Celebrating Mother's Day | May 2025 | | |
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"Two things in the world will never abandon you: The eye of God that sees you everywhere and the love of a mother that follows you forever."
(An Old Italian Proverb).
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There's no sweeter word than "MOM." It evokes strong emotions of love, loss, and always an overwhelming sense of connection. We all love our moms, and for those of us who no longer have them with us, their blessed memory stays within us. That unconditional love is something that never tires, nor questions. We know it's just there, surrounding and protecting us.
You don't have to have borne a child to qualify for this highest of titles, you just have to love without question another vulnerable human being, with all its defects, problems, and challenges. To a "mom," you're beautiful, smart, and the most successful of all.
This Mothers Day, as we honor ALL mothers, let us never forget that through our mothers we are all connected as brothers and sisters in one big family. ENJOY and CELEBRATE to all my friends and neighbors!!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY EVERYONE!
| | Maria Sachs, Commissioner | | Commissioner Maria Sachs with her mother of blessed memory and daughter Natasha. | | | Proclamation Honoring the 77th Anniversary of the State of Israel | | | (From L to R): Chabad West Delray Rabbi Yossi Schapiro, American Jewish Committee Palm Beach Director of Advocacy Debbie Koristz, Palm Beach Synagogue Rabbi Schneor Minsky, Alpert Jewish Family Service (AJFS) David Naftaly, AJFS Ruth Naftaly, Commissioner Gregg K. Weiss, AJFS Joel and Nancy Hart, Commissioner Maria Sachs, Deputy Consul General of Israel Miami Ayellet Black, AJFS Marc Hopin, Palm Beach Regional Director of American Jewish Committee Lawrence Milstein, American Jewish Committee Palm Beach Board Member Emily Glassman and Regional Director of Anti-Defamation League Daniel Frank. (Photo Source: PBC Public Affairs Dept.) | | Commissioner Maria Sachs with the Jewish Federation of PBC Association Director of Jewish Community Relations Jeff Dawson during the Israel proclamation event. (Photo Source: PBC Public Affairs Dept.) | | |
I had the distinct honor of signing a Palm Beach County Proclamation recognizing the 77th Anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. This momentous occasion serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit, resilience and global significance of Israel, a nation whose birth was forged through sacrifice, hope and an unwavering commitment to freedom.
Seventy-seven years ago, David Ben-Gurion declared Israel's independence. Since that pivotal day in 1948, Israel has emerged not only as a homeland for all Jews but also as a beacon of hope, innovation and cultural richness in an increasingly complicated and turbulent world.
| | In this context, this Israel proclamation isn't just symbolic. Rather, it serves as a direct reaffirmation of our county's deep ties with the Israeli people and our shared values of liberty, justice and peace. | | As a community that heavily values diversity, inclusion, and international friendship, Palm Beach County stands proudly with our Jewish neighbors and friends in marking this anniversary. Israel’s numerous contributions in medicine, technology, agriculture, and the environmental sciences continue to shape our world in meaningful ways. Israel's democratic spirit and cultural vibrancy reflect the very best of what nations can aspire to be. | | Senator Maria Sachs (2nd from L) meeting up with officials from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) after negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding between Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and FAU's Medical School. (Photo Source: Florida Atlantic University) | | Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu & Senator Maria Sachs at a trade mission in Israel. (Photo Source: Office of Prime Minister of Israel) | | Nevertheless, the journey is not without its challenges. Israel continues to face threats to its security and obstacles to lasting peace. And yet, its people persist—with courage, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the promise of tomorrow. On this 77th Independence Day, we pay tribute to all those who have defended, built, and nurtured the State of Israel since its founding, and we remember those whose lives were lost in its defense. | | Coming to Our Neighborhood | | |
El Car Wash Boca
9087 Glades Road, Boca Raton
| | (Photo Source: El Car Wash) | | |
As your Palm Beach County Commissioner, I’m pleased to share news about the exciting new El Car Wash location coming soon to the West Boca area near U.S. 441 and Glades Road. The new venue is specifically going to be constructed and operated at the address of 9087 Glades Road.
