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Summer is almost over, and kids are going back to school next week on Monday, August 10. I hope you and your loved ones found time to enjoy all that Palm Beach County has to offer, from our beautiful parks and libraries to community events, summer programs, and time with family and friends.
In this summer roundup edition of our newsletter, I’m proud to share updates on recent events, county initiatives, community partnerships, and upcoming opportunities to get involved. Thank you for staying engaged, for sharing your ideas and concerns, and for helping us build a stronger, safer, and more connected Palm Beach County.
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In This Issue:
- Community Engagement
- Progress In Our Neighborhoods
- In The News
- BCC Meetings
- Proclamations
- Who's Hiring
- Events & Things To Do
- News You Can Use
- Our Team
| | The Back-to-School PBC event at the Palm Beach County Convention Center was a tremendous success! The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Community Revitalization (OCR) partnered with community groups to provide roughly 12,000 students from low-income, homeless, and foster families with free school supplies. Students were provided with backpacks, books, shoes, socks, haircuts, health screenings and other community resources. Free meals and snacks, carnival rides, crafts, face painting, and giveaways were also provided. Keep an eye out for when registration reopens for the next event! | | VPK Backpack Distribution | | |
I had the privilege of attending the VPK Backpack Distribution Event at BRIDGES Lake Worth as local families prepared for the start of a new school year. BRIDGES serves as a community hub, connecting local families with resources that help children be born healthy, remain safe from abuse and neglect, and enter kindergarten ready to succeed. Through its programs, it also expands access to quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities, helping families build a strong foundation for their children's future.
I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible. It was wonderful to see our community come together to help students start the school year prepared and ready to succeed!
| Waterway Cleanup at John Prince Park
| | I had the opportunity to attend the annual waterway cleanup at John Prince Park led by MIAMI REALTORS® + RWorld, the Beach Bucket Foundation, and OneBlood. It is gratifying to see our community come together with such enthusiasm to preserve our local waterways and public spaces. I am so grateful for everyone who dedicated their morning to making a positive impact on our environment. | |
90 Seconds with Commissioner Flores:
Fabiana DesRosiers, CEO of the
Hispanic Human Resources Council
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I caught up with Fabiana DesRosiers, CEO of the Hispanic Human Resources Council, to talk about the organization's mission and the important work it does to support families and individuals throughout our community.
We appreciate Fabiana for sharing insight into the programs, resources, and services that continue to make a difference in the lives of so many residents across Palm Beach County.
Want to learn more about Fabiana and the Hispanic Human Resources Council? Check out this episode of my video series, 90 Seconds with Commissioner Flores!
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Our Pathway to Certification workshop series continues to exceed expectations, with dozens of local small business owners participating and receiving hands-on assistance with the County registration process.
Participants are supported by dedicated staff from the Palm Beach County Purchasing Department, the Office of Small Business Development, and my office — all working together to help businesses take this important first step toward becoming Palm Beach County vendors.
Thank you to the Village of Palm Springs for hosting our most recent workshop!
Want to participate in our next workshop series? Sessions will be held September 9 and 16 at 50 S. Military Trail, 2nd Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33415, in Consumer Affairs Conference Room 2N-123.
See if you qualify by filling out this form.
| | Business owners who complete the Pathway to Certification workshop series (just two modules) are eligible to be invited to our exclusive networking mixers for certified vendors.. At these events, vendors will meet the directors and staff of county departments that are routinely in need of services from our local businesses. | | |
Have you heard? From August 28 through September 6, the Miss America competition is coming to the Palm Beach County Convention Center, while Miss America's Teen will be held at the Kravis Center for the first time! What an incredible opportunity to showcase everything Palm Beach County has to offer on a national stage.
I also joined my fellow county commissioners and Discover The Palm Beaches in presenting the Providencia Award to Visit The Palm Beaches in recognition of their outstanding work promoting our community and strengthening our tourism economy.
Tourism continues to be a major economic driver for Palm Beach County, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and bringing visitors from around the world to our community.
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District 3 Team Becomes
Certified Tourism Ambassadors
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I’m proud to share that my entire team and I have officially become Certified Tourism Ambassadors (CTA) through Discover The Palm Beaches!
We are honored to be the first Palm Beach County Commission office to complete the certification program.
Palm Beach County is an incredible place to live, work, visit, and explore. By completing this training, my team and I are even better equipped to connect residents and visitors with the attractions, cultural destinations, businesses, and experiences that make our community so special.
