Celebrating Women's History Month | March 2024 |
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Dear friends and neighbors,
As the daughter of an amazing lady, loving mother of three and grandmother of two, I am incredibly honored to address the significance of Women's History Month as we enter into March.
This month provides a meaningful opportunity for all of us to take the time to truly recognize and celebrate the remarkable impacts that women have had and continue to make on virtually every facet of life, both here in Palm Beach County and beyond. From the vital parenting roles that women fulfill for their families to the wide variety of ongoing contributions that they bestow upon our communities, it is clear to us all that women play an indispensable role in shaping the identity and vitality of our county and nation.
In addition to the major economic driving force that women, in their capacities as business executives and owners, collectively foster in the context of Palm Beach County's thriving economy, women have also been pivotal figures in various public, governmental and sociopolitical arenas, advocating for effective policies promoting inclusiveness, equity and progress for all of our residents. As such, the steadfast leadership of women in legislative positions of power has been quire instrumental in driving positive change and facilitating a more cohesive and prosperous culture. In a similar regard, the ubiquitous presence of women within our judicial system has also been crucial in upholding the principles of fairness and justice that serve as the very foundation of our society.
As we commemorate this Women's History Month, I call upon all of my fellow Palm Beach County friends to reflect on the enduring legacy of women. Indeed, the staunch determination, ongoing resilience and unwavering commitment that women bravely and dutifully exemplify with respect to making a difference in our local communities must always be respected and never be taken for granted.
With that in mind, let us continue to honor and uplift the contributions of women, both here and abroad, as we strive for a more equitable future for all.
We are women; hear us roar!
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Women's History Month
Origins & Purpose
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The origins of Women's History Month can be traced back to the first International Women's Day in 1911, inspired by Clara Zetkin, Kate Dunker and Paula Thiede, who jointly championed women's rights globally. However, a tragic event in the United States underscored the urgent need for such recognition. The devastating fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York City on March 25, 1911, which claimed the lives of 146 young immigrant women, became a catalyst for change and marked a pivotal moment in the modern celebration of International Women's Day.
Women's History Month highlights women's remarkable achievements, resilience and effective leadership across various fields and generations. In doing so, it provides an opportunity to proudly celebrate the numerous contributions of women, ranging from grassroots activists to groundbreaking scientists whose legacies continue to shape our world. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, Women's History Month also serves as a platform for raising awareness about present-day challenges and inequalities women face, fostering dialogue and advocacy for both gender equality and female empowerment.
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In Palm Beach County and across Florida, Women's History Month is viewed with particular importance. Here, it serves as a pertinent reminder to collectively shed much light on economy and culture. Clearly, by recognizing and amplifying women's voices, experiences and achievements, this annual observance helps us all meaningfully strive towards building a more inclusive and equal society where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive. Accordingly, Women's History Month underscores an ongoing path toward gender parity. In turn, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations to continue pursuing equality and justice for all. |
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Women of Palm Beach County Spotlight |
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Francesca Daniels
Notable Volunteer & Gender-Equality Pioneer
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Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Francesca Daniels is a prominent Palm Beach County woman renowned for her noteworthy success in business and unshakable commitment to public service. Francesca's efforts collectively yield a storied legacy embodying a praiseworthy union of finance and community service. Francesca's pioneering work in funding the first Automatic External Defibrillator device exemplifies her passion for healthcare innovation. Notably, Francesca was also the first woman to become licensed as a broker-dealer in California, where she founded a successful finance and development entity specializing in healthcare.
During her career, Francesca's dedication to service extended beyond finance to volunteering in hospital emergency departments, for which she has received many prestigious awards stemming from her contributions. Specifically, upon relocating to Boca Raton in 2016, she seamlessly transitioned into selflessly volunteering at the Emergency Department of Boca Raton Regional Hospital while still finding the time to actively remain outspokenly engaged in our local social and political scenes.
Francesca's non-partisan approach to politics emphasizes the importance of policy over partisanship, showcasing how individuals can transcend boundaries to support the greater good while engaged in sound policy. Doubtlessly, via her multifaceted involvement in professional spheres and community initiatives, Francesca and her storyline show how one person can bridge many gaps to make a broad impact.
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Cathy Austen
Palm Beach County Civic Center Manager
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We must also respectfully honor and recognize the impactful contributions of Cathy Austen, our local Palm Beach County South County Civic Center manager. Holding a profound commitment to communal development and cultural enrichment, Cathy has routinely played a significant role in shaping the recreational landscape of our county. In her capacity, she has orchestrated a wide array of events and programs, creating a dynamic space for all residents to come together and partake in meaningful community activities.
