As we wrap up the year, I want to take a moment to thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me and my team. December has been a month filled with service, celebration, and progress across District 3 as you'll see in this month's newsletter. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays to all!

In This Issue:

Community Engagement
Progress In Our Neighborhoods
BCC Meetings
Who's Hiring
Events & Things To Do
News You Can Use

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Website

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Community Engagement

Spreading Holiday Cheer With

Toy Distribution At Guatemalan Maya Center

During this time of year, partnerships make magic happen. The E-Care Ambulance team and my staff visited the Guatemalan Maya Center today to help with their toy drive. E-Care donated dozens of toys to this effort that is helping over 2,000 children in our community. Thank you to everyone involved for caring so deeply about the families in District 3.

Greenacres Celebrates 100 Years!

Happy 100 years to the wonderful City of Greenacres from your Palm Beach County Commissioner and former Greenacres Mayor. The centennial kickoff event this weekend brought together the entire community for fun activities and culminated with an impressive drone show. Here’s to another amazing 100 years!

Greenacres Fire Rescue Breakfast with Santa

The Breakfast with Santa event in Greenacres was a big success! Families filled Greenacres Fire Rescue Station 94 to enjoy a pancake breakfast made by the firefighters and capture special moments with Santa. Already looking forward to next year!

Delray Beach Chanukah Festival

Team Flores enjoyed an evening of music, community spirit, and the lighting of the menorah at the Delray Beach Chanukah Festival & Menorah Lighting. The event brought together families and neighbors to celebrate faith, tradition, and togetherness during the holiday season. It was a meaningful reminder of the importance of unity, cultural celebration, and standing together as one community.

Government in Action Day at Greenacres Elementary

I had the pleasure of joining students at Greenacres Elementary School for their Government in Action panel — an interactive conversation about how local, state, and national government works.

The students asked thoughtful questions, shared big ideas, and showed a genuine interest in how decisions are made in our community.

Thank you to the teachers and staff for the invitation and for encouraging our future leaders!

Atlantic Christian Academy Seniors

Tour the Government Center & Courthouse

I had the pleasure of welcoming 21 senior students from Atlantic Christian Academy to the Governmental Center on December 12 for a hands-on look at how county government works. The students are part of Daniel Zapata’s High School U.S. Government class, and it was great to speak with them about the role of a county commissioner.

Mayor Sara Baxter and County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo also stopped by to answer students’ thoughtful questions.

A special thank-you to the county departments who took time to share how their work serves our community: Community Services, Youth Services, PBC Fire Rescue, PBSO, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, and Public Safety.

The morning wrapped up at the Palm Beach County Courthouse, where Chief Judge Kelley explained the role of judges, Public Defender Daniel Eisinger spoke about the importance of access to legal counsel, and the PBSO K-9 Unit impressed everyone with a live demonstration.

Experiences like this help inspire the next generation of engaged citizens.

First-Ever Palm Beach County Career Fair

Team Flores spent time connecting with job seekers at the first-ever Palm Beach County Job Fair. At the county, we are always looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about serving our community.

Thank you to everyone who visited our table — we enjoyed meeting you and sharing information about how your county commissioner can help you!

Progress In Our Neighborhoods

Village of Valor

Village of Valor finally broke ground today in Palm Springs after over a decade in the making!

This housing complex will provide safe and affordable housing for military veterans and their families who have given so much. The community will also offer a variety of indoor and outdoor sport spaces for the residents and provide on-site veteran resources.

Thank you to Stand Down and everyone else involved in creating this much-needed safe place for veterans to live.

Westgate CRA Tour

This month, I was able to tour the Westgate neighborhood alongside members of the Westgate CRA. It’s amazing to see how much progress has been made here in recent years. We were even able to tour some of the South Westgate Estates Cottage Homes which are single-family residences for sale that are brand new in the area! Check out the video!

Village of Palm Springs Police Department Expansion

The Village of Palm Springs has expanded its Police Department!

It was made official at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that my Chief of Staff, Vivian Rodriguez, attended to celebrate this important milestone for the Village of Palm Springs Police Department and the entire community.

Python MMA Grand Opening in Greenacres

There's a new family business in Greenacres!

Python MMA had its Grand Opening celebration on December 16 where Greenacres Mayor Chuck Shaw, Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce CEO Mary Lou Bedford, and my Director of Communications Yaneli Mata were on hand to officially welcome them into the heart of Palm Beach County.

Why is it called Python MMA? Because it's led by world-class MMA champion Aung La N Sang who is also known as The Burmese Python!

The gym welcomes all ages and levels, from beginners to aspiring professionals.

Check out Python MMA at 6295 Lake Worth Road, Suites 1–3, Greenacres, FL 33463.

