Celebrating Mother's Day | May 2024 |
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Dear friends and neighbors, |
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As Mother's Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact that mothers have on our lives and communities. They are the pillars of strength, the beacons of love and the guiding lights illuminating our paths. Their presence is a source of comfort, their wisdom a source of guidance and their love a source of boundless joy.
This Mother's Day holds a bittersweet significance for me as I am reminded of the absence of my dear mother. While she may no longer be here with us physically, her spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear and the lessons that she imparted. Her love continues to shape, inspire and guide me in all I do. Though her laughter may no longer fill our home, her presence is felt in every act of kindness, every embrace shared and every moment of love exchanged.
To all the mothers of Palm Beach County, I extend my deepest gratitude and sincere admiration. Your sacrifices, strength and unwavering love enrich our lives in ways that words cannot express. Whether celebrating this day with your loved ones or cherishing the memories of those no longer with us, know that your love is the heart of our community.
As we honor the mothers in our lives, let us also extend our love and support to those who may find this day difficult. Let us be mindful of those who have lost their mothers, those who yearn to be mothers and those who may be estranged from their loved ones. May this day be a reminder of the power of love, the strength of family and the beauty of resilience.
In the spirit of Mother's Day, let us come together as a community to celebrate the extraordinary women who have shaped our lives and nurtured our spirits. May we cherish each moment, hold our loved ones close and always remember the profound impact of a mother's love.
My best,
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Upcoming Commission Meetings |
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BCC Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
BCC Workshop Meeting
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
BCC Zoning Hearing
Thursday, May 23, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
BCC Meetings are held at the Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers in the Robert Weisman Governmental Center at 301 N. Olive Ave., 6th Floor, West Palm Beach.
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Latest Update on Lyons Road |
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Construction crews continued with major progress on Lyons Road through late April and early May.
(Photo credit: PBC Engineering & Public Works Department County Engineer David L. Ricks, P.E.).
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I remain committed to closely monitoring the construction on Lyons Road between Clint Moore Road and Atlantic Avenue. In sticking to this vital duty, I present the following list of important milestones regarding this road development initiative:
- April 19: The on-site contractor completed additional grading on the northwest side of the L-38 Bridge adjacent to the adjoining sidewalk. Construction crews continued working towards the median of Atlantic Avenue by stripping surface grass where needed and excavating for the curb pad where a left turn lane is to be added.
- April 29: Pipe installation crews proceeded to raise the elevations of the existing manhole lids adjacent to the main intersection of Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue in preparation for upcoming asphalt paving procedures.
- April 30: Roadway crews continued placing, compacting and finishing the applicable base rock within the northwest quadrant of Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue. In addition, pipe construction contractors adjusted existing water-main valves to prepare for upcoming asphalt placement.
- May 1: On-site contractors carried on with placing, compacting and finishing the base rock for the proposed left-turn lane in and around the median of the southbound portion of Lyons Road. On-site earthwork-based engineers also scheduled future soil density testing on the base rock.
- May 2: On-site crew workers continued arranging, compacting and finishing off the base rock in the southeast quadrant of Lyons Road and Atlantic Avenue, with additional soil-density testing procedures being planned.
- May 3: Road construction crews formally deemed the base rock at issue to be structurally viable and, in turn, proceeded to seal said base rock to protect it from adverse weather conditions in preparation for the relevant upcoming asphalt paving operation.
- As for what is planned for the upcoming weeks, on-site contractors will soon begin paving through the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Lyons Road. This work will require switches in local traffic patterns, whereby local drivers shall be alerted as this initiative progresses. Applicable roadwork in this context is currently on track to be completed by July 2024.
To receive immediate updates on all ongoing county road construction projects email PBC Engineering and Public Works at ENG-ActionCenter@pbcgov.org.
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Mayor Sachs Installs New COBWRA President Barbara Roth |
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Mayor Maria Sachs and newly installed COBWRA President Barbara Roth. |
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As the Mayor of Palm Beach County and Commissioner for District 5, I am grateful for the opportunity to have presided over the COBWRA presidential installation event at Valencia Shores. It was truly an honor to swear in Barbara Roth as the newest President of COBWRA for the 2024-2025 term. As such, I sincerely appreciated the local enthusiastic participation on this momentous occasion. Barbara's affirmation to faithfully execute the vital duties required of her in her new capacity as President of COBWRA was enthusiastically met with applause and support from all in attendance.
This festive yet important COBWRA event was a clear testament to our community's unity and commitment to effective leadership concerning the network of residential communities in our region. As the many attendees gathered to celebrate Barbara's inauguration, there was a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation for the future of COBWRA under her guidance. I have complete faith in Barbara's ability to uphold the ideals and principles of COBWRA to the best of her abilities as President. I look forward to seeing Barbara's continued success in the years to come.
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Providing Affordable Housing in PBC |
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Helping Build Our Community, One Family at a Time |
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Mayor Sachs with fellow PBC dignitaries and two first-time homeowners, including Shameka Foster and her daughter, in Lake Worth Beach celebrating the ribbon-cutting for three new affordable cottage houses. |
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The moment's significance was palpable as I stood among community members and my fellow county leaders gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Lake Worth Beach for the official completion and opening of several new affordable-home units. This achievement was a culmination of efforts, a tangible example of our deep commitment to addressing the housing crisis gripping Palm Beach County. Seeing Shameka Foster and her daughter step into their new home filled me with immense pride and hope in my role as Mayor. Their joy mirrored the purpose behind our county's endeavors to provide stability and opportunity with respect to housing, particularly for those like Shameka, who dream of a better future for their families.
