Ask anyone who was the first and strongest influence in their life, and most, if not all, will say their Moms. It is from our Moms that we form a moral compass and have the support to spread our wings and fly. Not just our moms but aunts, sisters, and, of course, grandmothers, all elevate our spirits and offer unconditional love. Let us celebrate these wonderful women in our lives every day, protect them, support them and recognize their greatness.

Your County Commissioner,
-Maria Sachs-
Spotlight 🔦
National Women's History Month
Women's History Month is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women. From Abigail Adams to Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks, the timeline of women's history milestones stretches back to the founding of the United States. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women's History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history.
National Women's History Month: TrailBlazers
Valerie Neilson
Valerie Neilson is passionate about transportation and creating healthy, sustainable, and economically vibrant communities. With over 13 years of experience in strategic planning and project management, she has excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Valerie is an influential leader fluent in English & Spanish with an M.S. in Urban & Regional Planning and a B.S. in Environmental Studies.
Antonietta Brancaccio -Balzano
Antonietta Brancaccio -Balzano born and raised in Naples, Italy. Her philosophy of life is that nothing can substitute ambition and perseverance; ambition is the path to success and perseverance is the vehicle to achieve it. Antonietta graduated from Universita`degli Studi Federico II in 2005 with a Juris Doctor and was also magna cum laude. She pursued her legal education at the University of Miami School of Law where she obtained her Master's Degree in International and Comparative Law.
Flora Doone
Flora Doone considers herself to be a Jane-of-All-Trades. From the hands-on design, print and production management, to event production, Flora takes on every project with exuberance for the challenge at hand. Her experience began with a DDB advertising agency in the 80s, and several agencies locally, as well as all facets of media from magazines to newspapers. She runs a successful business today while volunteering many hours to the Jewish Association of Residential Care.
Sheri Scarborough
Originally from Boardman, Ohio, Sheri moved to South Florida in 1980 after attending Kent State University. She became active in her community when her three sons started school at Whispering Pines Elementary School, beginning with the school’s PTA. Sheri joined the Board of Directors of the WBCC in 1993. She has been the President of the Council since 2002 and also serves on the Palm Beach County Zoning Commission. Sheri has served on the Boca Raton Airport Authority Aviation Advisory Committee, Palm Beach County State Attorney's Community Advisory Board, the Boca Raton Promise Board of Directors, and on the homeowners association in her own community. Sheri owns her own community management firm, Superior Association Management, Inc. which specializes in homeowner associations. Sheri leads the West Boca Community Council advocating for the rights of thousands of homeowners.
Isami Ayala-Collazo
Isami Ayala-Collazo is the Director of the Palm Beach County Facilities and Operations Department. She is a licensed chemical engineer (P.E.), a Bar admitted attorney (Puerto Rico), and a Doctoral Candidate, at the University of Baltimore. Before joining Palm Beach County, Isami worked as the Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer for the Department of General Services, Montgomery County, MD.
Lori Vinikoor
Lori Vinikoor was born in New Jersey. She holds a degree in Zoology from Rutgers College and a doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. From her childhood Girl Scout Days and college years when she belonged to the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, she has maintained a passion for civic activism. Dr. Vinikoor is president of South County Mental Health Center and the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, both not-for-profit organizations. She also serves on the Delray Medical Center Board of Governors and several Palm Beach County Boards. Being a Distinguished Toastmaster, Dr. Vinikoor has mentored many men and women in public speaking over the past twenty years. She is the moving force behind the Alliance of Delray Beach representing thousands of homeowners.
Reports From Committees
Commissioner Sachs Chair of
The Tourist Development Council
Hotel Performance Rises

January 2022 Year-Over-Year Hotel Performance Palm Beach County

·    Occupancy ended the month at 65.6, up 26% from 2021, The Palm Beaches ranked 7th in Florida

·    Average daily rate (ADR) was $284, up 50% from 2021, The Palm Beaches ranked 4th in Florida

·    Revenue per available hotel room (RevPar) was $186, up 88% from 2021

·    Room night revenue was up 91% from 2021, generating $106 million


January 2022 Year-Over-Year Hotel Performance Vacation Rentals Palm Beach County

·    Total listings on the shared lodging platforms, 4,267 with 9,310 rooms

·    Occupancy was 66.3%, up from 11% in 2021

·    Average daily rate (ADR) was $369, up 36% from 2021



Commissioner Sachs Vice-Chair of
The Solid Waste Authority

Put Some Spring in Your Clean by Recycling Home Chemicals

Save your shelf this spring by cleaning out home hazards from sheds, garages, and under sinks! But remember that any cleaners, paints, pesticides, and automotive products you may want to get rid of don’t belong in the regular trash or down storm drains where they can expose people, pets, and our environment to harm. 

Instead, Palm Beach County residents can dispose of their unwanted chemicals at any of the SWA's seven Home Chemical and Recycling Center drop-off locations for FREE! 


Upcoming Events
Dear Commissioner,
I live along a large canal which is usually covered with green fungus and heavy vegetation. Whom should I call to report this condition?


Some Canals are governed by the Lake Worth Drainage District. They can be reached at 561-498-5363 to report any issues.
Stay Safe Palm Beach County !
Your County Commissioner,
Maria Sachs, Commissioner
Palm Beach County
Fighting For You!
Commissioner Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Commission - District 5