Cathy's influence extends beyond the walls of our South County Civic Center, as she has also been instrumental in enhancing the success and notoriety of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. Her strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts have bolstered our county's reputation as a central hub for cultural engagement and recreational excellence. In addition, Cathy's innovative approach to management has also served to attract a broad and diverse audience, contributing to the vibrancy of our community and continuing to reinforce Palm Beach County's role as a premier locale for cultural and recreational pursuits.
Accordingly, Cathy stands as an inspiring figure in our county, perfectly showcasing the transformative impact that women like her can have in shaping our society's cultural and recreational landscape. Cathy's accomplishments reflect a dedication to diversity, creativity and empowerment, embodying a spirit of progress that adds further merit and liveliness to the cultural fabric of our Palm Beach County lifestyle.
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Upcoming Commission Meetings |
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BCC Workshop Meeting
Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
BCC Zoning Hearing
Thursday, March 28, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
BCC Meetings are held at Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers in Robert Weisman Governmental Center 301 N. Olive Ave., 6th Floor, West Palm Beach 33401.
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COBWRA Valencia Sound Community Meeting |
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It was a privilege to address the questions and concerns of residents at a lively community meeting held by The Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA) at Valencia Sound in Boynton Beach. The community meeting provided an excellent platform for me to share significant updates on our road construction projects in Palm Beach County. Topics included the opening of Flavor Pict Road, the status of commercial traffic on Flavor Pict Road and the expansion of Lyons Road. I addressed local concerns and further clarified information to ensure my constituents stay well-informed.
As Mayor, my dedication to overseeing our road construction projects in District 5 and the county remains unwavering. It is imperative that we keep our local citizenry consistently updated as new developments arise. This is especially true given that our roadway development initiatives collectively serve an overwhelmingly vital role in earnestly perpetuating and ultimately enhancing our county's foundational growth and underlying infrastructure. As we advance, I will remain committed to prioritizing transparency and communication in addressing traffic and transportation needs in our community, fostering the ongoing enrichment of Palm Beach County's roadways.
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Latest Updates on Lyons Road |
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Traffic! Traffic! Traffic! |
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Construction crews made further progress on Lyons Road from mid February through early March. (Photo credit: PBC Engineering and Public Works Department County Engineer David L. Ricks, P.E.) |
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In performing my duties as Mayor, I have steadfastly followed all new issues and pertinent changes to the important roadway construction initiatives currently being carried out within our county. On this topic, here is the latest update from Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works Department County Engineer David L. Ricks, P.E.:
- The orange traffic barrels have been removed from the sections of Lyons Road adjacent to Mizner Club Drive and the new bridge in that area.
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The center photo in the above pictorial array is an aerial view of the overall intersection at issue, outlining a rough sketch of proposed medians and curb radii. The green text sections are concerned with pending work, and the gray text sections reflect completed work. Roadway development contractors are on track to complete their intersection work targets for Lyons Road by July 2024.
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From Feb. 6-13, the onsite concrete subcontractor installed earlier proposed sidewalk sections from Saint Mary's Church to Joseph's Fresh Market on the east side of Lyons Road.
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From Feb. 8-12, sodding was installed in the median adjacent to the L-38 Bridge.
- On Feb. 15, the signal subcontractor mobilized and removed the existing mast arm foundation on the southwest quadrant of Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue and filled in the hole.
- On Feb. 16, the signal subcontractor demolished and removed the applicable mast arm foundation.
- On Feb. 20, the signal subcontractor mobilized and removed the existing mast arm foundation on the northwest quadrant of Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue and filled in the hole.
- On Feb. 21, the signal subcontractor continued demolishing and removing that section's corresponding mast arm foundations. Contractors began mobilizing equipment and materials to the job site to begin drainage installations. Furthermore, contractors also started working on pressure testing the water main located at the primary entrance to Joseph's Classic Fresh Market.
- On Feb. 22, contractors started their removal of the existing guardrail on the southwest quadrant of Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue and are receiving deliveries for barrier walls.
- On Feb. 23, the signal subcontractor continued with its task of demolishing the removed mast arm foundations for that particular area.
- From Feb. 23-27, underground crew contractors installed drainage infrastructure on the southwest quadrant of Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue.
- On Feb. 26, new mast arms for Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue were successfully delivered.
- On Feb. 27, the asphalt subcontractor performed a straight-edge ride testing on previously placed asphalt from Lyons Road to the southern limits of the project area.
- On March 1, surveyors were reported onsite at the intersection to set grades for drainage structure and installation tops.
