I attended the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) conference in Seminole County earlier this month. It was inspiring to see so many county commissioners from across the state working together to address our shared challenges. 

I was particularly impressed by the healthy debate and discussion that took place in the various committees. 

I'm confident that the results of our legislative conference in November will be beneficial for all of Florida. 

Our delegation from Palm Beach County and South Florida was strong and well-represented. There is power in numbers!

Additionally, join me in celebrating the county library's 50th anniversary of the Talking Books service for the blind and physically handicapped!

On Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South County Civic Center, the Palm Beach County Library System will host a fun-filled event for all ages. 

Enjoy entertainment, crafts, door prizes, refreshments and more.

I will be honored to present a proclamation at the event in recognition of this milestone anniversary.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Talking Books service and how it has enriched the lives of thousands of Palm Beach County residents. Come celebrate with us!

I am just getting started on LinkedIn and I'm already hooked! Connect with me below.

The mental health crisis is a pressing concern that affects countless individuals and communities. In times of distress, having access to resources and support can make all the difference. 

211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, a nationally accredited 24/7 suicide and community hotline, provides free and confidential crisis intervention, assessment and referrals to community agencies.

In addition to mental health services, 211 offers assistance with food, medical clinics, senior services, foreclosure prevention, parenting information and special needs services.

To access resources, dial 2-1-1. Calls are free, confidential and available 24/7 for people of all ages.

For those who prefer texting, text the zip code to TXT211 (898211) or chat online here.

211 is there to offer a helping hand, ensuring that no one has to face these challenges alone.

Thank you to Candi Spitz, Sharon L'Herrou, and Lee Williams for the in-depth tour and overview of 211's lifesaving services.

Below is a recent update from the Engineering and Public Works Department on the Palmetto Park Road Bridge project.

The roadway contractor has started placing concrete for driveways and sidewalks and base rock east and west of the bridge for upcoming asphalt paving. 

The bridge contractor has completed the eastbound bridge demolition and is preparing to install the bridge columns.

Modifications were necessary for the southern bridge columns due to the proximity to overhead electric lines; however, county engineers and the contractors found a solution with minimal disruption.

The bridge columns are expected to be installed in the upcoming weeks, and crews will start forming pile caps. After completion of those tasks, the bridge decking will be installed. 

The project schedule now shows completion in late December 2023 due to additional work required to avoid the overhead electric lines.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to enhance our infrastructure. Your support is invaluable as we navigate through these phases of progress.

There are lots of upgrades in the works at Ocean Inlet park including new docks, a seawall and safety improvements to the A1A crossover and lifeguard tower!

This 11-acre park has two waterfront areas for visitors to enjoy. Take a walk along the beachfront and intracoastal that feature a marina, kayak launch and ocean observation deck.

The park also has picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, shower facilities and is open from sunrise to sunset.  

One of its unique features is a fishing pier that’s open 24 hours!  

Palm Beach County is offering up to $100,000 to help first-time homebuyers purchase a home.

Funding is available for acquisition, acquisition/rehabilitation, new construction, down payment and closing costs.

Apply online from October 10-31, 2023.

The Center for Arts and Innovation in Boca Raton selected the Pritzker Prize–winning architect Renzo Piano to design a new arts and cultural destination in Mizner Park.

In 2018, The Center for Arts and Innovation, a nonprofit that delivers art and culture to the city, first announced the project that includes six adaptive indoor/outdoor performance and event spaces with seating capacities ranging from nearly 100 to 3,500.

The center is estimated to create more than $1.3 billion in overall economic impact in the area within its first five years and attract more than half a million new annual visitors.

Congratulations to Andrea Virgin and her team for the hard work and dedication to bringing this project to life!

Attending the press conference with Andrea Virgin, CEO of The Center for Arts and Innovation, and Antoine Chaaya, director of the Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

The county's Adopt-A-Road Program encourages businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations to adopt an area of the county's roadway for litter control.

Groups are required to pay a fee (waived for nonprofits), and in return, the county installs two signs to recognize the adopting entity and provides the group with safety training and cleanup equipment. The program requires four roadside cleanups each year over two years.

Adopt-A-Road has proven to be a highly effective public-private partnership that allows residents to make a positive statement for a clean, attractive community with some recognition.

Check out these recent news articles on important county issues, events and programs featuring Commissioner Woodward.

County to start design, permitting for Milani Park

‘A win-win’: If you’re a first-time homebuyer, grants are being offered for up to $100,000

Boca Helping Hands’ Bowling for Bread Benefited Local Children’s Charities 

Get ready to witness an exciting fusion of generations as the Fuller Center and The Volen Center team up to create an intergenerational day center at The Volen Center. 

This innovative program facilitates meaningful interactions between seniors and children, promoting play and educational engagement that benefits both age groups.

Intergenerational centers have long been recognized for their profound positive impact, yet they remain a rare gem in many communities.

The establishment of this center marks a significant milestone as one of the few intergenerational centers in southern Palm Beach County.

The center will be open to all children in the area from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Affordable tuition, meals and snacks are available for enrolled students. 

Open enrollment is underway, and parents are encouraged to contact Elen de Paula at [email protected] or call 561-391-7274, ext. 121.

Public Comment

Citizens may offer comments to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) on regular agenda items, items listed for public hearings, and during Matters by the Public that is usually held on the first meeting of the month at 2 p.m.

BCC meetings are held in the Robert Weisman Palm Beach County Governmental Center, 6th floor Commission Chambers, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach.

During Matters by the Public, citizens are welcome to address any issues under the jurisdiction of the board.

Anyone wishing to speak is requested to complete a Comments by the Public card (available in the chambers) and give it to the Public Affairs staff member near the podium.

When your name is called, please step up to the open podium and state, for the record, your name and address and stay within your allotted time that is generally three minutes.

It is important to note that the board generally refrains from entering into immediate dialogues with the public during the time. Complex and critical issues require careful consideration, and it can be challenging to provide accurate responses on the spot.

For individuals seeking more detailed information or assistance with their concerns, we recommend reaching out directly to your county commissioner's office.

If you are unable to attend the meeting in person there is an option to submit your public comment electronically here.

Your participation is greatly valued as it helps shape our community and the decisions made by the Board of County Commissioners.

We welcome your feedback on our District 4 newsletter. Please let us know if you found this information helpful and what else you would like to know.