Dear Friends and Neighbors: | | |
As we enter the heart of summer here in Palm Beach County, I want to take a moment to thank you for staying engaged, informed, and involved. This month, we face both the heat of the season and the heat of serious conversations that matter to every one of us — about housing, community safety, economic opportunity, and how we prepare for the uncertainties of weather and the future alike.
In July, our focus continues to be centered on strengthening the foundations that keep our communities thriving. From advancing affordable and workforce housing solutions to supporting smart, sustainable development in the Agricultural Reserve, I remain committed to ensuring that District 5 remains a place where families, seniors, young professionals, and veterans can all live and prosper. I’m also proud of our ongoing collaboration with local cities, first responders, and emergency planners as we sharpen our response to extreme weather and enhance our disaster preparedness.
In this issue, you’ll find updates on new infrastructure projects, federal and state funding wins, local initiatives supporting our small businesses and workforce, and ways you can get involved in shaping our community constructively. I always say that government works best when it works with you — and your voice, perspective and partnership make all the difference.
In the meantime, stay cool, stay safe, and stay connected!
| | Introducing Our New Incoming PBC County Administrator: PBC Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Joseph Abruzzo | | New Incoming PBC County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo, who is currently serving as PBC Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, with PBC Commissioner Maria Sachs. | | |
In Palm Beach County, leadership makes all the difference. That’s why I’m especially proud to share the exciting news that the PBC Board of County Commissioners has selected Joseph Abruzzo, our current PBC Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, as Palm Beach County’s next County Administrator — tasked with guiding us into a new era of growth, resilience, and service to our community.
It has been a privilege to work alongside Joseph Abruzzo over the years — from his time in the Florida Legislature to his current role. With a distinguished record of service in both legislative and executive leadership, he brings a rare combination of integrity, decisiveness, and a deep commitment to the public good. His deep insight into the complex needs of our county enables him to lead with focus, foresight, and impact, and I have every confidence that his steady leadership will help guide Palm Beach County toward a stronger, more vibrant future.
As we continue addressing priorities like housing affordability, infrastructure, and equitable economic development in our region, I am confident that Clerk Abruzzo’s thoughtful leadership and steady vision will help move Palm Beach County forward with both purpose and compassion as he transitions into his new PBC County Administrator position.
Congratulations, Joe! I look forward to working together to build a brighter future for everyone in Palm Beach County.
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Independence Day Celebration in PBC
| | Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs kicks off this year's exciting July 4th celebration at South County Regional Park! (Photo Source: PBC Public Affairs Dept.) | | Comm. Maria Sachs (R) stands before a sweeping crowd of eager and patriotic attendees during the National Anthem. (Photo Source: PBC Parks & Recreation) | | Commissioner Maria Sachs (Center) live on stage along with the event's talented performing band, Giaco Pop Rock. (Photo Source: PBC Public Affairs Dept.) | | Comm. Sachs gives kudos to local Palm Beach County students for their superb recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance. (Photo Source: PBC Public Affairs Dept.) | | Commissioner Maria Sachs, (R) and her number-one fan for the evening, her grandson, Luca (L). (Photo Source: PBC Public Affairs Dept.) | | A well-packed and festive crowd enjoying a fantastic Fourth of July celebration — fully stocked, high-energy, and all smiles. (Photo Source: PBC Parks & Recreation) | | No real 4th of July celebration is complete without music & dancing — and this crowd kept the energy high all night! (Photo Source: PBC Parks & Recreation) | | |
What a spectacular Fourth of July celebration we had this year at Sunset Cove Amphitheater in South County Regional Park! It was a true joy to join so many families, friends, and neighbors as we came together under the stars to celebrate our nation’s independence. From the festive energy of the crowd to the dazzling fireworks show, the night was filled with community spirit and pride. A very special thanks to the talented band Giaco Pop Rock for keeping the crowd on their feet with an incredible live performance that set the perfect tone for the evening.