Accordingly, opening these three new affordable housing units on this memorable day marked a true milestone and a promise fulfilled. Through collaborative initiatives and innovative financing, we have transformed stark challenges into opportunities for our residents. As we continue to embark on this mission, I am reminded that every child deserves a place to call home, a unique sanctuary where dreams can take root and flourish. As the Mayor of Palm Beach County, and together with my fellow county leaders and department heads, I am proud to have played such a central role in unveiling these new houses, laying the foundation for stronger communities where pride and possibility can thrive in the process.
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PBC Fire Rescue Graduation Ceremony |
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Celebrating PBC Fire Rescue's Newest Graduates |
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Mayor Maria Sachs proudly standing with the 90th PBC Fire Rescue graduating class. |
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Speaking at the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Recruit Class 90 graduation ceremony, I was profoundly moved by the dedication and commitment embodied in the "Hook and Sweep" class motto, "No One Left Behind." As we celebrated the official graduation of 31 recruits, which included armed service veterans and former cadets, it became evident that these individuals epitomize selfless service. Their eagerness to begin their careers as front-line responders for Palm Beach County's largest fire department reflects their profound understanding of their vital role in ensuring community safety. With over 154,000 emergency calls received just last year, these recruits are well prepared to uphold the highest standards of excellence, embracing the department's motto of "Excellence Today, Improving Tomorrow." This reaffirms our collective dedication to public safety in our ever-growing county. |
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American Heritage School Dedication Ceremony |
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Honoring American Heritage School Founder William Laurie |
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Born over 90 years ago, William R. Laurie was a young man with a severe reading disability. Not able to read until the fourth grade, he struggled in school. However, thanks to his determination, perseverance, and the teachers who believed in him, Mr. Laurie learned to read and later became a successful educator. Mr. Laurie started The American Academy in Plantation, after which he founded the American Heritage School in Delray Beach. The American Heritage School focuses on children of all abilities and recognizes that every child can have a successful future. As proof of the school's academic excellence, American Heritage's Moot-Court Team is currently ranked first in the nation by the National Association of Moot Court. I am proud to celebrate the success of the legacy of William R. Laurie and the students of American Heritage School. |
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2024 Hurricane Season: Start Preparing Now |
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When it Comes to Mother Nature, Never Fear, Your Mayor is Here |
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Mayor Sachs surveying tornado damage at Kings Point in 2022 due to Hurricane Ian. |
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As Mayor, I cannot stress enough the importance of preparing for the imminent arrival of the 2024 hurricane season, which is now less than a month away. In fact, according to recent predictions from Tropical Storm Risk and other official weather organizations, we expect an exceptionally active season, with forecasters indicating around 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes.
It is imperative that all county residents take proactive steps to ensure their safety and readiness for potential weather emergencies. I strongly urge everyone to devise and implement an emergency plan as soon as possible. To assist residents in this process, the official Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide is readily available at discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf.
Moreover, the upcoming General Session at the Governor's Hurricane Conference is set to take place on May 15, from 8:45 to 11 a.m., in the Grand Ballroom of the Palm Beach County Convention Center, where I will be participating in a panel discussion, along with National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brenna, as to major updates, important statistics and other significant hurricane-season-related information for the benefit of our residents. For more details, visit flghc.org/general-session.
As your Mayor, you can rest assured that I will remain committed to providing you with updates on other tropical weather developments in South Florida as they arise. Together, we will navigate this season with preparedness and resilience.
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Council Updates and Events |
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Tourist Development Council | Mayor Maria Sachs, Chair |
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Solid Waste Authority | Mayor Sachs, Board Member |
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Animal Care & Control Spotlight |
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My name's Crixus! If you seek a new companion pup, then look no more!
Adopted animals are spayed/neutered, current on shots, protected against fleas and ticks, micro-chipped, and more.
If interested, call 561-233-1272 and reference A2159845.
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Where can I volunteer in Palm Beach County? |
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Wondering how you can give back to your community through volunteering in Palm Beach County?
Here's a roundup of upcoming volunteer opportunities and events for May, as well as volunteer-related organizations to potentially reach out to:
Important Dates:
- May 23: Literacy Kits Volunteer Project - We will be creating literacy kits at our office. These kits promote a love of reading in children and will be shared with local children served by United Way funded agencies. Kids ages 8 and up are welcome! Sign up at: eventbrite.com/e/literacy-kits-volunteer-project.
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June 1: John Prince Park Tree Planting - We need your help planting over 100 trees at John Prince Park in Lake Worth on Saturday, June 1st! Community Greening has teamed up with the Florida Forest Service and PBC Parks & Rec. to add over 100 new trees along the Heart Trail at John Prince Park. Sign up at: eventbrite.com/e/john-prince-park-tree-planting-volunteers.
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Important Reminders:
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Explore ongoing volunteer opportunities with the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Help fight hunger in our community by volunteering at their warehouse or participating in food distribution events. Visit pbcfoodbank.org for more information.
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Consider volunteering at local animal shelters like those of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. Opportunities include pet socialization, dog walking, and assisting with adoption events. Check out their applicable websites for relevant volunteer requirements and upcoming events: discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare/pages/school-volunteer.aspx.
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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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