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Fall is in full swing and a fun-filled Hispanic Heritage Month has just come to a close. Take a look at what my team and I have been up to, and check out some of the upcoming events you don't want to miss!
In This Issue:
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- In The News
- October Proclamations & Celebrations
- Community Engagement
- News You Can Use
- Who's Hiring
- Upcoming BCC Meetings
- Events & Things To Do
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Hispanic Heritage Month
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2025
| | Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation | | At the Board of County Commissioner meeting on September 9, I had the honor of presenting a proclamation declaring September 15 – October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Palm Beach County. We came together to celebrate the vibrant Hispanic community that makes up more than a quarter of our county’s population — contributing to our culture, economy, and shared future. Our community showed up in a big way and filled the chambers for the reading of this proclamation. | | Hispanic Heritage Palm Tran Bus Wrap | | | | We now have a special Palm Tran bus wrapped with images of Hispanic leaders who inspire and uplift our community every day. Keep your eyes open! This bus commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month is currently in operation and serving our Palm Beach County residents. | | Hispanic Heritage Palm Tran Bus Tour | | |
I invited a group of community leaders and county employees to be among the first to ride the Palm Tran bus wrapped for Hispanic Heritage Month 2025. On September 12, we took the bus on a tour of Palm Beach County. Not only did participants get to visit locations in our community that serve our Hispanic population, but community members in the area were also invited to check out the new bus wrap. Our list of locations included: John I. Leonard High School, Havana Restaurant, Northwood Art & Music Warehouse, El Sabor Latino, Palm Beach State College, Health Care District of Palm Beach County, Family Impact, and the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.
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Our very first Domino Tournament was a huge success on September 23 with 26 teams competing for the top two spots. Congratulations to our champions and runners-up who took home their well-deserved trophies — and thank you to every team that joined us.
Even after being eliminated, so many of you stayed, cheered, and turned the night into a true community celebration. I had the chance to play with many of you throughout the night, which made the event even more special.
A huge thank you to the amazing team at CocoCabana for hosting us, and to my staff for working so hard behind the scenes to make this event possible. None of this could have happened without all of you.
| | Hispanic Heritage Storytime at PBC Libraries | | |
My team and I celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at Palm Beach County libraries with two special bilingual storytime events! The book we read was Coquí in the City by Nomar Perez.
On September 15, we held the event at the Palm Beach County Main Library where my Director of Communications, Yaneli Mata, read the book in English and I read it in Spanish. After the reading, local children presented a traditional flamenco dance.
The Greenacres Branch Library hosted our second storytime event. My Director of Constituents, Dianni Méndez, read the story in English while I read it in Spanish.
Together, we shared with families the importance of celebrating our culture and the gift of being bilingual.
The story of Coquí in the City resonated deeply with me. It mirrors my own journey of leaving Puerto Rico as a young boy to come live on the U.S. mainland. Seeing the children connect with the story reminded me of the importance of keeping our heritage alive for the next generation.
| | Hispanic Leadership Summit | | | | |
The 2025 Hispanic Leadership Summit hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches was a success! It took place at the Wellington Community Center where I was delighted to serve as one of the event's master of ceremonies.
The event kicked off with powerful keynote remarks by Florida Supreme Court Justice Jorge Labarga.
Our three dynamic panel discussions were: Economic Impact, Community Impact, and Hispanic Leaders.
We came together to celebrate culture, share ideas, and strengthen partnerships that empower our community.
All proceeds of the event went directly to fund Palm Beach State College Scholarships for a total of $26,500.
A big thank you to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County for hosting the event. Thank you to Justice Labarga, our panelists, sponsors, community leaders, my staff and everyone who joined us to make this event such a success. Together, we are building bridges, inspiring future leaders, and creating lasting impact.
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Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Mirta Luaces
I had the honor of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mirta Luaces. As a journalist and historian, Mirta has dedicated her life to telling our stories, preserving our culture, and uplifting families across Palm Beach County. She’s been a pillar of our Hispanic community for decades. Her dedication and leadership leave a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
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Community Award Recipient: Dina Rubio
I was also honored to present the first-ever Commissioner Flores Community Award to Dina Rubio!
Dina came to the U.S. from Nicaragua in 1982 and has been serving our community ever since — as owner of Don Ramon Restaurant, co-founder of Latin Quarter, and through countless organizations and committees. She’s always working behind the scenes to uplift others and celebrate our culture.
