From the desk of Commissioner Maria Sachs

May 2021, Issue Eleven

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One year has passed since Coronavirus swept through our community. This pandemic, the worst in a century, has left our population with sickness, business disruption, isolation and even death. With it, much of the joy in our way of life was swept away.

It has been said, don't let yesterday take up too much of today.

But now:

It's time to move forward.

It's time to get back to work.

It's time to get ready for school.

It's time for joy.

~Commissioner Maria Sachs

MASK MANDADTE

What to Know

Governor DeSantis signed an Executive Order invalidating all remaining local emergency COVID orders, including the Palm Beach County mask mandate.

Executive Order 21-102

"Now is the time to move beyond mandates armed with the knowledge we have gained from science and experts over the last year. We should move on with kindness in our hearts and compassion for others," said Commissioner Maria Sachs.

In a continued effort to protect employees and the public, facial coverings or masks will continue to be required by employees and the public while conducting business in county buildings. The county will continue to follow all CDC guidelines and executive orders.

Memo from County Administration

CDC Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

Guiding principles for fully vaccinated people are now provided.
Underscores that immunocompromised people need to consult their healthcare provider about these recommendations, even if fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask outdoors, except in certain crowded settings and venues.
Clarification that fully vaccinated workers no longer need to be restricted from work following an exposure as long as they are asymptomatic.
Fully vaccinated residents of non-healthcare congregate settings no longer need to quarantine following a known exposure.
Fully vaccinated asymptomatic people without an exposure may be exempted from routine screening testing, if feasible.
For more information, visit the CDC website.

May 4, 2021

Board of County Commission Meeting Update

Scripps Research Institute: In 2006, Governor Jeb Bush, with the approval of the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (BCC), purchased land designed for the Scripps Research Institute (Scripps) from La Jolla, California.

Additional land was purchased for the creation of a a biotech industry. Since that time, the biotech industry has grown tremendously in the county, including the Max Planck Florida Institute, FAU Brain Institute and numerous start-ups.

The BCC approved the transfer of land to Scripps to continue it's mission of bringing biotech sciences to the Palm Beaches.

Redistricting: Every ten years the county redraws Commission District maps based on Census results. Due to delays in reporting caused by Covid-19, this year the board will receive the information in late September and complete the maps by the end of the calendar year.

All Seasons

At the May 5th Board of County Commissioners (BCC) Comprehensive Plan meeting, a land use change was presented to the board for the construction of a 186-bed Assisted Living Facility located on the northeast corner of Linton Blvd. and Lyons Road.

The board unanimously voted to postpone consideration of the petition to the July 28th meeting.

GL Homes and Lake Worth Drainage District Appeal

At the same meeting, GL Homes petitioned the board to allow the use of Lake Worth Drainage District's (LWDD) canal easements towards Transfer of Development Rights.

I voted against the use but was not on the prevailing side. This favorable outcome allows GL Homes to build at greater density.

Please email me at MSachs@pbcgov.org to voice your opinion about these matters.

Member, Transportation Planning Agency

April 15th Board Meeting

The federal government has offered $1 Billion for counties to modify better mobility on their roads through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant program.

Commissioner Maria Sachs petitioned the agency to to apply for the grant dollars to be used on the roadways in her district.

Tourist Development Council

Chairwoman Maria Sachs presented a proclamation to the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Board recognizing May 2 – 8, 2021 as National Travel and Tourism Week and May 7, specifically, as National Travel and Tourism Day.

Pictured: Commissioner Maria Sachs, County Administrator Verdenia Baker & TDC Executive Director Glenn Jergensen

with the TDC Board

LION COUNTRY SAFARI

Commissioner Sachs pictured with Lion Country Safari CEO, Marc Unterhalter, and

Managing Director, Jennifer Berthiaume

Commissioner Maria Sachs is the Chairwoman of the Tourist Development Council (TDC) and accordingly an ambassador for Palm Beach County. In her role, she ensures that our tourism and hospitality industry remains viable to keep our economy strong during this economic recovery from the COVID19 pandemic.

Commissioner Sachs is proud that Lion Country Safari has been recognized as a Top Local Attraction and the "Best of Palm Beach County" ; therefore it is vital that we must protect and support this treasure.

Although LCS is on the mend as it re-opened its drive-thru safari in May of 2020 followed by a partial opening of the Safari Splash Park, it is currently understaffed. LCS has been adversely impacted by the COVID19 pandemic with labor challenges within the hospitality industry. LCS needs employees to assist with daily feeding of the park’s wildlife and requires the appropriate staffing to open the entire Safari Splash for additional public attendance. Please visit LCS’s website for the full list of Employment Opportunities.

Commissioner Sachs with Lion Country Safari's Public Relations Specialist, Haley Passeser, and Buck, the oldest recorded Rhino on record.

The hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic with almost 7.7 million jobs lost. It has only seen about 50% of the industry re-employed due to the challenge of structural displacement of labor. We also need to reassure the employees and patrons that visit these businesses that responsible health and safety standards have been implemented along with new technology for conducive communication.

As a community we must do our part by referring employment openings, ensure safety and health standards for business-confidence and encourage our family, friends and visitors of Florida to frequent Lion Country Safari and our other tourist attractions throughout Florida.

Meet

Haley Passeser

Public Relations Specialist

Lion Country Safari

After the world shut down last spring, the reopening of Lion Country Safari's (LCS) drive-through safari was a godsend to quarantined families in need of some semblance of normalcy.

Experiencing Florida’s largest adventure park from the comfort of their own vehicle seems easy enough, but with half the employees and most amenities of the facility shut down, LCS still needed to care for their 1000 animals and 300 plus acres of habitat while finding new and ever changing ways of promoting their park.

LCS adapted their promotional efforts with an excellent management at the helm, including Haley Passeser, their Public Relations Specialist. A graduate of University of Central Florida with a B.S. in psychology, Haley has been with LCS for eight years.

Haley’s average daily duties involve sharing all the wonderful things about LCS with the world; pitching press releases, hosting the media, conducting interviews, crafting social media content to engage with followers, creating marketing materials and digital content in addition to providing guided tours. Haley loves finding new ways to promote the park through stories, social media campaigns or eye-catching new graphics. Her passion is further fueled by LCS’ phenomenal mission to be a leader in animal care, conservation and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a fun, family-friendly environment.

One example of these connections is achieved by highlighting the baby animals born at the facility, such as resident rhino, Baby Bash, whose first moments after birth and photos and videos as they grow and explore are well documented and shared via social media. Baby Bash became a Lion Country Safari Facebook sensation. Guests continue to come just to see him or contact LCS to inquire what he's up to. It is through these connections that the animals serve as ambassadors for their species.

The health of their resident wildlife parallels LCS’ concern for the wellbeing of its visitors. As more of the park continues to open its different sections, it does so strategically with health, safety, and comfort in mind. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor dining, socially distanced activities and open air events.

With excellent leadership and the utmost respect for its residents and visitors, it is no wonder that this county treasure continues being a leader in PBC’s tourism industry even in the most challenging of times.