I am honored and humbled to have been elected Mayor by my colleagues. To lead Palm Beach County at this time of growth will be a challenge and one that I accept whole heartily. With a continuing increase of people coming into our county, we must address our infrastructure, housing, education and healthcare needs.
I commit to the 1.5 million residents of this county to work diligently to address these challenges so that the place we call home will continue to be our paradise.
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2023 State of the County Breakfast |
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Pictured l to r: Mayor Maria Sachs and Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches CEO Donald Burgess. Photo credit: CAPEHART Photography.
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Pictured l to r: Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches Chair Kimberly Lea, Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches CEO Donald Burgess, Mayor Maria Sachs and Palm Beach State College, Lake Worth Campus, Provost and Dean Barb Cipriano. Photo credit: CAPEHART Photography.
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On Tuesday, Nov. 28, the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches held its annual State of the County Business Breakfast at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Event attendees included residents, elected officials, and business and community leaders, and I had the privilege of giving the State of the County address.
The video featured here highlights the legacy right here in our beloved Palm Beach County. My legacy includes serving as one of seven county commissioners representing 1.5 million people across the county from north to south and east to west. It also includes being a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, former member of the Florida Legislature, criminal defense attorney, proud Italian American, and now Palm Beach County Mayor.
I have lived here for more than 40 years. I love this county. I represent and am a small business owner and resident of the Agriculture Reserve. Plus, I care about the future of this incredible place, this paradise we call Palm Beach County.
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Moving for Better Balance®
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Upcoming Commission Meetings |
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BCC Zoning Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
BCC Meeting, Public Hearings & Matters by the Public
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
BCC Zoning Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
BCC Comprehensive Plan & Public Hearing
Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
BCC Meeting, Public Hearings & Matters by the Public
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
The scheduled meetings will be held at the Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers in the Robert Weisman Governmental Center at 301 N. Olive Ave., 6th Floor, West Palm Beach 33401.
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Family Court Awareness Month |
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Pictured l to r: Palm Beach County NOW Graphics Director Bob Jaffe, Mayor Maria Sachs, Palm Beach County NOW Communications Vice President Natalie Andre and Palm Beach County NOW President Sheila Jaffe. |
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I presented a proclamation declaring November 2023 as Family Court Awareness Month in Palm Beach County. Families Against Court Travesties Inc. and the Family Court Awareness Month Committee (FCAMC) aim to increase awareness of the importance of a family court system that prioritizes child safety and acts in the children's best interest.
The mission of the FCAMC is fueled by the desire to create awareness and change in the family court system for the conservatively estimated 58,000 children a year ordered into unsupervised contact with physically or sexually abusive parents while honoring the hundreds of children who have been reported as murdered during visitation with a dangerous parent.
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Pictured l to r: Amanda Onda, Mayor Maria Sachs, Semper-Fi Service Dogs Founder/President Ryan Onda and service dog Titan. |
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I presented a proclamation declaring Nov. 7, 2023 as Veteran Service Dog Day in Palm Beach County.
Palm Beach County is home to approximately 84,000 veterans, making it the third-largest veteran population in Florida. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in war veterans is a common condition that can develop immediately after a disturbing event or weeks, months or even years later. Service dogs perform specific tasks that help address PTSD symptoms, including applying pressure to alleviate anxiety and nudging to interrupt flashbacks.
Research has found benefits of PTSD service dogs, such as reduced severity of symptoms, improved mental health and improved social interactions. Semper-Fi Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them as service dogs free of charge for military veterans who have PTSD, a traumatic brain injury or military sexual trauma.
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Mayor Maria Sachs, Chair of the Tourist Development Council |
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Palm Beach International Airport Holiday Travel Tips |
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- Check your flight status with your airline before coming to the airport.
- If you are picking someone up, wait in the Cell Phone Waiting lot, located off Belvedere Road behind Drive Shack. Vehicles may not wait at the passenger pick-up area near the terminal.
- Allow extra time to find parking and be aware parking areas closest to the terminal often reach capacity around the holidays.
- Remember to lock your vehicle at the airport and never leave the keys with the vehicle.
- Never bring prohibited items, including weapons, to the airport. Mace and pocket knives are among the prohibited items.
- Always have your boarding pass and ID ready when going through TSA screening.
- Anticipate longer than typical screening times around the holiday season.
- Check with your airline to ensure your carry-on bag will fit in the overhead compartment.
- Label all luggage with your name and contact information.
- Liquids and gels in carry-on bags must be 3.4 oz. or less and fit in a one-quart clear zip seal bag. Each passenger is only permitted one zip seal bag.
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If you lose an item at the airport, follow the instructions at pbia.org.
- Remember, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available on level three, while taxis and bus services are available on level one.
- Monitor PBI’s social media accounts for significant announcements.
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Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County |
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With the increase of garbage around Christmas, there are special holiday provisions in the collections contract for residents living in unincorporated Palm Beach County, as follows:
Garbage
- Per the collections contract, on Friday, Saturday and Monday from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, excess garbage can be placed outside the standardized SWA garbage cart at the curb for pick up.
