As many of you know, Palm Beach County Commissioners serve four-year terms. I was first elected to the Board of County Commissioners in November 2022, and as my first term comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past four years, the relationships that have been built, and some of the work we have accomplished together in District 4 and throughout Palm Beach County.

First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank the residents who have taken the time to email, call, write letters, attend community meetings, and meet with me over the years. Your input is one of the most valuable parts of serving in local government. You help keep me informed about the issues that matter most to our community I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to make their voice heard.

Over the past four years, I have also had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with many of the organizations that play an important role in our community. I want to recognize the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA), the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, the Federation of Boca Raton Homeowner Associations, and the many chambers of commerce I have worked with, including my local Boca Regional Chamber. I also want to thank the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County for its continued engagement in strengthening our local economy.

Our nonprofit community deserves special recognition as well. With more than 6,000 nonprofit organizations throughout Palm Beach County, these groups make an incredible difference in the lives of our residents every day. Organizations such as Spirit of Giving, Best Foot Forward, and the Golden Bell Foundation are just a few examples of the many nonprofits doing important work in our community. Their involvement helps keep local government connected to the needs of the people we serve.

I am proud of the work we have accomplished in several important areas throughout District 4 and Palm Beach County. Improving transportation and infrastructure has been one of my priorities, from helping advance the County's first Countywide Transportation Master Plan, bringing together all 39 municipalities, the County, the State, and the School District, to advocating for Tri-Rail and improving roadway safety. I have also supported new traffic signals, pedestrian crosswalks, roadway resurfacing projects, and $3 million in funding for sidewalks near schools. Throughout District 4, I have worked closely with County staff to address neighborhood traffic concerns, improve infrastructure, and expand transportation options for residents.

Fiscal responsibility and transparency have also remained important priorities. From advocating for greater flexibility to temporarily suspend the local gas tax to hosting a district-wide Property Tax Tour, I have worked to help residents better understand how their tax dollars are spent. Addressing housing affordability has been another focus, including my efforts to create the Homebuyer Match Program, which provides up to $50,000 in matching assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers using developer contributions rather than taxpayer dollars.



Supporting our local workforce and veterans has been equally important. I worked to advance a countywide Internship Portal through CareerSource Palm Beach County, connecting students and job seekers with local employers, while supporting opportunities in the skilled trades. I also worked alongside my colleagues to establish a Veterans Advisory Committee and improve access to services and resources for the more than 70,000 veterans who call Palm Beach County home.

Protecting our natural resources and improving public spaces has also been an important part of my work. I have supported beach restoration efforts in Ocean Ridge, improvements at Ocean Inlet Park, and environmental initiatives such as the Bonefish Cove habitat restoration project. I have also worked to advance improvements at local parks, including Caloosa Park, Lake Ida East Park, and Daggerwing Nature Center, while supporting the preservation of 168 acres through Florida's Greenways and Trails System. Beyond these larger initiatives, some of the most meaningful accomplishments have come from working directly with residents to address everyday concerns, whether that means improving street lighting, addressing neighborhood safety issues, or coordinating with County departments to resolve local problems.

As I reflect on these past four years, I recognize that none of this work happens alone. It takes collaboration among residents, community organizations, County staff, municipal partners, and my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners. Serving the residents of District 4 has been an incredible honor, and I am grateful for the conversations, partnerships, and opportunities to make a difference over these past four years. While there is always more work to be done, I am proud of the progress we have made together.

Thank you to my husband for participating as a partner in this process. And happy we added Fritz and Toby to our family due to meeting Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary.

Thank you all for staying engaged, sharing your ideas, and helping make Palm Beach County a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.

In the June newsletter, I provided an overview of Florida’s proposed Amendment 3 and its potential impacts on property taxes and local government services. You can revisit that update here. With the November election approaching, I wanted to share an additional resource that provides residents with helpful information about how property taxes work in Palm Beach County.

Palm Beach County staff has created a dedicated webpage that explains how property taxes are calculated, the role of millage rates and homestead exemptions, and how property tax revenues support County services. The page also includes information about the proposed amendment, its potential impacts, and frequently asked questions. I appreciate the time and effort County staff put into developing this valuable resource and making important property tax information more accessible and easier for residents to understand.

Visit the link below to explore this helpful resource and learn more about your property taxes and the proposed amendment.