I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Cirillo and her outstanding team — especially Special Facilities Division Director Indira Persaud — for organizing such a seamless and welcoming event. Their dedication to creating vibrant, safe community spaces continues to shine. I’m equally thankful to Captain Dave Duplantis of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and all of the attending deputies whose presence ensured a safe, family-friendly environment for all. Celebrations like these remind us how fortunate we are to call Palm Beach County home.
| | Proclamation: Honoring Horses and Hounds Foundation Board Member, Jeri Caprio | | From L to R: Semper-Fi Service Dogs Founder & CEO Ryan Onda, Semper-Fi Service Dogs Treasurer & Dev. Officer Amanda Onda, Horses & Hounds Foundation Volunteer Jorge Gonzales, Horses & Hounds Foundation Volunteer April Lewis, Horses & Hounds Foundation Board Member Jeri Caprio, PBC Comm. Maria Sachs, Horses & Hounds Foundation Volunteer Tinka Grody, Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue Board Member Donald Duff, Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue Pres. Peter Torres, and Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital Event Coordinator Janet Pelosi. (Photo Source: PBC Public Affairs Dept.) | Horses and Hounds Foundation Board Member Jeri Caprio doing what she does best: sharing her heartfelt dedication, care, and unwavering love and professional devotion as to the health, safety and well-being of all animals both here in Palm Beach County and beyond. (Photo Source: Jeri Caprio, Horses & Hounds Foundation Board Member) | |
It was my great honor to present the official Jeri Caprio Day Proclamation at a recent meeting of the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, recognizing a woman whose compassion and commitment to animal welfare have touched so many lives in our community. As a dedicated board member of the Horses and Hounds Foundation, Jeri Caprio has worked tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home animals in need — especially retired racehorses and abandoned dogs. Her advocacy has not only saved lives, but has also elevated public awareness of the vital role that rescue and rehabilitation play in a humane and just society.
This special day of recognition was also a tribute to the incredible network of volunteers, foundation partners, and supporters who stand beside Jeri in this mission of compassion. From coordinating adoptions to providing daily care for animals, their work is powered by love and sustained by a deep commitment to service. I want to personally thank Jeri Caprio and her entire team at the Horses and Hounds Foundation for making Palm Beach County a place where kindness, dignity, and respect for animals are truly celebrated.
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What's Happening in Our District:
Recent PBC BCC Zoning Meetings - GL Community Development Along Lyons Road
| | The Agricultural Reserve in Palm Beach County. (Photo Source: Palm Beach Post) | | Update on GL Homes' Expansion Project in the Agricultural Reserve of Palm Beach County | Palm Beach County continues to experience unprecedented growth, particularly in the western corridor near Lyons Road. One of the more recent and pressing matters in this context has been the approval of GL Home's expansion project involving the addition of 37 new residences to the ongoing Valencia Del Mar development west of Boynton Beach — a decision that has stirred considerable public dialogue in our community. | | |
As your Commissioner, I recognize the importance of both honoring our commitment to responsible growth and safeguarding the quality of life for all residents.
Although the approved expansion may be modest in scale, it comes at a time when the surrounding road infrastructure remains under strain, particularly along the already-congested sections of Lyons Road.
| | The area marked in red is where GL Homes has been approved to add 37 homes to Valencia Del Mar, its latest development off Lyons Road in Boynton Beach. (Photo Source: Palm Beach Post) | | |
While the approved application for these additional homes met the required legal and regulatory standards — including the Agricultural Reserve’s 60/40 preservation rule — I voted against the proposal based on serious implications with respect to timing, cumulative traffic impact, and the broader implications for infrastructural sequencing.