The project in question aims to foster not only economic growth and enrichment, but also strong environmental and community benefits. The site will be surrounded by mature native trees, creating a green buffer and natural canopy that helps protect air and water quality, reduces urban heat, and provides habitat for local wildlife, aligning with our county’s commitment to sustainable development.
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A letter of support from the Jewish Assoc. for Residential Care (JARC) FL praises El Car Wash for its new location's benefits with respect to not only Boca's local economy but also our developmentally diverse friends and peers who wish to contribute more to their communities. (Letter Source: JARC FL CEO Jeff Zirulnick) | | (Photo Source: El Car Wash) | | Beyond the environmental care aspects of this exciting new project, I’m especially proud of how this project supports our developmentally diverse residents. El Car Wash has made its dedication to inclusive hiring practices clear, offering stable employment opportunities well suited for individuals with autism and other cognitive differences. Indeed, local organizations such as the Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC) Florida have strongly supported this project, with public letters emphasizing its positive impact on individuals and families they serve. Projects like this demonstrate how we can grow our economy in a way that uplifts everyone in our community. | |
Tallahassee News on PBC-Related Affairs
2025 Florida Legislative Session (Extended)
| | (Photo Source: Tallahassee Democrat) | | In my capacity as PBC Commissioner for District 5, I have been actively tracking developments in the extended 2025 Florida Legislative Session, now scheduled to conclude on June 6, 2025. A number of major proposals under review in Tallahassee could significantly impact our region, from how we fund essential services to how we manage housing, development, and the environment. Below is a summary of the most relevant issues for Palm Beach County residents. | | |
Condominium Affordability and Structural Reform
As condo owners face rising costs, lawmakers have passed reforms aimed at easing financial strain while maintaining safety standards enacted after the 2021 Surfside collapse. Key provisions include:
- A one-year extension of the Dec. 31 deadline for required reserve studies; expanded application of milestone inspections and reserve studies to all buildings with three or more habitable stories;
- Authorization for associations to use loans or lines of credit to meet reserve obligations with majority owner approval;
- The bill also permits temporary flexibility by allowing a two-year pause on reserve funding following milestone inspections and enables online voting for association matters. Local officials must report inspection outcomes and identify unsafe buildings to the state by Oct. 1.
- In addition, professionals bidding on related construction work must disclose any prior involvement in inspections or reserve studies.
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Property Tax Reform and Fiscal Policy
The newly formed Select Committee on Property Taxes is exploring a series of wide-reaching reforms that could fundamentally reshape Florida’s local government revenue systems. Among the proposals being discussed:
- A $500,000 homestead exemption for non-school levies and up to $1 million for seniors and long-term homeowners;
- Local referenda to eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties entirely;
- Assessment cap adjustments for both homesteaded and non-homesteaded properties, and;
- Prohibitions on foreclosures based solely on property tax liens.
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Affordable Housing and Live Local Act
Recent amendments to the Live Local Act aim to expand where and how affordable housing can be developed, with new preemptions on local zoning that could accelerate development in our region:
- Authorization for affordable housing on properties owned by religious institutions;
- Allowances for mixed-use and flexibly zoned parcels without additional variances or plan amendments;
- Streamlined approval processes that prohibit excessive local regulatory delays, and;
- Specific protections for historic buildings, limiting height impacts and preserving neighborhood character.