- Excess garbage placed outside the standardized SWA garbage cart must be properly secured in plastic bags weighing less than 50 pounds when filled.
- All waste should be placed curbside by 6 a.m.
Recycling
- Oversized or excess cardboard may always be placed beside the yellow recycling bin for collection.
- All non-cardboard packing material must be removed.
Yard waste
- Remains limited to six cubic yards on the next yard waste collection day.
Bulk waste
- Remains limited to three items at the curb on the next bulk waste collection day.
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Green Cay Nature Center
12800 Hagen Ranch Road
Boynton Beach 33437
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS: AMAZING ALLIGATORS
Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.
All ages, $5/participant (Reservations required, limit 20)
Join a naturalist as we learn about Florida’s reptiles and amphibians, followed by a guided tour.
ARCHERY 101
Saturday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m.
Ages 9+, $10/participant (Reservations required, limit 12)
Join a USA Archery Certified Instructor to learn the basics of archery and develop a fun new skill. This 1.5-hour program will start with a demonstration followed by target practice. All equipment provided; wear closed-toe shoes and bring water and sun protection as it takes place outdoors.
NIGHT STALKERS
Wednesday, Dec. 27, 6 p.m.
Ages 9+, $5/participant (Reservations required, limit 20)
Join a naturalist on a nighttime boardwalk tour looking at nature from the point of view of its nocturnal residents. Flashlights are recommended, but not required.
ANIMAL KEEPER FOR A DAY
Saturday, Dec. 30, 9:30 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required, limit 8)
Ever wondered what it would be like to be an animal keeper? Work behind the scenes with animal care staff and volunteers to find out. It can be a dirty job but the most rewarding.
Canyon Amphitheater
at Canyon Town Center
8802 Boynton Beach Blvd.
Boynton Beach 33472
LEGENDS ON THE LAWN: NORTH 40
Saturday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
A free live music event series. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. The event is free to the public.
South County
Regional Park
11435 Park Access Road
Boca Raton 33498
DAGGERWING VISITS THE LIBRARY: INSECTS & SPIDERS
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 3:30 p.m.
Ages 5+, FREE (Reservations required)
Enjoy a special program about insects and spiders featuring a visit from some of the nature center’s resident animal ambassadors, at the West Boca Branch Library.
ALL ABOUT AMPHIBIANS
Saturday, Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m.
Ages 5+, $5/participant (Reservations required)
Amphibians are amazing. Learn about different types of amphibians, including frogs and toads, and find out why they are so important to the ecosystem. You’ll even get to meet some live residents here in Florida.
MOTHER NATURE & ME: FLORIDA FELINES
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m.
Ages 2-5 (w/guardian), $4/child (Reservations required)
Get ready to jump and shout with Mother Nature through stories, live animals, activities, and a craft designed for toddlers and preschoolers.
All programs are by online reservation only unless otherwise stated. Register online at pbcparks.com; under “Online Services,” click on Register/Pay for a program or visit the nature center to register and make payment. All participants are required to sign a Program Participation Form before each program.
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Click here for a full list of events the Palm Beach County Library System is presenting.
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Click here to register for the Families For Everglades Croc Talk event. |
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Feeding South Florida offers several volunteer opportunities. One way to make an impact is through the Community Kitchen Experience.
The kitchen provides needed meals to the community. Volunteer to help prep, cook and pack meals in the Community Kitchen at Feeding Palm Beach County.
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Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division |
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Palm Beach County Public Safety Department's Animal Care and Control Division has several volunteer opportunities. From kittens to pups and even helping with administrative tasks, there's a role for everyone.
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Animal Care and Control Spotlight |
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My name is Donut and I weigh just over 41 pounds. If you're looking for a new adventure buddy, I'm it.
Adoption fees are $60 for adult dogs, $75 for puppies and $50 for cats and kittens. Residents of Palm Beach County, 55 years and older, are offered a discounted adoption fee.
All adopted animals will be spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, protected against fleas and ticks, microchipped and more.
If you are interested in adopting Donut or for more information, call 561-233-1272 and reference A2159564.
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I am new to the area; where can I take my family for holiday lights?
Inside the heart of West Palm Beach beats a wild holiday celebration unlike any other. Giant animal displays of giraffes, panthers and flamingos come to light at night as the dense foliage twinkles with over one million lights. Over 100,000 visitors have seen the Palm Beach Zoo in a new light during the Zoo Lights presented by Florida Power & Light Company, FPL SolarNow®. Zoo Lights is going on now through Jan. 7, 2024.
The Palm Beach Zoo is at 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach 33405.
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Mayor Maria Sachs
Please contact us with any questions or concerns!
561-355-2205
MSachs@pbc.gov
301 N. Olive Ave., Suite 1201
West Palm Beach, 33401
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Mayor Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners | District 5
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