Thank you to Discover The Palm Beaches for providing this valuable program. We look forward to putting what we’ve learned into practice as we continue serving Palm Beach County.
| | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's El Legado Awards | | |
My team and I had the opportunity to attend the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's El Legado Business Awards, celebrating organizations and leaders making a lasting impact in our community.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
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El Legado Award – Florida Crystals
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Impulso Award – Acosta & Fraga Law, PLLC
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Aplauso Award – Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Foundation
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Impacto Award – Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County
I also had the privilege of surprising Maria Antuna with a special recognition for her years of service and dedication to the Hispanic community of Palm Beach County.
Keynote speaker Michael Jarro of Florida Power & Light shared an inspiring story about his humble beginnings and the journey that shaped him into the leader he is today.
Thank you to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a wonderful event that shines a light on the Hispanic businesses and organizations in our community doing incredible work that often goes unnoticed.
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Public Health Update: Dengue Fever in
Palm Beach County
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The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Palm Beach County has issued a public advisory following a confirmed human case of locally acquired Dengue Fever. The exact location of the infected individual has not been released due to patient privacy protections. In response, DOH-Palm Beach and Palm Beach County Mosquito Control, along with the Environmental Resources Management Department, have initiated established protocols to manage the situation.
Mosquito Control teams are conducting enhanced surveillance, species identification, and targeted mosquito control activities in the affected area. Officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water on their properties and use EPA-approved insect repellents to avoid bites. Dead birds should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
County agencies are continuing to monitor mosquito-borne illnesses statewide and will provide updates to county commissioners as developments occur.
| | Progress In Our Neighborhoods | | Miracle League Field Groundbreaking | | |
I was honored to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Miracle League field at John Prince Park. This project creates a fully accessible, barrier-free sports destination in District 3 for local athletes and families.
The Miracle League exists to ensure that every child and adult with physical or mental disabilities has the chance to play baseball. Miracle League teams play on custom-designed, rubberized turf fields that support mobility devices. Each athlete is paired with an able-bodied peer, forming meaningful bonds that the organization describes as indescribable.
| | Since breaking ground, incredible progress has already been made on the new facility! | | |
In May, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the new 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast headquarters, an important investment in expanding access to critical services for our community.
I’m especially proud that this new headquarters will be located right here in District 3.
In 2025, 211 helped:
• Over 36,000 residents access housing assistance
• More than 5,600 residents access food resources
• Over 52,000 residents connect with mental health and substance abuse services
Thank you to Congresswoman Lois Frankel for joining us and for helping secure $1 million in federal funding to support this lifesaving work.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 211. Support is available 24/7.
| MOJO Car Wash Opens in Atlantis | |
Congratulations to MOJO Car Wash on their ribbon-cutting and grand opening in District 3!
My office was proud to join the Central Palm Beach County Chamber and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County in welcoming this new business to our community.
New businesses help create jobs, provide valuable services for residents, and contribute to the continued economic growth and prosperity of our district.
Wishing the MOJO Car Wash team continued success!
Located at 4866 S. Military Trail, Atlantis, FL 33463.
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Palm Tran could face major cuts from property tax loss ahead of tax vote in November
WPTV’s Joel Lopez is digging into the potential impacts of Palm Tran budget cuts as County Commissioner Joel Flores urges caution, arguing that any changes should be thoughtful and not made “without rhyme or reason” because many residents depend on transit and paratransit services.
Read the full WPTV article.
| | | Latest BCC Meeting Outcomes | |
At the July 7, 2026, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action on the regular agenda:
Administration – Received and filed the presentation on the preliminary outlook of property values and an update on the market from Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks.
Airports – Approved a contract with Rosso Site Development Inc., in the amount of $1,986,616.22, with a project duration of 304 calendar days for the Air Cargo Access Improvements Project at Palm Beach International Airport.
Approved amendment No. 1 to the Consulting/Professional Services Agreement with Garver LLC in the amount of $3,667,917.72 for the performance of construction phase professional services for the Runway 10L/28R Pavement Rehabilitation Project at Palm Beach International Airport, contingent upon receipt and execution of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant Agreements in an amount no less than $22,900,000 for this project.
