Honoring Black History Month | February 2024 |
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Dear friends and neighbors,
As we further progress into what has already been an incredibly productive and exciting February, I am honored to extend my heartfelt greetings to you once again as we celebrate Black History Month. This special month is an important reminder of African Americans' countless contributions and achievements throughout our nation's history, enshrining a remarkable legacy that has enriched our county's tapestry and Florida overall.
Especially here in Palm Beach County, we take great pride in our rich African American heritage, which has shaped our communal identities and values over the years. From the pioneering efforts of our earliest African American entrepreneurs to the vibrant ethnic traditions that have continued thriving to this day, our county stands as a unique testament to the resilience, ingenuity and perseverance of the Black community.
In this significant month, we should not only endeavor to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the past but also recommit ourselves to fostering openness, equity and justice for all. As such, I encourage you to explore the many upcoming events and local initiatives honoring Black history, for collectively, we must never cease striving to enhance social unity and cultural variety in Palm Beach County.
Together, let us celebrate the diversity that strengthens us as a whole and embrace the opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow further in our appreciation of African Americans and their storied legacy within our county and beyond.
Very Truly Yours,
Mayor Maria Sachs
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Black History Month
Tradition, Background and Mission
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Black History Month, originating from the effort of historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1926 serves as a dedicated period to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
The purpose of this ongoing tradition is for our members of society to acknowledge the achievements and resilience of Black individuals and highlight the struggles and injustices they have dealt with in the United States.
In Palm Beach County, as in the rest of the country, Black History Month is a vital tool for fostering awareness, understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage and significant contributions of Black communities, promoting greater inclusivity and unity for a more equitable society.
This special month will continue serving as an ideal testament to our country's ongoing goal of reaching ever higher degrees of equality and justice for all Americans, inspiring every soul to persevere in learning from the past and collectively working towards a future of greater empowerment and unity.
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PBC Spotlight: Hon. Bradley G. Harper |
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For this year's Black History Month, we respectively recognize and pay homage to local Palm Beach County Fifteenth Circuit Civil Court Judge Bradley G. Harper.
A true “native son,” Judge Harper is, in fact, a sixth-generation resident of Palm Beach County. As such, he comes from a family of firsts, including his great-great-great grandmother, Millie Gildersleeve, who served as the county's first-ever midwife.
Carrying on this family tradition, Judge Harper, in 2016, became the first African American to be elected to the Palm Beach County judiciary without being appointed by a sitting governor of Florida.
As a member of the judiciary, Judge Harper hopes he can reflect the best of our local community and the individuals who have supported him throughout his life. In this context, he proclaims that “It is important that we have justice for all people; that all who come into his courtroom trust and believe, no matter the outcome, they were treated with dignity and respect." and also that "The daily goal is to be consistent with the goals of our justice system and the Bar, to treat people fairly and to carry out the rule of law.”
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Black History Month Local Events |
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Traffic! Traffic! Traffic! |
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Public construction workers made further progress in late February 2024. (Photo credit: PBC Engineering & Public Works Department Deputy County Engineer Joanne M. Keller, P.E.) |
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As mayor, you can rest assured that I have been keeping my ear to the ground on new issues and developments concerning ongoing road traffic construction in our county. Here is the latest update from Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works Department Deputy County Engineer Joanne M. Keller, P.E.
- As of this week, there is only a several-week period of remaining work for the road construction contractor's tasks to be completed regarding the development of Flavor Pict Road from SR-7 to Lyons Road. As such, this will be opening soon.
- A request has been made to place rumble strips along Lyons Road in front of The Timbers and Escondido communities. This enhanced safety device would be in addition to the installed speed-feedback signs and enhanced striping along the edge of the road. Comments from neighbors are encouraged.
- We are also pleased to announce that the extension of Flavor Pict Road from Lyons Road, over the Turnpike, east to Hagen Ranch Road, recently received design funding for this year. In the meantime, this project's designs continue to be considered and ultimately finalized.
Stay tuned for further updates, notifications and other important reports on future traffic and construction developments.
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Mayor's Task Force Volunteer Opportunities |
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Mayor Sachs at Community Meeting for Lyons Road. |
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Are you interested in our roadways? As mayor, I particularly understand the ongoing gravity and urgency of the various challenges that my constituents are facing due to our road infrastructure project. This is precisely why I have convened a new Traffic Task Force to better address these issues with the public. If you are interested in participating, please email my office at district5@pbc.gov. |
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Task Force on Animal Care and Control |
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Mayor Sachs at Animal Care and Control with volunteers. |
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Calling all animal lovers! In a determined effort to provide more meaningful care and additional forever home opportunities for our county's sheltered animals needing assistance and love, I have convened a new volunteer Task Force on Animal Care and Control. For those interested in participating, please email my office at district5@pbc.gov. |
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Animal Care and Control Spotlight |
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My name is Harlem! If you're looking for a new adventure buddy, I'm your doggie.
As a reminder, in February, you can get your own lovable, furry Valentine at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control with a low $14 adoption fee!