Election season is coming up, and I want everyone to be aware of some deadlines. Voting is important, and it’s a great way to make your voice heard! Please take a moment to review the dates below and make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines.

• Early Voting - Monday, October 19, through Sunday, November 1, from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm
• Deadline to request that a Vote-by-Mail ballot be mailed to you - Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 5:00 pm
• Election Day - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Deadline to return your Vote-by-Mail ballot - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 7:00 pm to Supervisor of Elections Main Office or at 5:00 pm to a Branch Office or Secure Ballot Intake Station

For more information, check out the link below to the Supervisor of Elections website.

We’re gearing up for the October BCC Zoning Hearing on October 22, and courtesy notices have been sent to residents in the areas. All published Public Hearing Courtesy Notices can be found here.

The notices below include some of the applications scheduled for review. Visit the link above to see the full list of applications and stay informed about upcoming zoning decisions.

• Canyon Isles PUD
• Wal-Mart Online Pickup Delivery Store Expansion
• The King's Academy
• Cobblestone Square
• Nova Life RV Park
• Southampton PUD
• Family Church Sherbrooke DE - UE Abandonment 
• Rainberry of West Boca Medical Center
• Eastpointe Country Club PUD
• Bioscience Research Protection Overlay (BRPO) and Electronic Signage – Second Reading and Adoption 
• Murals – Request for Permission to Advertise
• Recycling Drop-Off Bin – Request for Permission to Advertise 
• Workforce Housing Program Flexible Regulations – Request for Permission to Advertise 
• Consultant contract for Data Centers 
• Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Village of Wellington and Public Benefit Agreement (PBA) with KH Artistry Lakes LLC - Artistry Lakes. 
• Trauma Hawk Interlocal Agreement
• Old Dixie Hwy Richard Rd Properties Annexations - Initiation of Conflict Resolution Procedures 

Each month, the Board of County Commissioners approves a wide range of important agenda items that impact areas such as engineering, facilities, housing, airports and more. Here are some key items this month:

• approved Amendment No.8 to the Contract for Consulting Professional Services with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,197,793.53 for the provision of professional consulting services for the Department of Airports.
• adopted a resolution approving the Standard Grant Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the construction of the Country Club Acres Stormwater Improvements in the amount of $1,400,000, expiring June 30, 2028. 
• received and filed a HOME Investment Partnership Program Community Housing Development Organization loan agreement with Habitat Housing Solutions, Inc. for $1,880,00 in HOME-CHDO funding to construct 11 single-family homes for income-eligible households at various sites in Lake Worth Beach and the Town of Lantana.
• approved supplemental No. 1 Work order No. 9 to the Optimization Improvements Design-Build with Globaltech, Inc., for Water Treatment Plant 11 Membrane Train Improvements in the amount of $1,017,026.67.

The Cam D. Milani Park project in Highland Beach continues to move forward, bringing Palm Beach County one step closer to expanding public beach access for residents and visitors. The County has approved the next phase of preconstruction services, which includes design reviews, planning, and preparations for future construction.

Once completed, the park will provide residents with greater access to Palm Beach County’s beautiful coastline, featuring an elevated boardwalk, public restrooms, lifeguard facilities, and designated parking.

This project reflects the County’s continued commitment to preserving public access to our beaches and creating more opportunities for residents and families to enjoy our coastal resources.

I am currently seeking District 4 residents to serve on the following advisory boards.

Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council

This council plays a critical role in reviewing and making timely recommendations to the Board or the Director of the Department of Public Safety on emergency medical services matters. The Council meets every other month on the third Thursday.

Fair Housing and Equal Employment Board

This board plays a critical role in promoting fair treatment and equal opportunity in housing, public accommodations, and employment for all Palm Beach County residents. The Board works to eliminate discrimination, foster mutual understanding and respect, support educational initiatives, and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) on policies and programs that promote equality and inclusion throughout the County.

If you are interested in serving on any of these boards, please contact our office at 355-2204 or email us at Mwoodward@pbc.gov.

~National Battle of the Bands~

Attended the 2027 National Battle of the Bands Press Conference at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton on September 23.

I’m excited to welcome the National Battle of the Bands back to The Palm Beaches over MLK Weekend for the second year in a row. The press conference kicked off with an amazing performance by the Suncoast Community Highschool marching band.