Approved a contract with Ranger Construction Industries, Inc, in the amount of $26,988,888 with a project duration of 459 calendar days for the Runway 10L-28R Rehabilitation Project at Palm Beach International Airport, contingent upon receipt and execution of FAA Grant Agreements in the amount of less than $22,900,000 for the project.
County Attorney – Adopted an ordinance of the Board of County Commissioners amending the Palm Beach County code pertaining to garbage and yard waste collection.
Facilities Development & Operations – Adopted a resolution authorizing a lease agreement with the Children’s Place at Home Safe, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation, to lease a portion of John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach for a term of 30 years at an annual rental rate of $10.
Adopted a resolution authorizing a lease agreement with the Greater Boca Raton Youth Soccer Association, a Florida not-for-profit corporation, to lease a portion of Loggers Run Park in Boca Raton for a 5-year rental rate of $10.
Approved an interlocal agreement with Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties for the cost-share support services for the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact in the amount of $95,000 effective Oct. 1, 2026, and ending on Sept. 30, 2029.
Financial Management & Budget – Authorized staff to submit proposed not-to-exceed millage rates for the fiscal year 2027 budget to the Property Appraiser. Staff will submit to the Property Appraiser public hearing dates of Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at 5:05 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at 5:05 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, 6th Floor of the Robert Weisman Governmental Center for the FY 2027 budget.
Adopted a resolution of the Board of County Commissioners authorizing the issuance not to exceed $90,000,000 in initial aggregate principal amount of Palm Beach County revenue refunding bonds series in 2026 for the purpose of paying and defeasing all the County’s outstanding revenue refunding bonds.
Housing & Economic Development- Approved an agreement with Michel Invest LLC, in an amount not to exceed $37,398, to complete the redevelopment and expansion of Twiggs Academy. The total construction costs are $7,327,000 and other related costs totaling $237,398.
Approved a general obligation Housing Bond Loan Program, an affordable housing multifamily development funding award to Legacy Landing, LLC in the amount of $13,921,276 for the Arise in Lake Worth project containing 149 county assisted units located at 26. N Buffalo Street in Lake Worth Beach will be restricted to income-eligible families.
Adopted a resolution of the Board of Palm Beach County Commissioners of Palm Beach County modifying financing fees for industrial development revenue bonds in Palm Beach County and is to include an annual CPI index.
Adopted a resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County approving the Palm Beach County annual action plan for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and authorizing the county administrator or designee to execute standard forms.
Approved an Impact fee Affordable Housing Assistance Program $125,724 funding award to Villas of Solana LLC, consisting of 28 for-sale townhomes located on Avenue J in Riviera Beach. The units will be sold to households with income between 80% to 120% Area Median Income (AMI) with a sale price of $375,000 per unit.
Approved a HOME Investment Partnership Program award of $1,000,000 to Pine Bay Landings, LLC, an affordable rental development to be located at 5490 Purdy Lane in West Palm Beach in unincorporated Palm Beach County, consisting of 86 newly constructed HOME-assisted multi-family rentals and will remain affordable for no less than 50 years. The total cost of this development is $38,116,495.
Approved a Housing Bond Loan Program award for Workforce Housing Multifamily Development as follows: Village at Delray Beach by Delray Beach Leased Housing Associates III, LP, in the amount of $500,000 with a total of 192 units and 48 are County assisted units and Lake Worth West Apartments by OAG Investment 8 LLC in the amount of $12,874,880 with a total of 181 units and 154 are County assisted units will be available to households with incomes between 60% and 110% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Approved the Housing Bond Loan Program awards for Affordable Housing Multi-Family Development for Aero Village by Hope Housing Alliance, Inc, in the amount of $7,896,000 and Broadway Apartments by 2823 Broadway QOZB in the amount of $125,000,000.
Approved the funding recommendations for Affordable Housing Multifamily Developments utilizing available County housing funding sources for the following projects with an addition of an affordability period of ninety-nine years.
- Washington Park Estates by Housing Trust Group, LLC in the amount of $9,750,000
- Pinnacle on Sixth by Pinnacle on Sixth in the amount of $4,999,000
- Pine Bay Landings by Pine Bay Landings, LLC in the amount of $6,300,000
- Grace Church RR Church Partnership in the amount of $13,400,000
- Mount Calvary RR Church Partnership, LLC in the amount of $12,500,000
- City View in the amount of $8,500,000
- Great Blue Residences in the amount of $11,500,000
Parks & Recreation – Authorized staff to continue negotiations with Sansbury Way District Park and Kings Academy on the proposed exchange of property. The proposal would change the configuration of the Sansbury Way District Park to benefit Kings Academy and Sansbury Park.
