Dear Friends and Neighbors, | | |
Hanukkah is represented as a Festival of Lights. It is only fitting that in these dark and troubling days, we stop to celebrate a holiday that represents and epitomizes brightness.
Hanukkah is a time to commemorate a people's belief in the enduring promise of hope, resilience and faith and the power of miracles. These lessons are important for all people, regardless of creed or religious affiliation.
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A wise man once said: "It is better to light a candle, than to curse the darkness." For every day of Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit, allowing the light to grow and fill the room with more radiance and warmth. Each newly-lit candle is set aglow from the flame of the Shamash, adding to the hope for a new day of peace, kindness, and health.
As we move forward into 2026, may you and your loved ones enjoy this holiday season and reflect on its meaning of both providing and shinning a light in the darkness for all.
| | As your Commissioner, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the beautiful tapestry of faith and culture that defines Palm Beach County, especially with respect to the vibrant spirit of our Christian communities as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. This sacred holiday is a time both for reflecting on our lives and for loving our fellow neighbors. However, there are some families who have to face the heart-wrenching reality of choosing between basic necessities and Christmas gifts for their children. | | When it comes to getting a chance to spread some quality Christmas cheer to the youth of Palm Beach County, I am always ready to share our bounty with the little children of our neighborhoods who have so little. | | I refuse to imagine any child in our County waking up on Christmas morning to find that the joy of the holiday season has passed them by. That's why I promoted a local effort for Santa Claus to bring toys to our little children. In doing so, we honored the giving nature of the season and worked together to ensure that no child in our area is forgotten. Santa was there to help share our County's abundance with the less fortunate. In the spirit of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas himself, make sure that you have yourself a Holly-Jolly Christmas this year! | | Promoting Our Green Markets | | |
Green markets are an important source of fresh, locally-sourced fruits and vegetables. Amidst the evolving tariff landscape, it is essential that we actively continue to support our local produce growers and distributors.
As a unified commitment towards local sourcing becomes ever more vital, it is worth noting that Palm Beach County is recognized as one of the most fruitful and productive agricultural counties in the State of Florida. Our local green markets are excellent resources that especially serve the surrounding neighborhoods during the Autumn and Winter seasons, with most typically operating and remaining open from the months of October through May of each year.
| | Commissioner Sachs stands with Florida's Secretary of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and our Legacy Farmers in Palm Beach County. | | One of the foremost leaders in this unique sector is Bedner's Farm Fresh Market, which has been operating in Palm Beach County since 1960. As a cherished member of our local, long-established family of Legacy Farms, Bedner's has long been an integral part of our broader agricultural infrastructure and agrarian business sector. The continued success and accessibility of these and other such crucial market participants are paramount to maintaining the health, vitality and economic resilience of not only our district, but also our entire County as a whole. | | PBC Paves the Way for Year-Round Green Markets | | At the recent Board of County Commissioners Zoning Hearing, amendments to the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) were approved to better preserve and enhance Palm Beach County’s cherished agricultural markets. Based on a comprehensive staff report, this measure simplifies regulations for Legacy Farmers and local businesses by merging restrictive "permanent" and "short-term" classifications into a single, common-sense "temporary use" category. This allows markets to operate year-round for up to 12 months with easy annual renewal, effectively eliminating the costly and complicated Development Review Officer (DRO) approvals previously required for operations exceeding six months. By removing this red tape, the County is ensuring these vital resources can more effectively serve our community. | | Remember Shadowood Plaza? It's Still Here! | | Sustainable development remains a core pillar of my vision. My family grew up right around the corner from the safe boundaries of Shadowood Plaza, and is my commitment to continue the legacy of this special neighborhood meeting-place. My office has been in continual contact with EDENS Managing Director, Nicole Shiman, who shares our dream of maintaining this iconic West-Boca destination. | | Commissioner Maria Sachs (L) with EDENS Managing Director Nicole Shiman (Ctr.) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) MediaLab@FAU Student Journalist Alex Bates (R) in front of the the iconic "Shadowood 16" movie theater entryway sign at Shadowood Plaza in West Boca. | | In closely working together with local residents, business leaders and County staff, I will continue to champion initiatives that strengthen infrastructure and preserve our community's character. Through balanced planning and open dialogue, Palm Beach County can grow smarter while safeguarding the unique identity and memories of every neighborhood. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring back the connectivity of our beloved Shadowood Plaza! | | PBC Library Happenings For The Holidays | |
Dino Christmas
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025
- Time: 2:30–3:00 p.m.
- Location: West Boca Branch Library, 18685 St. Rd. 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498
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Description: Combine prehistory with the holidays! We will read “The Dinosaurs' Night Before Christmas” by Anne Muecke and make a simple, festive dinosaur craft to take home. Ages 5–10. Please only register the number of children participating.
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Registration: pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/68f267a106078d3600733c2e
Warm and Cozy Storytime
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025
- Time: 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- Location: Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446
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Description: Even though it is warm outside, it is the perfect time to snuggle up with a book! Celebrate "Families Reading Together" as we share heartwarming winter books, seasonal songs and holiday crafts. Ages 3–5. Registration not required.
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Event Page: pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/68f38bbf61706d28001e4cd2
| | Animal Care & Control: Holiday Spotlight | | | | |
I'm MOTO! If you need a new furry friend this Holiday Season, then I'm your doggy!
Adopted pets are spayed and neutered, fully vaccinated, treated for ticks and fleas, micro-chipped, and more.
If interested call (561) 233-1200 and provide reference number A2323752.
For more information visit: secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/snap/adoptabledogs
| | Seasons Greetings From SWA: Reminders! | | | | |