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Recognizing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO and Wellington Councilmember Maria S. Antuña
I also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Village of Wellington Councilmember Maria S. Antuña, honoring her extraordinary leadership, dedication, and service to the people of The Village of Wellington and Palm Beach County. Through her decades of professional excellence and her work as CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, she has championed economic opportunity – leaving a lasting impact on countless individuals. As the first Hispanic councilmember to be elected in The Village of Wellington, she has exemplified the values of perseverance, integrity, and commitment to community. With gratitude, we honor her tireless efforts, trailblazing spirit, and enduring legacy as a powerful voice for progress and unity in Palm Beach County.
| | PBC Library System Celebrates First Hispanic Leaders | | | |
Making History As Palm Beach County's First Hispanic Commissioner
From WPBF Channel 25 as part of their Hispanic Heritage Month coverage: Joel Flores, born in Puerto Rico, becomes the first Hispanic commissioner in Palm Beach County, aiming to inspire future Latino leaders. Watch the full video and read the article here.
| | | October Proclamations & Celebrations | |
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
I sponsored a proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Palm Beach County.
We also recognized FoundCare, Inc. for providing free and affordable mammograms to those most in need.
Together, we can raise awareness and save lives.
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International Artist Day
I sponsored a proclamation declaring October 25, 2025, as International Artist Day in Palm Beach County. Art inspires, connects, and strengthens our community — and our local artists make us proud every day.
This year’s proclamation also highlighted the incredible work of the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts (located right here in District 3), home to the largest glassblowing hot shop in Florida, which continues to bring world-renowned artists to Palm Beach County.
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Florida Outreach Center for the Blind
White Cane Safety Awareness Day
I was honored to sponsor a proclamation declaring October 15 in Palm Beach County as Florida Outreach Center for the Blind
White Cane Safety Awareness Day.
Observed nationwide on October 15, White Cane Awareness Day recognizes the white cane as a powerful symbol of independence and safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired — and reminds drivers to always yield to ensure safe navigation.
And specifically, Florida Outreach Center for the Blind in Palm Springs provides free classes and training for the blind and visually impaired that will allow them to reach their personal, academic and vocational goals in English, French, Spanish and Creole.
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Palm Tran Unveils New Bus Wrap Honoring Lighthouse for the Blind
On October 7, I joined my fellow commissioners and members of the Lighthouse for the Blind for a photo in front of a Palm Tran bus featuring a new wrap honoring their mission — a powerful reminder of the importance of accessibility and visibility in our community.
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Recognizing Greenacres Councilmember Paula Bousquet
It was an honor to recognize Paula Bousquet on October 6 for her 14 years of service to the City of Greenacres as she steps away from her role as councilmember. Paula, you’ve impacted your community more than you know. Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and heart for Greenacres.
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Basketball With Commissioner Flores: PBSO VS Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
I'm hosting community basketball events this fall, and we had a great matchup for our first night on October 20: PBSO VS Palm Beach County Fire Rescue!
Make sure to join us next time to cheer on your favorite team!
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Transportation Master Plan Community Meeting
In Greenacres
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Your Voice Matters!
TODAY October 29 - 6 PM - 7 PM
Greenacres Community Center
501 Swain Blvd, Greenacres, FL 33463
Come let Palm Beach County know your thoughts on all things transportation: car traffic, buses, trains, bikes. Your comments and suggestions will be what drives the county's new Transportation Master Plan. Help us make transportation better for our community by showing up and telling us what could be improved! See you there.
If you can't make the meeting, complete the survey at pbcmoves.com
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Make a plan, stock your supplies, and stay informed.
Visit ReadyPBC.com for local updates and safety tips.
| | Download Alert PBC app from your phone's app store to stay up to date. | Download DART app from your phone's app store to stay up to date. | | | |
BCC Meeting — November 4, 2025 at 9:30 AM
- The Board will convene for its regular meeting with public comment. The agenda and backup will be posted in advance on the County website.
BCC Zoning Hearing — November 13, 2025 at 9:30 AM
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Commissioners review proposed zoning applications and land development regulations at these monthly meetings. These zoning hearings are quasi-judicial in nature and are conducted to afford all parties due process. The agenda will be posted in advance on the County website.
BCC Workshop — November 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM
- Commissioners will hold a discussion-focused workshop on scheduled topics listed on the agenda.
You can watch all meetings live online, on YouTube, or on PBC TV Channel 20.
| | Meet Our New Director of Communications | | | |
Yaneli Gonzalez Mata
Our new Director of Communications has now been with the team the past four months. Yaneli plays a vital role in keeping our District 3 community informed and engaged, and I am grateful for her dedication to ensuring our message reaches residents in both English and Spanish. If you haven't met her already, please join me in welcoming her.
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Dianni Mendez
Director of
Constituent Services
dmendez@pbc.gov
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Yaneli Mata
Director of
Communications
ymata@pbc.gov
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Deborah Arocho-Maisonet
District 3 Intern
darocho@pbc.gov
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