Dear Friends and Neighbors: | | |
Have you noticed how wonderfully slow the pace of Palm Beach County feels at the end of July? There's less traffic, more open tables at our favorite restaurants, shorter lines at coffee shops, and plenty of parking at the local Publix.
Let’s all enjoy this quiet season. It’s our chance to "have the town to ourselves." Yes, it’s hot! But we Floridians know the drill: stay hydrated, take it slow, and don’t overdo it.
True Floridians also realize that this is the perfect time to prepare for any upcoming storms; calm days are made for planning ahead.
In the meantime, there’s nothing better than gathering with companions over a cool glass of tea to savor the “dog days” of summer.
Very Truly Yours,
| | Celebrating Boca Raton Achievement Center’s (BRAC) Newest Expansion | | Commissioner Maria Sachs (C) joins PBC Commissioner Marci Woodward (3rd from L), Boca Raton Achievement Center (BRAC) Executive Director Evelyn Falconer (5th from R) and Boca Raton Deputy Mayor and City Council Member Fran Nachlas (3rd from R) and other attendees at the ribbon cutting for BRAC's newly opened Boca Raton facility. | | Comm. Sachs (C) speaks to a crowd of like-minded leaders with a passion for neurodiversity policy and advancement. | | Comm. Maria Sachs (L) stands with BRAC Executive Director Evelyn Falconer (R) at the ribbon cutting event in Boca Raton. | | The prevalence of children born with autism-spectrum traits and characteristics continues to grow, highlighting the importance of early recognition and access to specialized therapies. Evelyn Falconer, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Achievement Center (BRAC), has been a tireless advocate and guiding light for our neurodivergent youth in helping them reach their fullest potentials. In doing so, she not only delivers expert care and individualized support, but also offers compassion, understanding, and long-term guidance. I was honored to attend the celebratory ribbon-cutting event for the opening of BRAC's newest facility in Boca Raton, a center that will stand as a promising beacon of hope and opportunity for so many families in our area. | | In Memoriam: Remembering and Honoring Representative Joseph Casello and His Inspiring Life, His Service to Others, and His Legacy of Integrity | | (Photo Source: Florida House of Representatives) | | Representative Joseph Casello in his earlier years with the Worcester Fire Department in Massachusetts, placing the needs & safety of others before his own. (Photo Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette) | | |
It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Representative Joseph Casello. Much has already been said about how he should be remembered, and every word has been deeply meaningful.
Above all, however, one quality stands out: his unwavering commitment to public service. For Joe, it didn’t matter what party you belonged to, what district you were from, or what your background was — he was always there to help.
We need more leaders like Joseph Casello. His life was a shining example of what true service to the people looks like. He reminded us that the hallmark of a true public servant is a heart full of love for the community, guided not by division, but by compassion and unity.
| | Commissioner Maria Sachs Joins Religious and Community Leaders to Combat Homelessness in PBC | | Maria Sachs engages with attendees while on-stage at Church in the Palms to discuss the idea of using property owned by faith-based groups in furtherance of county-based solutions for meaningfully addressing homelessness in PBC. | | The diverse audience members who attended the insightful "Building Hope Initiative" event in Palm Beach County included an assortment of local homeless support groups including The Lord's Place and the Tree of Life Resource Center. | | For many, Palm Beach County is a paradise to live and work in, but for others, it may be no more than a park bench, a shaded tree, or a street corner. We cannot truly call ourselves one of the finest counties in the state without caring for our most vulnerable. As Americans, we are at our best when we take care of our own. Our county's homeless individuals are more than just that; they are also the children, parents and friends of others. They are an essential part of who we are. As your Commissioner, I will always remain committed to fostering a Palm Beach County in which all residents are wholeheartedly embraced and readily welcomed into the heart of our vibrant community. | | Catching Up With Constituents | | Maria Sachs (L) speaks to an enthusiastic audience of active community-group members and county compatriots as her daughter Natasha (R) proudly looks on. | | In my capacity as Palm Beach County Commissioner, I’ve always believed that the most effective leadership comes from collaboration, compassion, and communal involvement. Whether it’s expanding access to affordable housing, improving mental health resources, investing in infrastructure, or ensuring that seniors and working families have access to the support that they need, I stand firm in my devotion to making real progress in ways that reflect the values and aspirations of the people who live here. I look forward to building on more local conversations in the future and transforming them into meaningful, long-lasting outcomes for the benefit of all. | | Maria Sachs Honors New Palm Beach County Bar Assoc. President, Jean Marie Middleton, at Official Installation Banquet | | Maria Sachs (L) and her husband Peter (R) join new PBC Bar Association President and respected government-lawyer, Jean Marie Middleton (C), at her installation ceremony. | It was a true privilege to attend the 103rd Annual Installation Banquet of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and to celebrate the official installation of my dear colleague and friend, Jean Marie Middleton, as the Association’s 103rd President. The event brought together hundreds of legal professionals and community leaders from across the South Florida area in celebration of the Association's newly installed 2025–2026 President and Board of Directors. Witnessing Jean Marie make history as the first government attorney to serve as the Palm Beach County Bar Association's President was particularly inspiring, and I'm especially eager to witness the notable milestones that she is sure to achieve in her future endeavors. | | Exciting PBC Programs and Local Events! | |
Boca Chamber Festival Days - Events Across Boca Raton
| | Attention Cash-Savvy PBC Residents: New Sales Tax Exemptions Start this August! | | Palm Beach County Library Happenings | |
Sew Much Fun!