The widening of Lyons Road, which many anticipated would coincide with development activity, is not expected to begin until spring 2026. Accordingly, I expressed my concern that approving more homes ahead of that timeline would only increase the burden on residents already being impacted by congestion and traffic delays. This vote reflected my core belief that development must not outpace the infrastructure that supports it.
| | Aerial view of the general Valencia Del Mar project site where GL Homes will soon be constructing 37 homes west of Boynton Beach. (Photo Source: Palm Beach Post) | | As I have said many times before and will keep on proclaiming, “A shovel does not hit the ground until the infrastructure is in.” This principle remains central to my approach, and I continue to urge a more deliberate, forward-thinking model of planning — one that ensures our roads, water, and public services are prepared to meet the demands of new growth. | | As your Commissioner, I will remain committed to thorough review, public input, and advocating for growth that is measured, responsible, and in sync with the realities on the ground. | | Public Review and Zoning Context: Understanding the "Z-2024-01925" Property Rezoning Request | | As part of my continued efforts to keep residents informed about land use decisions in District 5, I want to highlight a significant rezoning request concerning a parcel of land known as the Gneil Property, located at the northwest corner of Atlantic Avenue and State Road 7. | | |
This application, brought by the 8421 Boynton Beach Land Trust, seeks to rezone a 15.002-acre site from Agricultural Reserve Planned Unit Development (AGR-PUD) to the standard Agricultural Reserve (AGR) zoning designation.
The parcel was originally approved as a preserve area in the larger Ascot 441 Atlantic AGR-PUD, and is currently used for agricultural row crops.
At this stage, a development proposal does not accompany the application, and the request is being considered as part of a broader effort to realign preserved parcels within the Agricultural Reserve.
| | Overall site plan with respect to the zoning application concerning the Gneil Property Proposal (Photo Source: PBC Planning, Zoning & Building Department) | | Palm Beach County staff have recommended approval of this rezoning, noting that the request is both consistent with the applicable Comprehensive Plan as well as compatible with the surrounding area. As such, I strongly encourage residents to review the proposed changes and to engage in upcoming hearings, the public announcements and specific details for which can be accessed at discover.pbc.gov/pzb/Pages/Public-Hearing-Meeting-Notices.aspx. | | In a public letter, Alliance of Delray President Dr. Lori Vinikoor urges PBC to involve the Ag. Enhancement Council in reviewing the Ascot 441 & Gneil proposals to ensure safe farm access. (Letter Source: Alliance of Delray) | | |
Land use changes — particularly those involving the reconfiguration of preserve designations such as those in the Agricultural Reserve — can signal future applications for development.
That’s why it is vital that the public stays aware of the steps being taken and also understands how those stages fit into broader development patterns within the context of our county.
As new development projects arise and their impacts unfold, my unwavering focus will continue to prioritize public transparency, balanced oversight, and — above all — the safeguarding of the Agricultural Reserve.
| | This unique area is where thoughtful planning, agricultural preservation, and public trust intersect, and as your Palm Beach County Commissioner for District 5, I will remain steadfastly committed to protecting this vital resource for the benefit of both current and future generations. | | To share your thoughts on these important construction, planning and zoning matters, I encourage you to email the full Board of County Commissioners at BCC-AllCommissioners@pbc.gov, contact my District 5 office at 561-355-2205, or reach out to me directly at MSachs@pbc.gov. | | Exciting PBC Programs & Local Events! | | |
Brain Bowl Presents - Putting on the Ritz
- Dates: July 19, 2025
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Times: 7:00–10:00 p.m.
- Locations: Movies of Delray, 7421 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Bch.
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Website: www.BrainBowlEvents.org
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Art & Jazz on the Avenue - Pineapple Grove Arts Dist.
| | Palm Beach County Library Happenings |
Karen's Cabaret
- Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
- Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
- Location: Canyon Branch Library, 8915 Senator Joe Abruzzo Ave, Boynton Beach
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Description: Karen Lehrman amazes and entertains with her vast repertoire of music from Broadway, Sinatra, and the Golden Oldies. These familiar songs will have you smiling and tapping your toes in no time!
