December- Twenty-Fourth Issue |
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"THE WORLD IS SOFTER, KINDER, AND MORE BEAUTIFUL WHEN THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE, LET US CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH KINDNESS TOWARD OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS WITHIN THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON''
-Maria Sachs
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One year ago, I took an oath in front of my family and colleagues to uphold the Constitution of the State of Florida and of the United States of America. At the same time, I made a commitment to be the voice of the people of this District and to fight for the issues that matter the most to them. Let's take a look at the past year and our accomplishments. |
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First Year Accomplishments
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District 5, First Vaccinations in the State of Florida
When the CDC issued its warning that seniors were the most vulnerable to catch and die from the Coronavirus, I immediately requested that the Governor designate my District to be part of the Vaccination roll-out. What occurred was momentous. Kings Point of Delray Beach and Century Village of Boca Raton were the first sites in the State to receive the vaccinations. Since then our vaccination rate in the County is seventy-three percent. We are all safer because of those who are vaccinated.
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Ski Lake, A Win for the County
“We have sent the message loud and clear to land developers going forward that when the County finds a violation, we will proceed to prosecute."
A business began excavating without permits a lake that was purportedly to be used for fish farming. The County began issuing violations in mid-June and early July. On January 21, 2021, the County Attorney's office prevailed on all cases (4 cases and 10 Notice of Violations) prosecuting violations against West Boynton Ranches Holdings, Inc. (the partnership) in administrative court. Honorable Earl Mallory ruled in the County's favor. The magistrate's ruling focused on the failure of the partnership to obtain permits even after the County demanded they stop construction. We are awaiting an appellate ruling on whether "The Ski Lake" is considered aquaculture.
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Protecting Our Agricultural Reserve
The Agricultural Reserve is a pristine area of land set aside for the preservation of agriculture and water resources. Because the land is highly valued, much of it has already been developed into country club communities. The increasing population coupled with a lack of infrastructure and scarcity of services has resulted in traffic gridlock and frustration. The County Commission in its first of many workshops is reviewing the current status of the reserve and will issue a plan for preservation.
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Tourist Development Council
As the Chair of The TDC, I am proud to announce record breaking projections for next year.
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Solid Waste Authority
As the Vice-Chair of the SWA here is a holiday tip. People always end up with a mountain of wrapping paper after opening gifts. You may ask yourself may I recycle that? Yes, you can! As long as it is 100% paper, gift bags and wrap can be placed in your yellow recycling bin. Ribbons, rope handles, or foil paper go in the garbage.
Visit SWA.org/RecycleThat to see whether an item is recyclable.
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"UNTIL WE GET EQUALITY IN EDUCATION, WE WON'T HAVE AN EQUAL SOCIETY.'
--SONIA SOTOMAYOR-
I was proud to serve as one of the judges in the Community Impact Night 2021 as students competed for the winning proposal to solve the problems of today. Founded by Christine Sylvain, and joined by Christina Romelus, Boynton Beach Commissioner, the Path To College Fellowship motivates our County's youth to believe that they can achieve success. This year's competition featured students from local high schools as they identified societal problems and then created viable solutions to solve them. Some of the identified problems were Immigration Assimilation, Unequal Schools and Resources, and Police Brutality. The founders should be commended for their focus on having the students find solutions that can work rather than merely critiquing the status quo. I'm so proud of our County's students. Watching their passion and spirit gives me hope for a future of solutions and not problems.
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Holiday Happenings
When it comes to celebrating the holidays, the North Pole has nothing on The Palm Beaches — not even snow. With a wide variety of events on the calendar, from light shows and parades to the performing arts and visiting Santa, there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit of the season this year.
The Square Nightly Snowfall and Lightshow: Experience the winter wonderland transformation of The Square each night through Dec. 31, with snowfall and light show at the Wishing Tree at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m. West Palm Beach
Lights 4 Hope, Inc. Drive-Thru Light Show: On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Jan. 2 (closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve), drive through more than a mile of animated and musical holiday light displays at Okeeheelee Park. The cost is $15 per standard car with up to eight passengers, and proceeds benefit local children and families in need. West Palm Beach
The Breakers: Soak up the magical ambiance of the holidays at the iconic resort, where you’ll find lush foliage, modern trimmings, elegant embellishments, and other festive decors that is the result of 11 months of planning and six days of decking the halls. Thousands of lights wrap the trees lining the main drive and two 18-foot evergreen trees and a sculptural menorah illuminate the hotel lobby. Palm Beach
Zoo Lights: This Florida holiday tradition is back, with the Palm Beach Zoo illuminated for the holidays by more than one million eco-friendly lights. View the unique themed displays from 6 to 9 p.m. on select evenings through Jan. 2. Festive holiday fun also includes photos with Santa, a holiday dance party, seasonal treats, and more. West Palm Beach
Flagler Museum: Don’t miss out on an evening holiday tour while Whitehall is adorned with Gilded Age trimmings, greenery, sparkly fairy lights, and ornaments. The tours begin at 6:45 p.m. from Dec. 18-22, and are $25 for adults and $20 for children age 17 and under. Enjoy the strolling carolers in the Cocoanut Grove in addition to a festive party favor. Palm Beach
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island: Stop by the main lobby to get a look at the impressive life-size gingerbread house at this oceanfront resort. The scent of the season fills the air and the masterpiece serves as a spectacular backdrop for Instagram pics and annual holiday cards. Riviera Beach
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How can I obtain a parking handicap permit?
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Your County Commissioner,
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Maria Sachs, Commissioner
Palm Beach County
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Commissioner Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Commission - District 5
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