Planning, Zoning & Building – Directed staff to come back with a moratorium ordinance to prohibit the filing of any future large load customer data center applications until the sooner of 1 year from the date the ordinance is adopted or the adoption of new land use and/or land development regulations for large load customer data centers. Approved a zoning in progress beginning on July 7, 2026, directing staff not to intake any new large load customer data center applications until a formal moratorium ordinance is presented to the Board of County Commissioners for adoption.
Procurement-reviewed proposal, ultimately withdrawn by applicant, the Glydways elevated automated transit network railway.
Water Utilities – Approved an interlocal agreement between Palm Beach County and the School Board of Palm Beach County regarding second-grade community experiences at the Todd J. Bonlarron Green Cay Learning Center, including an annual donation for five years in the amount of $25,000 to the School Board of Palm Beach County.
For further information on consent and regular items, please visit the Agenda section of our website.
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BCC Meeting — Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- 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 — Thursday, August 27, 2026
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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 — Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- 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.
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Declaring June 2026 as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Month
I was proud to sponsor a proclamation declaring June as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and bringing attention to the millions of individuals affected by trauma.
PTSD can impact veterans, first responders, survivors of violence, and many others who have experienced traumatic events. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can help reduce stigma and encourage those who are struggling to seek support.
Thank you to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, and all of the organizations and professionals who work every day to support mental health and help individuals on their path to healing and recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. Together, we can build a community that leads with compassion, understanding, and support.
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A Palm Tran bus was also wrapped specifically to spread awareness of the Get Your Green On campaign. My Director of Communications, Yaneli Mata, joined community leaders on a bus tour to learn more about mental health resources and gaps in our county.
Together, we continue working to break the stigma and promote mental wellness for all.
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Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the City of Greenacres
As the former Mayor of Greenacres, it was my pleasure to present the proclamation for the 100th Anniversary of the City of Greenacres.
This milestone is especially meaningful to me. From its founding to today, Greenacres continues to grow as a vibrant and resilient community.
Congratulations to the residents, businesses, and leaders who have helped shape the past, present, and future of this great city.
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Declaring May 20, 2026 as Cuban American Heritage Day
I was honored to present a proclamation recognizing Cuban American Heritage Day at the Cuban American Club in West Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County’s Cuban community has made a lasting impact on our county through its culture, entrepreneurship, resilience, and dedication to family and community.
Thank you to the Cuban American Club for preserving Cuban traditions and heritage and bringing the community together.
Proud to celebrate the rich contributions of Cuban Americans throughout Palm Beach County.
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Declaring May 2026 as Haitian American Heritage Month
I was proud to sponsor a proclamation recognizing Haitian American Heritage Month and present it during the Haitian Heritage Family Day celebration. Palm Beach County's Haitian community continues to make an incredible impact through its culture, resilience, entrepreneurship, and commitment to community. Thank you to everyone who helped organize this meaningful celebration of Haitian heritage, traditions, and history.
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Recognizing Liz Quirantes' Retirement Following 35 Years With
CBS12 News
I also joined my fellow commissioners in honoring Liz Quirantes as she retires after 35 years with CBS 12 News.
Sponsored by Vice Mayor Marci Woodward, the proclamation recognized not only Liz’s outstanding journalism career, but also her deep commitment to our community through advocacy and service.
From covering major historic events to helping children find forever families through her “Forever Family” segment, Liz has made a lasting impact on countless lives across Palm Beach County and South Florida.
Congratulations, Liz, on an incredible career and well-deserved recognition.
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Palm Beach County School District's Weekly Transportation Job Fairs
Did you know the Palm Beach County School District hosts a weekly job fair to hire Bus Drivers every Thursday?
WHAT THEY OFFER:
• Starting pay more than $20 per hour.
• Two (2) weeks of paid time off.
• Accrued paid sick days.
• Paid holidays.
• One (1) week for Spring Break.
• One (1) week for Thanksgiving Break.
• Approximately two (2) weeks off for Winter Break.
• Work-life balance.
• Health insurance.
• Retirement package.
• Full-time and part-time positions available.
PLUS: A one-time $5,000 sign-on bonus with a CDL, $2,500 without a CDL, upon successful completion of the probation period.