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Registration: https://pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/682b699e0537f314d2fe178b
Mobile Museum of Tolerance - Anne Frank Story
- Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
- Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- Location: West Boca Branch Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton
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Description: Experience the groundbreaking Simon Wiesenthal Center's Inc. Mobile Museums of Tolerance—America’s first mobile education center using immersive tech and interactive programs to fight antisemitism and hate. Presented in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, this event empowers participants with lessons from the past to help build a more just and inclusive future. For ages 13 & Up.
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Registration: https://pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6853161485662d0819874354
Money Basics and Backpack Giveaway
- Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
- Time: 2:00 –3:00 p.m.
- Location: Hagen Ranch Road Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach
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Description: Through an interactive and relatable session, kids will learn about money basics, saving, budgeting, and buying decisions. Parent will learn tips and activities to help kids establish good financial habits for their entire lives. This workshop with Debbie Rahamim, Chase Community Manager and Vice President. All kids in attendance will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies! For all ages.
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Registration: https://pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6828ef2271d8af3000880f0d
| | PBC Animal Care & Control Spotlight | | | | |
My name's Lobo! If you're seeking a new furry companion, then I'm your doggy!
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 561-233-1272 and provide ref. no. A2225009.
| | What county government and nonprofit resources are available for hurricane preparedness information and other emergency assistance in Palm Beach County? | | |
Alongside Palm Beach County’s available emergency services and departmental support for disaster preparedness, there are also numerous nonprofit organizations in our area that offer additional assistance and further guidance to local residents during major storm events.
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Please note, shelters are only opened and activated during emergency hurricane and severe-weather situations, and are not permanently designated facilities. The general population shelter located in District 5 is West Boca High School (12811 Glades Rd., Boca Raton). Special needs and pet-friendly shelter options are available elsewhere in the county. Not all hurricane evacuation risk shelters are open for every storm, and these shelters are a refuge of last resort when sheltering at home or elsewhere is not an option. Should you require transportation to a shelter and live in a hurricane evacuation zone, please contact Palm Tran Connection for the Special Transportation Assistance Program by calling 561-649-9838 or 877-870-9849 (toll-free).
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Additionally, Palm Beach County residents are encouraged to register for AlertPBC, the county’s official emergency notification system, to receive vital alerts via phone, text, or email for locations such as home, work, or school. Registered participants can tailor the types of notifications they receive for severe weather warnings or critical local emergency updates. For more details and information about AlertPBC, visit discover.pbc.gov/publicsafety/dem/pages/alert-pbc.aspx, and to register for AlertPBC, visit member.everbridge.net/892807736726195/new.
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Furthermore, Palm Beach County residents can also enroll in the Palm Beach County Disaster Assessment and Resource Tool (PBC DART). PBC DART is a mobile application available on Apple and Android devices that enables registered users to check evacuation orders and zones, identify shelter locations and their status, find nearby stores with generators, and report damage to homes or businesses. To learn more about PBC DART and how to register, visit discover.pbc.gov/publicsafety/dem/pages/dart.aspx.
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For official information on sheltering, evacuation planning, and storm preparedness in Palm Beach County, please visit discover.pbc.gov/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Hurricane.aspx.
Lastly, for the further benefit of county residents, as of July 1, 2025, our state’s permanent sales tax exemption on hurricane preparedness supplies went into effect across Palm Beach County and Florida overall, covering items like generators, batteries, gas cans, tarps, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and more. For a helpful emergency supply kit shopping list, please visit discover.pbc.gov/publicsafety/dem/Publications/hurricane_supply_checklist.pdf#search=shopping list.
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More Coming Attractions
Florida Animals: Oceans: Daggerwing Nature Center - July 15, 2025
(Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation - daggerwing@pbc.gov)
Kids Get in Free at Palm Beach County Zoo - Through Aug. 10, 2025
(Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches - info@palmbeachzoo.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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