From the desk of Commissioner Maria Sachs

June 2021, Issue Thirteen

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The light at the end of the tunnel; we've turned the corner; it's a new day. These are all expressions we're using to signal the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of a return to normalcy.

We should congratulate ourselves. We followed the rules of washing our hands, social distancing and wearing masks. It was never easy nor comfortable. Just ask our kids, our teenagers and our seniors. We all suffered through isolation, separation and even death. But we did it!

Now let's never forget Palm Beach County, that we

DID IT TOGETHER.

~Commissioner Maria Sachs

MASK

UPDATE

Fully Vaccinated Can Go Maskless in County Buildings

Based on the most recent recommendations of the CDC, all fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask inside County buildings.

County Property includes all County-owned and County-leased buildings where Palm Beach County’s offices, divisions, and departments conduct business.

Masks will continue to be worn on all public transit (buses, planes and trains) transportation hubs in accordance with federal policy and all other exemptions per the CDC.

To view the entire memo from our County Administrator:

Updated Policy on the Use of Facial Coverings

May 25, 2021

Board of County Commissioners Workshop

The BCC received an update on FEMA’s Proposed Flood Zones Map for Palm Beach County. We as local elected officials have an obligation to protect homes and properties from the devastation of flooding. South Florida is now ground zero with unprecedented sea level rises due to the impact of Climate Change. It is important to address these changes at the beginning of hurricane season so we are accurate on the designation of flood zone areas throughout the County. We want to accurately ensure properties are protected from potential flooding.

Member, Transportation Planning Agency

May 20th Board Meeting

At the May 20th TPA meeting, we learned that pedestrian/bike crashes make up a disproportionate percentage of total traffic-related fatalities in Palm Beach County, coming in at 27 percent.

Did you know? - the TPA offers an interactive map where you can look up Pedestrian Facilities, Bicycle Facilities, Palm Tran Bus Stops, Crosswalks and so much more. You can find the TPA Interactive Map by clicking here: www.palmbeachTPA.org/map

The point layer for all fatal and serious injury crashes is available on the map. For example, you can click on “All Fatal & Serious Injury Crashes” on the left side list of layers and then zoom in on a particular area to make the layer active. You can sort the search even further, such as “Commission Districts” and then zoom into District 5 on the map.

Now that people are returning to work, school and play, our roadways are becoming more congested. Many of our major transportation corridors are under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Transportation. There will be an important workshop focused on the Atlantic Blvd. Corridor. I urge your participation.

Don't miss it. -Maria Sachs

Florida Department of Transportation Seeks Input

FDOT - Atlantic Avenue Public Meeting Notices

The crack of the bat, the crowd cheering for the hometown team, the sweet taste of hot dogs... it's Baseball Season in Palm Beach County. There is no better way to celebrate the start of summer than to catch an evening out at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Come join the crowd as we honor our HOMETOWN HEROES with a celebration to honor their achievements this past year with both entertainment and summer baseball. See you there. - Maria Sachs

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVED AT WEST BOCA

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

The Tradition Continues

On Monday, May 31st, Commissioner Maria Sachs joined with The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10556, elected officials, constituents and friends to honor the men and women who died while serving in our armed forces.

"Though I have attended this event many times over the years, several decades in fact, this was a special day. Gathering with the community to observe this solemn occasion for the first time post-Covid, and speaking as your local representative, it gave me pause to count my blessings even more on this day of remembrance for those who gave everything in the name of freedom for our great nation", said Commissioner Sachs.

This annual ceremony featured a procession of colors, guest speakers and patriotic music. It was sponsored by Palm Beach County, coordinated jointly by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.

Vice-Mayor Robert Weinroth, Commissioner Maria Sachs, Commander Barry Goldin and State Senator Tina Polsky

Now through June 6: Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday

Sales tax exemption is on supplies for hurricanes season, such as reusable ice packs, flashlights, batteries, tarps, and portable generators.

MEET COMMMISSIONER SACHS' INTERNS

From Left to Right:

Silvana Gaona, County Administrator Verdenia Baker,

Commissioner Maria Sachs and Carley Hartmann.

Silvana Gaona was born in Bogota, Colombia and raised in Boca Raton. Silvana graduated high school from Olympic Heights High School and further continued her education at Nova Southeastern University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. Silvana was on the University's women’s soccer team for three years. In her free time she loves to stay active.

"It is an honor to be interning for Commissioner Sachs and seeing first hand how she puts her constituents interests first. I am learning a lot of what local politics is like," said Silvana.

Silvana's future plans include further continuing her career by going to law school and possibly pursing a career in politics.

Carley Hartmann is from Boca Raton and attended Boca Raton Middle School and Boca Raton High School, and went on to continue her education at Florida Atlantic University. Carley recently graduated from FAU in the spring class of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Management.

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to work under Commissioner Sachs, being able to see how different facets of local government function," said Carley.

Growing up in Palm Beach County, she has a love for our beaches and waterways and often enjoys them in her free time.

Carley would like to serve the community she grew up in as it continues to grow and plans to work for the county in planning, zoning and building.

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