YOU CAN ALSO APPLY ONLINE, VISIT: palmbeachschools.org/jobs
For more information, you can call 561-242-6515 or email Schoolbusjobs@palmbeachschools.org.
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Discovery Tales is a free-with-admission story program at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium designed for preschool through early elementary children and their families. Each session pairs an engaging, science-themed story with a hands-on learning activity designed to spark curiosity and encourage a love of reading and science. Sessions take place at the outdoor amphitheater.
Upcoming sessions include FANTASTIC FLIGHT on:
Saturday, August 8, 10:30 a.m. with special guest Watercolor Artist Katherine Hofmann
Saturday, August 22, 10:30 a.m. with special guest The Natural Movers Foundation
Location: 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
| | NextUp Skilled Trades: Speed Networking & Career Connection Event | | |
The City of Greenacres is hosting the NextUp Skilled Trades Speed Networking & Career Connection Event, designed for students, job seekers, and adults exploring careers in construction, skilled trades, architecture, engineering, and design. The event helps participants learn about career pathways, ask questions, and build professional connections with industry experts.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 5 – 8 p.m.
501 Swain Blvd., Greenacres, FL 33463
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If you or someone you know needs help finding food or other essential services, the United Way of Palm Beach County has made it easy.
Use the Food Finder Map to locate nearby food pantries and meal sites: https://ow.ly/Srjr50Xkx7I
Also, the 211 HelpLine is confidential and available 24/7, ready to connect you with other resources and support across our community.
- Call 2-1-1 or (561) 383-1112
- Text your ZIP code to 898211
- Email: help@211pbtc.org
| | Thank You to Our Summer Interns | | As the summer comes to an end, I want to recognize Carlos Canales, the 2026 Valedictorian of John I. Leonard High School, who interned with our office before heading to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH to study Aerospace Engineering. Carlos assisted our team with legislative research, constituent casework, and community event planning. His capstone project, Voices Into Leadership (VIL), will create a leadership panel that brings local sector leaders together to engage District 3 youth. Along the way, Carlos got an inside look at county budgeting, zoning, and public leadership while building valuable skills in networking and event coordination. We wish him all the best in Ohio! | I also had the pleasure of welcoming Sarah Hernandez to my office for a summer internship. Sarah is an incoming junior at Palm Beach Central High School (Class of 2028) who aspires to pursue a career in neuroscience and neurology, with a special focus on brain morphology. Her capstone project, Stories of a Generation, focuses on helping senior adults with technology while allowing high school students to earn community service hours and preserve older adults' stories. During her time with District 3, Sarah gained hands-on experience in how county government identifies community needs, connects residents to resources, and collaborates with local services to improve quality of life. | I also had the pleasure of welcoming Savannah Lowry to our District 3 office this summer. Savannah is an incoming senior at Saint Andrew’s School and the founder and president of Blanket Dreams, a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to providing comfort, hope, and essential items to children facing difficult circumstances, including illness, trauma, and time in the foster care system. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine. During her time with our office, Savannah learned about the role of local government and public officials while getting hands-on experience drafting a proclamation focused on back-to-school goals. Her time with District 3 gave her a firsthand look at how local leaders can use their roles to recognize community priorities and make a difference in the lives of residents. | We were also fortunate to have Gabryella Lena join our District 3 team this summer. Gabryella is an incoming senior at Saint Andrew’s School, a member of the nonprofit organization Blanket Dreams, and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. During her internship, she gained a deeper understanding of the work that goes into public service and the important role local government plays in our community. Gabryella also learned how public officials must consider different perspectives and community needs when making decisions, giving her valuable insight into the responsibility that comes with serving the public. | Over the past seven months, our District 3 team has been fortunate to have Leslie Velasquez Cruz working alongside us. Leslie is currently pursuing her Associate in Arts in Social Science at Palm Beach State College, with an expected graduation in fall 2027. She then plans to transfer to the University of Florida as she works toward her goal of becoming an immigration lawyer. Her capstone project aims to strengthen local K–12 education by empowering parents to become active partners in improving family engagement and literacy outcomes. Throughout her internship, Leslie has supported constituent services, conducted legislative research, and helped organize vendor workshops for small businesses, gaining valuable hands-on experience in public service and community outreach. As Leslie prepares to complete her internship with our office at the end of August, I want to thank her for her hard work and contributions to District 3 and wish her continued success as she pursues her education and future career. | | |
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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