The Powell Press

THE POWELL PRESS

"A Life of Service Is A Life That Counts"

April 2025 Edition

Palm Beach County

District 7

Commissioner

Bobby Powell Jr.

Welcome everyone to this edition of the Powell Press. I am County Commissioner Bobby Powell Jr., representing District 7 in Palm Beach County. Since I took office on Nov. 19, 2024, I am thrilled to share updates, insights and stories from District 7. We've actively engaged with our constituents through town halls, presenting proclamations and attending significant events. Our trip to Tallahassee during Palm Beach County Day was also fruitful for advocating for our district's needs.

I want to express my gratitude to each of you for your continued support and trust. Your voices matter; I'm committed to listening and working tirelessly to address your concerns. Let's stay connected and work together to build a stronger, more compassionate community. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Stay tuned for upcoming meetings and events. I look forward to continuing our work together.

Warm regards,

Commissioner Bobby Powell Jr.

EVENTS & TOURS

MLK Breakfast

Edith C. Bush is a lifelong advocate for social justice, education and community empowerment, has dedicated herself to uplifting the citizens of Palm Beach County, particularly through her work with the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee in West Palm Beach.

Speaking Up for America

Gulfstream Goodwill Industries Tour

Community Town Hall at Urban League of PBC

During a community town hall at the Urban League of PBC, I discussed the importance of the hiring process of a new county administrator, board plans for District 7, appointments and upcoming meetings and events.

Solid Waste Authority Tour

My staff and I visited the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County for a tour of their facilities, including Renewable Energy Facility 2 and the Recovered Materials Processing (recycling) Facility. During the tour, we learned about integrated solid waste.

Path to College Civic Engagement Day

I participated in Civic Engagement Day, hosted by Path to College. Students learned an in-depth understanding of how local government operates. They also participated in a Lunch and learn, which discussed insights from County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker and Commissioner Powell. Opportunities such as this empower students to be engaged and informed citizens.

Palm Beach Zoo Opening

During a ribbon cutting, I helped welcome a new Malaysian tiger to the Palm Beach Zoo's Tiger Forest.

Commissioner Gregg K. Weiss, Vice Mayor Sara Baxter and other community leaders were also in attendance.

Palm Beach County Day in Tallahassee

During the legislative session, Palm Beach County brought its ‘Sunshine State of Mind’ to the capitol for two days of connection, collaboration and promotion of the priorities that keep Palm Beach County the best place to live, work and play.

Commissioner Powell pictured with Firefighter Darren Romelus from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

Sansbury Way/Lyons Road Bike Lane Ribbon Cutting

More people choosing to ride bicycles has resulted in safety measures being implemented in Palm Beach County. In February 2025, the county received the 2025 Complete the Streets Community Award for its groundbreaking efforts to enhance roadway safety and accessibility. On March 28, 2025, a ribbon cutting was held for the bike lane on Lyons Road and Sansbury Way in West Palm Beach.

In Chamber Proclamations

Landscape Architecture Month

Landscape architecture is a multifaceted STEM profession that encompasses the analysis, design, planning, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environment. The county celebrates the economic benefits of licensed landscape architects, acknowledging their role in creating inviting and safe spaces that contribute to the economy while preserving the environment and ecological systems.

Second Chance Month

Second Chance Month was created after the Second Chance Act, passed by Congress in 2008, which supports work to improve reentry. The men, women, and youth returning from incarceration to Palm Beach County benefit by reuniting with their families, obtaining employment, finding stable housing and accessing resources.

Lion Order Gold Health and Wealth Symposium Day

The county is committed to recognizing that its growth and strength depend on the health and wealth of residents. Community outreach can help citizens with health or financial challenges. Lion Order Gold, LLC, helps bring health and awareness to the community during its health, wealth, and symposium. The purpose is to provide information to the public and to promote local and state collaborations to enhance the health and wealth of all members of our communities.

Black History Month

In 1926, Dr. Carter Woodson noticed a historical lack of recognition for African Americans' achievements and launched a one-week celebration to help increase appreciation of their contributions to society. He chose the second week of February because it coincides with the birthdays of two prominent figures in the African American struggle for freedom: President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist author Frederick Douglass.

Honoring the Historic Eagle Scout Achievements of

Four African American Youth

Jayla Rollins, Khaiden Mansfield, and Natassia Stubbs have made history as the first African American female scouts in the Gulfstream Council, Lighthouse District, and Florida to achieve the Eagle Scout rank. Delvin Scott is the fourth male scout from Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church’s Scouting Program to achieve the Eagle Scout rank.

Edith Bush Day

Edith C. Bush, a lifelong advocate for social justice, education and community empowerment, has dedicated herself to uplifting the citizens of Palm Beach County, particularly through her work with the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee in West Palm Beach. She played a pivotal role in organizing the annual Martin Luther King Week celebrations, including oratorical contests, art exhibits and the scholarship breakfast.

Off-Site Proclamations

Honoring Aaron Lockhart and Christopher Redding for

their contribution to music

Recognizing the 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative

World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Acceptance Month

Belinda C. Smith, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Palm Beach County Resources

Swim Lessons

Swim lessons are available to individuals of all ages and skill levels.

Group and Private lessons run from March to October at the following locations:

Lake Lytal Family Aquatic Center (West Palm Beach)
Aqua Crest Pool (Delray Beach)
North County Aquatic Complex (Jupiter)
John Prince Park – Gleneagles Country Club Aquatic Center (west of Lake Worth Beach)

Additionally, swim lessons are offered from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at the following locations:

Calypso Bay Waterpark (Royal Palm Beach),
Coconut Cove Waterpark (West Boca Raton),
Santaluces Aquatic Complex (unincorporated area west of Hypoluxo, north of Boynton Beach),
Pioneer Park Aquatic Center (Belle Glade)*

* Please note that Pioneer Park will transition to year-round operations.