BCC Meetings

Latest BCC Meeting Outcomes

At the Dec. 2, 2025, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following actions:

Administration – received and filed, by a 5-0 vote, the updated Board Directives Report, which includes in-process and completed board directive items.

Airports – approved first amendment to the SP Plus LLC agreement for the implementation of an online parking reservation system, operation and management of valet services for an amount not to exceed $1,650,000 for the initial term at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).

Approved amended agreement with HUB Parking Technology USA at PBI to provide additional on-site support and maintenance services for upgrades to the parking lot and revenue control system in the amount of $753,879.

Approved Amendment No. 15 to the contract for consulting/professional services with RS&H, Inc. to provide supplemental services related to the Parking Revenue Control Building at PBI.

Approved First Amendment with Flagship Aviation Services, LLC, exercising the first option for renewal for routine janitorial services at the various locations at PBI in the amount of $4,500,000.

Approved Change Order No. 1 with General Asphalt Company, LLC for the James L. Turnage Blvd Rehabilitation project to extend the duration at PBI.

Engineering & Public Works – adopted a resolution to temporarily reopen Homewood Road so the bridge project can proceed.

Facilities Development & Operations – approved agreements for the purchase and sale of 1.3-acre parcels of vacant land located north of Indiantown Road and east of Bee Line Highway from Canopus Investment Group, LLC for $20,150 and Byran and David Cheung for $20,150. These are interior parcels in an area known as Palm Beach Heights (part of the Pal-Mar Ecosite). The Pal-Mar Ecosite is part of a large ecological greenway that stretches from just west of the Atlantic Ocean to just east of Lake Okeechobee.

Fire Rescue – adopted an ordinance to remove the Town of Jupiter from the Jupiter Municipal Service Taxing Unit effective Sept. 30, 2026.

Housing & Economic Development – adopted the Small Business Development Ordinance.

Conceptually approved, by a 6-1 vote, General Obligation Bond Loan Program (HBLP) awards for Affordable Housing Multifamily Development for Wave at Potomac by Oneda Housing Group, 200 total units, in the amount of $10 million; Residences of Country Grove by County Grove Housing Partners, 106 total units, for $10,000,000; Residences of Country Landing by Country Landing Housing Partners, 106 total units, for $10,000,000; Residences at Martin Manor II by DM Redevelopment II Ltd, 105 total units, for $4,987,000; Arise – Lake Worth by Legacy Landing LLC/Paxton Development Group, 149 total units, for $13,921, 276 and Peace Village by Peace Village Ltd, 104 total units, in the amount of $5,175,000.

Postponed HBLP funding award for Affordable Housing Multifamily Development for Seventh on Haverhill by Tre Bel/Procida and West Palm Beach Baptist-Seventh Day Church in the amount of $7,771,000.

Denied HBLP funding award without prejudice for Affordable Housing Multifamily Development to 2823 Broadway by Tre Bel/Procida and West Palm Beach Housing Authority in the amount of $17,085,000 and City View by Landmark Developers, in the amount of $13,000,000 and authorized staff to transmit the approved proposals to the County’s third-party underwriter and to negotiate the loan agreements.

Conceptually approved, by a 6-0 vote, a General Obligation Housing Bond Loan Program (HBLP) awards for Workforce Housing Multifamily to Lake Worth Station by Bridge Holding LLC, for 91 total units, in the amount of $1,059,223 and Marina Annex (Judge Rogers Court) by Marina Annex Housing LLC, an affiliate of the Riviera Beach Housing Authority, for a total of 175 units, in the amount of $15,300,000 and authorized staff to transmit the approved proposals to the County’s third-party underwriter and to negotiate the loan agreements.

Approved, by a 6-0 vote, an Impact Fee Affordable Housing Assistance Program (IFAHAP) funding award in the total amount to Peace Village, Ltd in the amount of $332,131.

Office of Financial Management & Budget – approved budget transfer in the amount of $1,467,043 to the Supervisor of Elections to hold a Special Primary Election on Jan. 13, 2026, and a Special General Election, if necessary, on Mar. 24, 2026, for the vacant House of Representatives, District 87 seat.

Palm Tran – approved, by a 5-0 vote, the continuation of the BusLink Pilot Program and delegated authority to the County Administrator to approve the Palm Tran grant application geared toward the enhancement of east-west transit connectivity.

Public Safety – adopted an ordinance to amend the Emergency Medical Services Ordinance.

Adopted, by a 5-0 vote, a resolution to dissolve the Palm Beach County Reentry Task Force and provide for staff support of a non-County Working Group to continue the non-advisory work of the Task Force.

Water Utilities – directed staff to continue the due diligence process related to the possible acquisition of the Boynton Beach Water and Sewer Utility.

For further information on consent and regular items, please visit the Agenda section of our website.