Theo Dorsey TV of ESPN served as emcee, and Derek Webber, Creator and Executive Producer of the National Battle of the Bands, announced five of the six bands that will take the field:

• Alabama State University — The Mighty Marching Hornets
• Bethune-Cookman University — The Marching Wildcats
• Edward Waters University — Triple Threat Marching Band
• Florida A&M University — The Marching “100”
• Miles College — Purple Marching Machine

The National Battle of the Bands does so much more than put on an incredible show. Its mission is to elevate the visibility of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, showcase the talent of their marching bands, and highlight the important role HBCUs play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders in music, the arts, and education.

It was also great seeing my fellow Commissioner Bobby Powell, former County Administrator Verdenia Baker, Emanuel Perry, Mayor Andy Thomson, Michael Zeff, George Linley, Jeremy Morse, Josh McCowan, and so many others who came out to support this exciting event.

~BDB End of Year Luncheon~

Went to the Business Development Board of the Palm Beaches' End of Year Luncheon, bringing together members from across the business community to reflect on where Palm Beach County stands today and where we’re headed next.

J. Michael Prince, BDB Chairman and President & CEO of USPA Global, opened the program and returned at the close of the luncheon to share the BDB’s full-year results. Kelly Smallridge, President & CEO of the Business Development Board of the Palm Beaches, reflected on the progress made over the past year and the county’s continued focus on competing for the industries of the future.

Don Kiselewski, Senior Director of External Affairs at FPL, shared insights into the growth and data shaping our region before unveiling the Q3 Intelligence Report and the new Living Guide.

President Adam Hasner of Florida Atlantic University highlighted the arrival of a $20 million quantum computer in Palm Beach County in 2027, the Center for Quantum Technologies, and the continued partnership between FAU and the BDB.



We also heard from Babette Mattheys, Senior Director and Chief of Staff at D-Wave, about why the company chose Palm Beach County. The luncheon also welcomed Mateen Riaz, CEO and Certified Master Architect at Integrity Pro, as one of Palm Beach County’s newest corporate citizens.

~Founders Club Tour~

Had the opportunity to tour the Founders Club in Fort Lauderdale. Thank you to Sam Wilcox, Victor Grillo Jr., and Marshall Muir for taking the time to show me around the club!

Founders Club is a private shooting club that also features a members’ lounge, indoor golf simulator, training center, and other amenities. With plans to open a location in Palm Beach County, it was valuable to learn more about the business and its plans to invest in and become part of our community.



Thank you again to the entire Founders Club team for the warm welcome and informative tour!

~BDB Annual Gala~

Was a pleasure to attend the Business Development Board of the Palm Beaches' 43rd Annual Gala at The Breakers Palm Beach alongside my fellow County Commissioners Sara Baxter, Maria G Marino, Joel Flores, Bobby Powell, Gregg K. Weiss, and Maria Sachs

.

The evening brought together business and civic leaders from across our community to celebrate the people, partnerships, and businesses that continue to strengthen Palm Beach County and shape our future.

It was also great to see so many familiar faces, including Jay Cashmere, State Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman, FAU President Adam Hasner and First Lady Jillian Hasner, Madison Andrews, Brian Seymour, Melissa McKinlay, Jason Hagensick, and many more community and business leaders from across Palm Beach County.

A special thank you to Jupiter Medical Center the presenting sponsor of this year’s Gala, for its generous support of this event.

I also want to thank BDB President and CEO Kelly Smallridge and BDB Chair J. Michael Prince for their leadership and dedication to advancing economic development and creating opportunities throughout Palm Beach County.

Congratulations to the Business Development Board on 43 years of service!

~Gloria Drummond Patient Tower Ribbon Cutting~

My staff had the pleasure of attending the ribbon cutting for the new Gloria Drummond Patient Tower at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

After breaking ground in April 2022, the new tower marks an exciting milestone for our community. It is named in memory of Gloria Drummond, who helped establish the hospital after tragically losing two of her children to poisoning when the nearest hospital was too far away to save them. She rallied the community to raise the funds needed for a local hospital, which opened as Boca Raton Community Hospital in July 1967.

Today, her legacy continues with this new nine-story tower, featuring all-private patient rooms, new surgical suites, dining and retail options, a sanctuary, and expanded education space. The project also includes an expansion of the Marcus Neuroscience Institute and renovations to convert existing hospital rooms to private rooms.

Congratulations to Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital and everyone who helped make this important investment in healthcare for our community a reality! A special thank you to the generous donors whose support helped make this new tower possible.