- Date: August 12, 2025
- Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m.
- Location: Canyon Branch Library, 8915 Senator Joe Abruzzo Ave., Boynton Beach
- Description: Make a cute felt animal friend in this hands-on sewing session! Please register number of children attending. Ages 5-9.
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Registration Website Link: pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/684c6eaf2895a0e257f31e3f
Women’s Equality Day
- Date: August 26, 2025
- Time: 5:15–6:00 p.m.
- Location: West Boca Branch Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton
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Description: Join the party to celebrate the anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution! Dive into history and get inspired by women who fought for the right to vote. Ages 8 & up. Refreshments provided.
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Registration Website Link: pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/685310ad709d2741002c4b9e
| | PBC Animal Care and Control Spotlight | | |
I'm Lillie! If you need a new furry companion, then I'm your kitty!
Adopted pets are spayed and neutered, fully vaccinated, treated for ticks and fleas, micro-chipped, and more.
If you're interested in adopting, please call 561-233-1200 and provide ref. no. A2309204.
| | (Photo Source: Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control) | | The electric bill is higher than ever. Can the county help me pay for my electric bill so that I can stay cool this summer? | | |
Our Palm Beach County system features a range of innovative and proven programs for helping eligible residents with rent, home affordability, and other related housing challenges, offering vital support and advice to individuals and families in need of such assistance.
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The Palm Beach County Community Services Department's featured list of programs includes the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Program. This initiative offers financial aid for utility bills and can even help homeowners replace old HVAC systems. To qualify, applicants must live in Palm Beach County, have a utility bill in their name, and meet other specific income guidelines. For additional information, please visit discover.pbc.gov/communityservices/communityaction/pages/utility-assistance.aspx# or call this department at 1-833-CSD-WILL (1-833-273-9455) to set up an appointment.
| Moreover, Palm Beach County's Office of Resilience also maintains a list of similar programs for assisting eligible county residents with home upgrades and repairs at discover.pbc.gov/resilience/Pages/Home-Resiliency-Funding.aspx. Of particular note, the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) Program offers free hurricane inspections for qualifying homeowners, together with available avenues for securing grant funds to cover particular home-improvement costs. For additional guidance and details, you can contact this department via email at resilientpbc@pbc.gov or over the phone at 561-233-2434. | |
Lastly, the Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Development's list of featured programs at discover.pbc.gov/ MortgageandHousingInvestments includes the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Foreclosure Prevention Program, which can aid applicable homeowners in securing deferred-payment loans for past-due mortgage installments, property taxes, home insurance, and other relevant expenses. To contact this department for more information, please call 561-233-3600.
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Kids Get in Free at Palm Beach County Zoo - Through Aug. 10, 2025
(Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches - info@palmbeachzoo.org)
Literacy Kids Volunteer Project in West Palm Beach - Aug. 19, 2025
(United Way of Palm Beach County - info@palmbeachunitedway.org)
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Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
561-355-2205
MSachs@pbc.gov
Commissioner Maria Sachs | District 5
Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners
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