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Construction Regulation and Development Practices
A broad construction regulation package will affect permitting, inspections and local authority over certain materials and processes:
- Limitations on permitting delays and excessive documentation requirements;
- State standards for turf installation and material usage preempting local regulations;
- Expanded use of private providers for plan reviews and inspections, including virtual single-trade reviews, and;
- Adjustments to elevator design, alarm systems, and public works bidding rules.
| | FL's Turnpike/FDOT News: PBC Road Updates | | Several important Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Turnpike Enterprise infrastructure improvements are underway throughout Palm Beach County. | | One of the most significant is the ongoing work at the Boynton Beach Boulevard/SR 804 interchange (Exit 86) along Florida’s Turnpike. Construction, scheduled to take place during May 2025, includes overnight lane and ramp closures as part of a $9.5 million project that will add turning lanes, upgrade pavement markings and install new overhead signage to improve visibility and traffic flow. | | (Photo Source: Floridasturnpike.com) | | Just north of the location referenced above, work will also continue widening the Turnpike to four lanes in each direction from north of Boynton Beach Boulevard to north of Lake Worth Road. This $170 million project also includes new sound barriers and the reconstruction of the Hypoluxo Road bridge to accommodate the expanded roadway. | | (Photo Source: Floridasturnpike.com) | | |
As your Commissioner, I firmly believe that these important projects will facilitate and ensure meaningful, long-term investments in safer, more efficient transportation across our growing Palm Beach County region and beyond.
For more information, visit floridasturnpike.com and fdot.gov.
| | A Show of Appreciation from a Gracious Boca Constituent | | I just wanted to take a moment to thank you both personally for handling my urgent concern about reckless drivers speeding through our West Boca neighborhoods, especially with kids playing nearby. | | |
When I first reached out, I was frustrated, scared, and frankly unsure if anything would come of it. However, within only a couple of hours, your office promptly called me right back, and it was then made abundantly clear to me that you were taking this issue seriously. Two days later, PBSO was out on our street in full force.
Then, to top it off, I received a follow-up call from a PBSO Lieutenant who told me exactly what steps were being taken. Additional patrols, speeding enforcement initiatives and a new traffic study are being rolled out.
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Thanks to your attention and quick response, I genuinely believe we’ve prevented what could have been a tragic accident. It feels like we’re finally being heard, and as a father, coach, and HOA board member, that means the world to me.
You didn’t just answer my email—you helped protect our kids. That’s real public service!
With deep appreciation,
A Grateful West Boca Constituent"
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Glasstress Boca Raton 2025
Dates: May 1-31
Location: Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, 33432
Website: bocamuseum.org
Contact Email: info@bocamuseum.org
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MUDGIRL Run
Dates: May 17–18
Time: 7:45 a.m.
Location: South County Regional Park, 11200 Park Access Road, Boca Raton, 33498
Website: mudgirlrun.us
Contact Email: info@mudgirlrun.us
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Card Making Club: Shaker Greeting Cards
- Date: Wednesday, May 21
- Time: 3–4:30 p.m.
- Location: West Boca Branch Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, 33498
- Description: Join fellow craft enthusiasts to create fun and interactive shaker greeting cards. All supplies are provided and no experience is necessary.
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Registration: pbclibrary.org/locations/wboca
Lego Builders Club
- Date: Thursday, May 23
- Time: 3–4 p.m.
- Location: Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach, 33446
- Description: Kids ages 5 and up are invited to unleash their creativity and build with LEGO bricks. Each session offers new themes and building challenges to inspire imagination and teamwork.
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Registration: pbclibrary.org/locations/hagen
For a full list of upcoming events and registration details, visit: pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events.
| | What do I need to know about the new recommendations to avoid outdoor burning in Palm Beach County? | | |
Due to ongoing drought conditions, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Chief David DeRita has issued a no-burning recommendation. While this may not be an official ban, it is still a serious precaution to take.
Even with recent rain, ground moisture remains dangerously low, and the risk of brush fires is high. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index measures soil dryness and continues rising and approaching levels associated with extreme fire danger.
As such, I strongly urge all residents in our affected areas to avoid outdoor flames until conditions sufficiently improve.
More details and helpful tips on how to prepare your home for wildfire season are available at nfpa.org/en/education-and-research/wildfire/preparing-homes-for-wildfire.
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Grand Opening of New Bocce Ball Courts
(South County Regional Park)
Lifeguard & CPR Training/Certification Classes (YMCA-TPB)
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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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