Thank you as well to Matthew Monica, Corporate Director of Government & Community Relations at Baptist Health South Florida, for the invitation!

~Italian American Heritage Month~

Was a pleasure to celebrate Italian and Italian American Heritage Month at the Palm Beach County History Museum on October 6!

Thank you to Commissioner Maria Sachs for the invitation. I was honored to join my fellow Commissioners Gregg K. Weiss and Joel Flores, along with John Poletto, Mattia Colore, and Colette Makenian, in welcoming Michele Mistò, Consul General of Italy, to Palm Beach County.



It was a wonderful event celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and lasting contributions of the Italian American community to Palm Beach County.

~Karen S. Lynch Women's Leadership Symposium~

Attended the Karen S. Lynch Women’s Leadership Symposium at Lynn University. Thank you to Sarah Pearson and Troy McLellan from the Boca Regional Chamber for the invitation!

The symposium, inspired by the leadership lessons and experiences of Karen S. Lynch, former President and CEO of CVS Health, brought together an incredible group of leaders for meaningful discussions on business, leadership, and innovation.



I had the opportunity to attend several insightful sessions, including Anne Phelps, Principal and U.S. Life Sciences and Health Care Policy Leader at Deloitte, discussing the midterms and business; Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group, discussing the role of AI in the markets; and Russell Miller, Founder and CEO of ClearBridge Compensation Group, speaking on knowing your worth.

A special thank you to the moderators, Mary Thompson, Ellie Austin, and Ashley Class, for leading such engaging conversations.

It was an informative and inspiring event, made even better by the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful women in attendance, including Sherry A. Henry, Amy Kemp, and Trisha Ramudo.



Thank you to Lynn University for hosting and to presenting sponsor The Dandelion Foundation for supporting such a wonderful event!

~North Chamber of Commerce Zoom~

Had the pleasure of speaking at the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting via Zoom. A special thank you to Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO, and Caitlyn Mahoney Bergman, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, for the invitation to present.

It was a great opportunity to connect with local business leaders, municipal representatives, and representatives from our school district and universities.

During the meeting, I shared an overview of Palm Beach County's recently approved Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, highlighting how county funds are allocated, the role of property taxes in supporting essential services, and key investments in public safety, transportation, infrastructure, and other community priorities.



Thank you to the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce for the warm welcome and the opportunity to share important updates on Palm Beach County's budget and priorities!

~Boca Regional Chamber Gala~

It was a great evening at The Boca Raton for the 2026 Boca Regional Chamber Annual Gala! Thank you to Troy McLellan, President & CEO of the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, for the invitation.

This year's Gala was especially meaningful as The Boca Raton celebrated its Centennial and was honored with the prestigious M.J. “Mike” Arts Award of Excellence, recognizing 100 years of leadership, community impact, and commitment to Boca Raton.

Guests also had the opportunity to experience the newly reimagined Mizner Center. Thank you to Instrumentum, the presenting sponsor, for supporting this year's event.



It was great catching up with Zoe Lanham, Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Barry Seidman, Sal Saldana, Bob Tucker, Laureen Pannullo, and so many others! A great night celebrating The Boca Raton and the community that makes Palm Beach County so special!

~BRiC Visit~

Visited the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) and met with Jordan Bargas, Executive Vice President at Related Ross. Related Ross recently acquired BRiC, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear about their vision for the future of the campus.

Originally developed as IBM’s research and development campus, BRiC has an important place in technology history. It was here that IBM developed its first personal computer. Today, BRiC continues its legacy in technology, with D-Wave Quantum selecting the campus for its new corporate headquarters. Florida Atlantic University also plans to partner with D-Wave on quantum computing research and career training opportunities.



It’s encouraging to see BRiC continue its legacy of innovation while creating opportunities for education, research, and technology here in Palm Beach County.

~Living in Harmony Luncheon~

On October 15, I had the privilege of attending the Living in Harmony Luncheon, benefiting the YWCA Palm Beach County’s domestic violence shelter and its mission to help women and children find safety, healing, and hope.

A special thank you to Dr. Heidi Schaeffer for the kind invitation! It was an honor to hear from keynote speaker Tanya Brown, author, mental health counselor, domestic violence advocate, and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson, who shared a powerful and moving message about resilience, healing, and the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence.

