Have you noticed that the cost of living has increased dramatically? A trip for groceries usually results in sticker shock. 2 in 3 Floridians say their household expenses have risen over the past year, but only 1 in 4 say their income has increased in the same period.
 
In this time of rising expenses for basic necessities, let us remember that many families in our community are experiencing financial difficulty, and some are even going to bed hungry. Please don’t forget those in need.
Lyons Road Update
Irwin Cohen, Vice Mayor Maria Sachs and Nick Morrone.
Valencia Bay Men's Club

On Sunday, Oct. 15, I was pleased to speak at the Valencia Bay Men's Club meeting. I updated the residents on the Lyons Road project.

As of Monday, Nov. 13, crews are on site, and work will continue until the two southbound lanes are open from 153rd Road South to Clint Moore Road. 

Special thanks to Irwin Cohen for inviting me to speak and organizing this event.
Engineering and Public Works
L-38 Bridge to Atlantic Avenue
As of Monday, Nov. 13, crews are on site working nonstop. The completion schedule has been pushed back by a few weeks due to the delay in delivery of the drainage structures, but work will continue until the two southbound lanes are open from 153rd Road South to Clint Moore Road. This is our priority.

Joe Abruzzo Avenue
Residents were concerned that the delay in the future Lyons Road widening projects would setback the ability to get a signal at that intersection. Department staff have confirmed that this intersection warrants a signal and will now take steps to install a temporary traffic signal ahead of the scheduled road widening project. The design is starting now, and staff expects the signal could be designed, permitted, installed and operational within one year.

Escondido Way
The speed feedback signs for Lyons Road near Escondido Way have been ordered and are expected to be installed by mid-January 2024. In the meantime, the rumble strips are in place and motorists are beginning to slow down.
Veterans Day Celebration
Veterans Day Program at Veteran’s Memorial Park
Commissioner Marci Woodward,
Vice Mayor Maria Sachs and Mayor Gregg K. Weiss.
Olympic Heights Jr. ROTC with Vice Mayor Maria Sachs
Palm Beach County is home to approximately 84,000 veterans, making it the third-largest population of veterans in Florida. This past Veterans Day, we honored the incredible faith that our veterans hold, not just in our country, but in all of us. We must continue working toward a more perfect union and protecting the freedoms they have fought to defend.
Palm Beach County Services for Veterans
The Palm Beach County Community Services Department's Senior and Veteran Services Division assists and counsels former and current members of the U.S. armed forces who reside in Palm Beach County.

Services include:

  • Assistance in preparing and filing claims for benefits to which they are entitled to under federal, state and local laws.
  • Dependents and survivors of present or former members of the U.S. armed forces may also be eligible for the services of this program. 

For more information, contact Assistant Veterans Services Officer Andrew Reese at AReese@pbc.gov or call 561-276-1270.

Additional services are available through the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center located at 7305 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 33410. For more information, call 561-422-8262 or call toll-free 800-972-8262.
Moving for Better Balance®
Honoring Italian American Heritage Month
In honor of our grandparents and parents who migrated to the shores of our beloved America at the turn of the 20th century, I drafted a resolution read on the floor of the Florida Senate, which was unanimously approved. The Honorable Adolfo Barattolo, then Consul General of Italy, accepted the resolution.

It was adopted on May 1, 2014, at 10 a.m. as Senate Resolution 720. The resolution recognized October 2014 and each October after that as "Italian and Italian American Heritage Month" in Florida.
Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency Executive Director Valerie Neilson, Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Cirillo, Edmondo Catania, Josephine Faso, Salvatore Faso, Marty Perry, Camile Palmero, Vice Mayor Sachs, Mary Liguri, Commissioner Barnett, Consul General of Italy Michele Mistò, Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Marino, President of the Alliance of Delray Dr. Lori Vinokoor, Lexye Aversa, Community Services Department Financial Analyst Jeffrey Lesanti, Aide to Mayor Gregg Weiss Virginia Savietto, Frank LoRe and Nick Cantore.
At a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting, I presented a proclamation to Consul General of Italy Michele Mistò declaring October 2023 as Italian American Heritage Month in Palm Beach County. Italian American Heritage Month is an appropriate time to recognize the enormous contributions that the Italian American people have made to this country and the world as generals, admirals, philosophers, statesmen, musicians, athletes and Nobel Prize-winning scientists.
In recognition of the enormous contributions by Italian Americans to this county, state, country and the world throughout history, residents are encouraged to observe Italian American Heritage Month with appropriate events and activities.
PBC Library System News
Palm Beach County Library System Expands Resources With Creativebug: Your Gateway to Creative Inspiration and Learning
Palm Beach County Library System is excited to announce a new addition to its extensive collection of resources: Creativebug. Valued library members now have access to this innovative online platform, providing creative inspiration and opportunities for lifelong learning.
 
Creativebug offers thousands of high-quality, on-demand arts and crafts classes for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. With a wide range of tutorials covering everything from painting and knitting to cooking and decorating, Creativebug has something for everyone, making it a valuable resource for individuals and families.
 
Key features of Creativebug include:
 
  • Unlimited Access: Library members can enjoy unlimited access to a vast library of video tutorials, enabling them to explore their creativity without limits.
  • Diverse Content: Creativebug offers a diverse range of creative subjects, from drawing and painting to sewing, knitting and even kids' crafts.
  • Top Instructors: Learn from some of the most talented and well-known instructors in the art and craft industry.
  • Convenient Access: Access Creativebug from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an internet connection, 24/7.
 
To start with Creativebug, you only need a valid Palm Beach County Library System library card. To get access, visit https://tinyurl.com/pbclscreativebug. 
Community Events
Legends on the Lawn: Planet Lulu
Saturday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
A free live music event series. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. The event is free to the public. Legends FAQs.

Canyon Amphitheater at Canyon Town Center
8802 Boynton Beach Blvd.
Boynton Beach, 33472

Reptiles & Amphibians: Tenacious Turtles
Saturday, Nov. 25, 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.

Green Cay Nature Center
12800 Hagen Ranch Road
Boynton Beach, 33437

Night Stalkers
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 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.

Green Cay Nature Center
12800 Hagen Ranch Road
Boynton Beach, 33437

All programs are by online reservation only unless otherwise stated. Please register online at www.pbcparks.com; under “Online Services” click on Register/Pay for Program, or visit the nature center to register and make payment. All participants are required to sign a Program Participation Form before each program.
Nursing and Health Occupations' Graduation
Recently, I was honored to present the keynote speech at the Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations' graduation ceremony, celebrating 45 years of teaching and educating students to be employed in the healthcare profession. Graduates received their diplomas as licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.

Special thanks to Student and Community Services Coordinator Michele Vermiglio and Brittany Costakes for inviting me to speak at the ceremony. Congratulations to all the graduates who will be helping patients in the future.
Animal Care and Control Spotlight
Meet Camila. She's a faithful 2-year-old female dog, ready to become your forever friend.

All adopted animals will be spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, protected against fleas and ticks, microchipped and more.

If you are interested in adopting Camila or for more information, call 561-233-​1272 and reference #A2157705.
Dear Commissioner
I am new to the Boca area; where can my family and I volunteer for the holidays?

The Soup Kitchen is always looking for volunteers. They are located at 8645 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, 33472.

For more information, visit thesoupkitchen.org.
Please feel free to call our office with any questions.
561-355-2205
Vice Mayor Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners | District 5