REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
''IF I CANNOT DO GREAT THINGS, I CAN DO SMALL THINGS IN A
GREAT WAY''

I was in High School when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King preached the
gospel of standing up for what is right. I wanted to do my part even in a
"small way." So for my community service, I volunteered to mentor
teens across town in Compton, California. I wasn't able to march in
Selma or travel to Washington D.C., but I knew that in reaching out to
kids my age, I was doing my small part of this great man's crusade.

When my children were in High School, we as a family would participate
in inter-denominational religious services, singing and celebrating his life
and legacy. Civil Rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was just 39
years old when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. His words are as
relevant and maybe more needed today than when he was alive 52
years ago.

"THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF A MAN IS NOT WHERE HE STANDS IN
MOMENTS OF COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE, BUT WHERE HE STANDS
AT TIMES OF CHALLENGE AND CONTROVERSY."

Let us all stand up, and make a commitment to follow his legacy in "great and small things" so that all men, regardless of the color of their skin may live together in peace and equality. 

-Maria Sachs
What is closed and what is open on MLK day
The national holiday, which celebrates the reverend's birthday, was approved in 1983 and observes King's legacy and impact of the Civil Rights movement.

With the celebrations also comes many businesses and government departments closing up shop to observe the holiday.

Let's take a look at what is closed and what is open this Monday for MLK day.

South Florida
  • State offices will be closed.
  • Federal offices and banks will be closed.
  • Post offices will be closed with no regular mail delivery.
  • Markets: NYSE, Nasdaq, and Bond Markets will be closed.
  • Tri-Rail will operate on a regular schedule. To find train schedules, call Tri-Rail customer service at 800-874-7245 or visit tri-rail.com

Palm Beach County
  • Public schools will be closed on Jan. 17 as well as most colleges and universities.
  • The 15th Judicial Court will be closed.
  • There will be regular trash pick-up in unincorporated Palm Beach County.
  • The county library system will be closed.
  • Neighborhood open-space parks and natural areas will be open.
  • Palm Tran will operate on a Weekday bus service schedule and administrative offices will be closed.
Where to Attend Martin Luther King Jr. Events
Boca Raton. Community Boxed Breakfast, 8-10 a.m., Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 220 Ruby St., Boca Raton. Sponsored by Developing Interracial & Social Change. 

Boynton Beach. Day of Service, 9-11 a.m., Carolyn Sims Center, 225 NW 12th Ave., Boynton Beach. The community is invited to participate in a Day of Service neighborhood cleanup in honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy. No RSVP is required and no supplies are needed. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. 561-742-6236.

Boca Raton. Unity March, 10 a.m., MLK Jr. Monument, 200 Ruby Street to Mizner Park Amphitheater, East Lot, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Featuring Boca Raton Community High School Band & Color Guard, and the FAU Jazz Ensemble. MLK Jr. celebration continues at 11 a.m. with Keynote Speaker Cairo Eubanks; Humanitarian Award Presentation, Mayoral Proclamation, and community leader speeches. The free Unity Celebration from noon-2 p.m will feature rides, crafts, music, and games. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Boynton Beach. Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. Day Celebration, Noon-4 p.m., Sara Sims Park, NW Ninth Court, Boynton Beach. Bring your chairs and blankets to this free family-friendly outdoor event, which will feature music, food trucks, nonprofit displays, kids activities, and more. 561-742-6010.

West Palm Beach. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.

The South County Fair
For 17 outrageously fun days in January, the South County Fair is here!

Known as one of Florida's top-rated fairs, it has had a legacy in Palm Beach County since 1912. The Fair features everything from educational and interactive exhibits, five stages of music and entertainment, an award-winning agriculture and livestock program to "rockin' robots". Oh did I forget the more than 200 rides, games, and attractions. It is family fun at its finest!

Come join us as we celebrate the best of the best in our County for 17 outrageous days!

124th SESSION OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE BEGINS 
"Commissioner Sachs advocating while serving as a State Senator"

Palm Beach County Days

The Florida Legislature meets for only 60 days, and during those days, laws are passed that affect every Floridian in all 67 counties. Palm Beach County is fortunate to host its legislative advocacy days during the opening week of the Session. Hundreds of elected officials, community leaders, and interested residents join together to lobby for our county's interests.

Some of the issues that I lobbied for include:

  • Traffic congestion and safety
  • Affordable housing
  • Environmental issues include open spaces, water resources.
  • Veterans' benefits
  • Preservation of farming.

I met with Department Heads and Legislative Leaders to discuss solutions to these important issues. In the upcoming issues, I will outline the specifics of our meetings. 
Your County Commissioner,
Maria Sachs, Commissioner
Palm Beach County
Fighting For You!
Commissioner Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Commission - District 5