- On March 4, underground crew contractors installed further drainage infrastructure on the southeast quadrant of Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue.
- On March 5, contractors were reported to have been setting drainage structure tops and initiating their placement of base rock on the southwest quadrant of Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue.
If you want to receive immediate updates on county road construction, please email us at D5@pbc.gov. |
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Palm Beach Sheriff's Office | Traffic Enforcement Data
With respect to our county's officers of the law and their vigilant enforcement of our local traffic regulations, Captain Robert Sandt of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office District 4 recently procured the following traffic-enforcement statistics about the streetway sections located both on and near Lyons Road:
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Year to date, from Clint Moore Road to Atlantic Avenue exclusively, a total of 286 traffic stops have been recorded.
- For all of Lyons Road, including Clint Moore Road and Atlantic Avenue, and on a year-to-date basis, 486 traffic stops have been recorded.
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Of particular note, and as an especially welcome sign of great news for our resident motorists, the total number of traffic accidents recorded year to date has been down by 7%.
To learn more about our Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, its many traffic-related programs and other law enforcement initiatives, visit pbso.org.
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PBC Fire Station #49 Groundbreaking |
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On Wednesday, Feb. 28, I had the great honor of delivering opening remarks for and partaking in a groundbreaking ceremony for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's latest addition, Fire Station #49, located at 12555 Lyons Road in Boynton Beach. Alongside Fire Rescue officials, my fellow county leaders and other dedicated staff, we commemorated this significant milestone by ceremoniously breaking ground to mark the occasion. This new facility and the county's collective efforts in securing the funds and support necessary for its creation are a testament to Palm Beach County's ethical and operational diligence in perpetually enhancing the many emergency-response services that must always effectively and dutifully serve the general public.
My steadfast commitment to bolstering our county's emergency response networks originates from my deep-seated passion for the welfare of my neighbors and fellow residents. I will remain steadfast in strengthening the foundational systems supporting our community's safety nets. Through tireless work and collaboration, I am committed to ensuring that Palm Beach County remains resilient and responsive during times of crisis and urgency. As Mayor, you can rest assured that I will continue prioritizing our community's safety and well-being, while overseeing our vital emergency-response institutions. By working together, nothing can stop us from laying the proper foundation for the best possible safe and secure future for all residents here.
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Animal Care and Control Spotlight |
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Palm Beach County Library Happenings |
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Updates from the Palm Beach County Public Library System |
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Free Tax Preparation Event With Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Monday, March 18, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the West Boynton Branch (9451 Jog Road, Boynton Beach 33437). Earn $75,000 or less in 2023? Bring photo ID, SS card, current tax forms, 2022 tax return, W-2 wage for 2022 and supporting materials. For more information, visit pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events.
Cartoons & Coloring: Wednesday, March 20, from 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at the West Boca Branch (18685 State Road 7 Boca Raton 33498). Stop in for a casual time of coloring, while watching some classic cartoons. Ages 3 and up. For more information, visit pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events.
A Well-Traveled Mollusk: Thursday, March 21, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library (3650 Summit Boulevard West Palm Beach 33406). Archaeologist Michelle Calhoun presents: The Anthropogenic Movement of Lightning Whelk During the Archaic (4,000 to 3,000 years ago), an interesting exploration of whelk artifacts to help understand their Archaic period distribution. For more information, visit pbclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events.
For more information on other online and in-person activities, visit pbclibrary.org.
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Where and how can I register to vote in Palm Beach County? |
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The right to vote is a fundamental liberty we enjoy as Americans. It is also one of the greatest civic responsibilities U.S. citizens have. Exercise your right to vote and understand your responsibilities as a voter.
- If you are not registered to vote in Florida, eligible individuals can register to vote anytime. The deadline to register for an upcoming election is 29 days before the election.
- Your residential address on file at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections determines the issues and candidates on your ballot. You may also include a different mailing address for us to use when sending elections-related materials, including your Vote-by-Mail ballot if you request one.
- Your party affiliation determines which candidates will be on your ballot during Primary Elections. Florida is a closed primary state, meaning you must be registered with a political party to vote in that party's Primary Election. You may change your party affiliation at any time, but it must be done 29 days before a Primary Election to be valid for that election.
- If you prefer not to be affiliated with a party, you may register as a No Party Affiliation (NPA). In that case, only non-partisan races or issues included in the Primary Election will be on your ballot unless a Universal Primary Contest occurs.
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Mayor Maria Sachs
Please contact us with any questions or concerns!
561-355-2205
MSachs@pbc.gov
301 N. Olive Ave., Suite 1201
West Palm Beach 33401
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Mayor Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners | District 5
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