It was also a pleasure to celebrate State Representative Debra Tendrich, who was recognized as the 2026 Harmony Hero for her dedication to making a positive difference in our community.

I am grateful for organizations like the YWCA that provide critical resources and support to individuals and families in need. Together, we can continue building a safer, stronger, and more compassionate Palm Beach County.

~Go Pink~

Attended the 22nd Annual Go Pink Luncheon, hosted by the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation at The Boca Raton. A special thank you to Bonnie Miskel for the kind invitation to join her table!

It was inspiring to see more than 1,200 attendees dressed in pink, coming together to raise awareness, celebrate breast cancer survivors, and support the fight against breast cancer.

The afternoon featured remarks from Dr. Louise Morrell, Chief Medical Executive of the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute; Neil Saffer, who delivered the heartfelt "Call to the Heart"; Mark Larkin, President of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation; and Dr. Robyn Moncrief, Go Pink Luncheon Chair.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was hearing from keynote speaker Kristin Chenoweth, who shared an inspiring message and even surprised everyone with a beautiful performance of "Over the Rainbow!"

The Go Pink Luncheon supports vital breast cancer programs and services at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, including the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute, the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, and the Schmidt Family Center for Breast Care.



As we recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded of the importance of early detection, continued research, and supporting those impacted by breast cancer. Together, we can continue making a difference!

This month, I’m pleased to highlight Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, a nonprofit organization that has been serving our community since 1946.

Based in West Palm Beach, Lighthouse for the Blind provides education, rehabilitation, and support services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.

The organization serves individuals of all ages, from children and young adults to working professionals and seniors experiencing age-related vision loss. It also provides valuable resources for families and caregivers, along with educational services to businesses and community organizations to promote accessibility and inclusion.

Through charitable support, Lighthouse for the Blind is able to offer most of its services at no cost, helping individuals develop essential skills, maintain independence, and participate more fully in their communities.

Thank you to Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches for its decades of dedicated service and its continued commitment to making Palm Beach County a more accessible and inclusive community for all residents.

October is recognized as Blind Equality Achievement Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals who are blind or visually impaired and raise awareness about accessibility, independence, and equal opportunities. October 15 also marks White Cane Awareness Day, recognizing the importance of the white cane as a tool for independence and mobility.

Palm Beach County is supported by nearly 40 departments and divisions, with more than 7,000 employees working every day to serve our county.

Many of our County employees dedicate their careers to serving our community, working behind the scenes to ensure our residents receive the essential services they rely on every day.

This month, I'm proud to spotlight Ryan Mimnaugh, Utility Field Customer Service Superintendent with Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (PBCWUD).

Ryan has dedicated 27 years of service to PBCWUD, receiving his training and advancing his career within the department. Throughout his time with the utility, he has gained extensive experience in water distribution, wastewater operations, and customer service.



In his current role as Superintendent, Ryan coordinates daily work assignments for field supervisors, ensures employees receive the necessary technical and safety training, and oversees meter replacement programs, large meter testing, and meter sizing. His work helps ensure the accuracy and reliability of water services for residents and businesses throughout Palm Beach County.

Over the course of his career, Ryan has earned numerous professional licenses and certifications, including a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Level 1 Water Distribution License, Class B Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator License, Class A Wastewater Certification, and Backflow Test and Repair Certifications. These qualifications reflect his commitment to professional growth and serving our community.

Ryan's work plays an important role in ensuring accurate water meter readings and testing, which are essential for fair billing, tracking water usage, and maintaining the integrity of our utility system. Beyond these responsibilities, Ryan finds the greatest satisfaction in helping customers identify and resolve issues directly in the field.

The Customer Service Field team works closely with nearly every area of PBCWUD, including treatment plants, engineering, plan review, contract management, GIS, and field contractors. Their work connects the various stages of water distribution, from coordinating infrastructure needs to establishing final GPS locations and activating utility services for customers.

Ryan's experience, technical knowledge, and dedication to customer service reflect the important work our County employees do every day to keep essential services running.



Ryan, thank you for your 27 years of service to Palm Beach County and your continued commitment to our residents!

We had some brilliant minds tackle our September trivia question: "Which of the following is the oldest municipality located in Palm Beach County?" A round of applause for everyone who selected West Palm Beach!

We welcome your feedback on our District 4 newsletter. Please let us know if you found this information helpful and what else you would like to know.