All +55 Residents of Palm Beach County receive a discounted adoption fee.
Adopted animals will be spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, protected against fleas and ticks, microchipped, and more.
If interested, call 561-233-1272 and reference A1941971.
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Tourist Development Council | Mayor Sachs: Board Chair |
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Lodging, Occupancy & Revenue Report
(December 2023 - January 2024)
Overall, revenue from non-hotels continues to support bed tax collections. December 2023 collected tax revenue relative to January 2024 at a comparative $8.6 million figure, a 4% increase over last year's $8.3 million figure. Moreover, the fiscal-year-to-date tax revenue collection total of $23 million was 2% lower than last year's $24 million amount.
Key Lodging Performance Trends for December 2023
- Total lodging demand decreased by 3.8%, a total of 544,000 room nights. This decline was primarily driven by a 10.4% decrease in alternative lodging and a 0.4% decline in hotel room nights. Hotel room nights, specifically in Florida, experienced a 1.3% decline.
- Average Daily Rate (ADR) saw a 0.9% decrease, reaching $283, marking the third-highest rate in the state. Statewide, ADR was down by 0.3% to $198.
- Downtown West Palm Beach/Palm Beach County Airport demonstrated positive performance, with a 9.7% increase in occupancy, maintaining ADR at last year's rate, resulting in a 9.7% growth in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR).
- Beach properties grew RevPAR by 1% through a 10% increase in ADR, resulting in a 7.9% decline in occupancy.
- Transit demand experienced a slight dip, selling 3,000 fewer rooms, reflecting a .8% decrease.
- Group demand also decreased, showing a 6% decline in the specific period.
Occupancy and Demand
- Hotel occupancy for December decreased by 1%, reaching 68.1%, with a 0.4% reduction in hotel rooms sold compared to the previous year.
- Alternative lodging faced a significant decrease, selling 10.4% fewer room nights, resulting in an 8.3% decline in occupancy to 54.7%.
ADR and Revenue
- Hotel rates experienced a 0.9% decrease, reaching $283.
- Alternative lodging rates saw a more significant decline, down by 11.9% to $323.
- The overall lodging revenue showed a year-over-year decrease of 5.6%, totaling $133.3 million.
- Bed taxes are anticipated to be around $8 million.
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2023 was a fantastic year for Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), with record-breaking passenger numbers, national awards and continued growth.
Over 7.76 million passengers were served last year, surpassing the previous record set in 2019, when 6.89 million passengers passed through the terminal. The year-end passenger total for PBI was 12.6% higher than in 2019 and 16.8% higher than in 2022.
“The record-breaking number of passengers is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff who ensure we provide the easy, convenient experience that customers have come to expect from PBI,” said Airports Senior Deputy Director Gary Sypek. “2024 is shaping up to be an even greater year for PBI with the continued and growing support from our airline partners to the Palm Beaches.”
PBI continues to bolster its airline roster with Silver Airways coming on board and providing service to five new exciting destinations launching with daily flights to Tampa and Nassau beginning March 5; Tallahassee service three times a week starting March 6; Pensacola service two times a week beginning March 7; and service to Marsh Harbour three times a week starting March 5.
Frontier Airlines has announced a new nonstop service from PBI to San Juan, Puerto Rico, three times a week beginning June 2. In addition, PBI continues to offer daily flights to Los Angeles, California, on JetBlue and Toronto, Canada, on Air Canada until April 30.
American Airlines will offer extended nonstop service to Chicago O’Hare throughout the summer. In addition, PBI has some exciting routes for sports enthusiasts, with Delta Airlines providing nonstop service to Augusta, GA, for the Masters Tournament and Southwest Airlines offering nonstop service to St. Louis during Spring Training.
Visit pbia.org to find out more and book your flight today.
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Updates from the Palm Beach County Public Library System |
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The Palm Beach County Library System has a tool just for you: a Palm Beach County Library System Library Card! Available to you for the low, low price of ... free.
Do you know your little ones can practice reading skills with licensed therapy dogs at the library? For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y9d65b8s.
Remember to join the library for National Engineers Week. The world of tomorrow is being designed and created with the help of engineers. You're invited to an engineering challenge where you can learn to build a simple machine that makes things move using water! The event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 5:30 p.m., at Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library.
For more information on online and in-person activities, visit pbclibrary.org.
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When is the deadline to apply for a homestead exemption? |
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March 1 is the deadline to apply for a homestead exemption. A homestead exemption can save you serious money. Here's how it works:
- If the home you own in Palm Beach County is your primary residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption. This reduces the amount you have to pay in property taxes, and it caps by 3%, the amount your home’s valuation can increase.
- When you sell your home and buy a new, more expensive home in the county, you can transfer all or a portion of your homestead exemption. This is called portability.
Besides just the homestead exemption, there are other exemptions you could potentially use, including ones for low-income seniors, veterans and active-duty military.
For more information about homestead exemption and other available exemptions, call the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office at 561-355-2866 or visit their website at pbcpao.gov.
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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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