December Proclamations

Impaired Driving Awareness Month

This month serves as an important reminder to remember and honor those who have lost their lives, been injured, or experienced trauma due to impaired driving. December is the deadliest month of the year for drunk driving, making education and prevention more crucial than ever.

The proclamation I sponsored this morning recognizes the work of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office DUI Unit, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and all partners who work tirelessly to promote safe and sober driving. Together, we can prevent these tragedies and keep our roads safe.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

During the Board of County Commissioners meeting on December 2, we honored the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives and the 1,178 who were wounded during the attack on Pearl Harbor by proclaiming December 7, 2025 as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

The attack on Pearl Harbor forever changed the course of history and thrust the nation into World War II. Palm Beach County is home to many veterans and families whose service reflects the same courage and sacrifice shown on that day. We remain committed to preserving their stories and honoring all who have served to protect the freedoms we cherish.

Joint Government Workshops

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners met with the School District of Palm Beach County, the Children’s Services Council, and the Health Care District on December 9 for a joint workshop focused on how we can better serve families and children across our county.

The discussion centered on:

• Coordinating programs and funding across agencies

• Improving mental health services and crisis response

• Addressing youth homelessness and family stability

• Measuring outcomes and reducing duplication of services

• Identifying shared state and federal legislative priorities

The collaborative conversation was about working smarter together to support residents from early childhood through young adulthood.

Watch the full video here.

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and State Representatives and Senators held a Legislative Delegation Joint Workshop on December 15.

The discussion centered on:

• How the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners is working with state legislators to make sure our residents’ voices are heard.

• How the bills being presented by state legislators may impact Palm Beach County if passed.

• How your tax dollars are being used in our county budget and how state legislators can help us keep more tax dollars in our county.

Watch the full video here.

Upcoming BCC Meetings

BCC Meeting — Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The Board will convene for its regular meeting with public comment. The agenda and backup will be posted in advance on the County website.

BCC Zoning Hearing — Thursday, January 22, 2026

Commissioners review proposed zoning applications and land development regulations at these monthly meetings. These zoning hearings are quasi-judicial in nature and are conducted to afford all parties due process. The agenda will be posted in advance on the County website.

BCC Workshop — Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Commissioners will hold a discussion-focused workshop on scheduled topics listed on the agenda.

You can watch all meetings live online, on YouTube, or on PBC TV Channel 20.

Who's Hiring

PBC Jobs

Looking to serve your community? Browse current openings across departments—public safety, engineering, libraries, parks, and more.

SWA

The Solid Waste Authority has openings across operations, maintenance, engineering, and more. View current listings and apply online.

Intern Palm Beach

Explore a new countywide internship portal featuring opportunities across IT, construction, life sciences, finance, and more—and employers can post roles, too.

Palm Beach County School District's Weekly Transportation Job Fairs

Did you know the Palm Beach County School District hosts a weekly job fair to hire Bus Drivers every Thursday?

WHAT THEY OFFER:

• Starting pay more than $20 per hour.

• Two (2) weeks of paid time off.

• Accrued paid sick days.

• Paid holidays.

• One (1) week for Spring Break.

• One (1) week for Thanksgiving Break.

• Approximately two (2) weeks off for Winter Break.

• Work-life balance.

• Health insurance.

• Retirement package.

• Full-time and part-time positions available.

PLUS: A one-time $5,000 sign-on bonus with a CDL, $2,500 without a CDL, upon successful completion of the probation period.

YOU CAN ALSO APPLY ONLINE, VISIT: palmbeachschools.org/jobs

For more information, you can call 561-242-6515 or email Schoolbusjobs@palmbeachschools.org.

Events & Things To Do

Ilumina: A Tropical Garden Lantern Festival At Mounts Botanical Garden

Embark on a magical after-dark journey through 20 acres of glowing gardens. Explore themed worlds perfect for photos and family fun, enjoy festive food and drinks, and celebrate art, culture, and community in a radiant tropical paradise. Check out the video of our walk through the lantern festival here!

Enjoy this nighttime spectacular until January 11, 2026. Get your tickets here: https://www.mounts.org/ILUMINA/ or by calling 561-233-1757.

Lanterns and Lights Safari Nights At

Lion Country Safari

Get ready to glow at Lanterns and Lights Safari Nights, the first-ever lantern festival at Lion Country Safari in Palm Beach County!

Step into a sparkling safari adventure as Lion Country Safari transforms for the holidays with dazzling lights, festive displays, and colorful scenes that bring the magic of the season to life.

Stroll through glowing pathways, explore illuminated animal-themed worlds perfect for photos, enjoy holiday treats, and make unforgettable memories with family and friends — all in one of Palm Beach County’s most iconic destinations.

Don’t miss this holiday spectacular happening now through January 2026!

Learn more and get your tickets at: https://www.lioncountrysafari.com