedness for hurricane season. These conversations are vital as we work together to address the pressing needs of our community and strengthen our partnerships.

Lastly, I want to emphasize my commitment to staying connected with you, our residents. Through ongoing coffee meetings, lunches with local officials, and reading sessions with children, I strive to ensure that every voice is heard and that we continue to collaborate effectively.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Warm regards,

Michael A. Barnett

Palm Beach County Commissioner, District 3

District News: Hurricane Preparedness

As hurricane season continues, it is crucial to be prepared. Please make sure to create a family plan, build an emergency kit with essential supplies and stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts at ReadyPBC.com. For more detailed information, please refer to the Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide. Stay prepared and stay safe.

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.

Story Time at the Hispanic Human Resource Council

Commissioner Barnett had the pleasure of visiting the Hispanic Human Resource Council in Palm Springs to read to the wonderful four-year-olds of the Luciano Martinez School. Their funny and curious questions made our time together truly special. A big thank you to Fabiana DesRosier and her Hispanic Human Resource Council team for the warm welcome. Your dedication to raising our next generation is noticed and appreciated.

Commissioner Barnett Travels to Puerto Rico

Commissioner Barnett traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a lunch meeting with leaders from the Puerto Rico USA Chamber of Commerce to discuss expanding economic opportunities between residents in Palm Beach County and Puerto Rico.

Pictured (L-R): Founder and Chairman of the Puerto Rico USA Chamber Of Commerce Jose Luis Rivera-Villamañán, Hon. Rep. Eddie Charbonier Chinea, House of Representatives of Puerto Rico Jose Lozada, Ramon Barquín III, incoming president at the Centro Unido de Detallistas (United Retailers Association)

and Commissioner Barnett.

Esperanza Community Center’s New Headquarters

On July 26, the Esperanza Community Center held the grand opening of its new headquarters in West Palm Beach. Cofounder and Executive Director Maricela Torres, West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, West Palm Beach Commissioner Shalonda Warren and Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg K. Weiss attended the event. The new center will offer a range of free services to the community, including educational workshops for parents and children, babysitting services, adult literacy classes, and skills training programs. For more information, please visit the Esperanza Community Center's website at esperanzacommunitycenter.org or contact their office at 561-560-3558.

Pictured (L-R): Cofounder and Executive Director Maricela Torres and Commissioner Barnett.

District 3 Funding Update

Last week, Gov. DeSantis signed the budget, which included funding for several projects that will directly impact Palm Beach County’s District 3. The Governor approved $1 million in funding for Central Palm Beach County’s infrastructure projects, $1 million in funding for the Village of Palm Springs’ Sewer Force Main Project and $250,000 for the City of Greenacres’ Chickasaw Road Expansion project.

“We will now have additional resources to address central Palm Beach County’s aging and neglected infrastructure,” said Commissioner Barnett. “It is so important that we received these dollars back from Tallahassee, as Palm Beach County is a donor county and has contributed more than its fair share to Tallahassee for many years."

Palm Beach County also received important funding for Restore Reentry, for Lake Worth Lagoon Seagrass Restoration and several water projects important to the county overall, as well as funding for 211 Help Line Palm Beach, $5 million for the Cox Science Center, and over $1 million in funding for the Arc of Palm Beach County, who serves adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I want to thank Gov. DeSantis for responding to my office and hearing the residents of District 3,” said Commissioner Barnett. “The Governor’s Chief of Staff and his deputies met with me and repeatedly called to discuss the needs of my District, ensuring that these critical projects would not be vetoed.”

A big thanks goes to District 3 staff, County Administration and our Legislative team, our Local Representatives and Senators, and all of our County Lobbyists and Municipal Partners who ensured these items made it into the budget.

FAQs & Helpful Links

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BCC Meeting Channel 20 Live

Call to Artists

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Work with Palm Beach County

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District Office Hours

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!