Palm Beach County Business | Spring 2024

PALM BEACH COUNTY

PALM BEACH COUNTY BUSINESS

From the CEO

Education Environment Equals Economic Success

ASK ANY FAMILY MOVING to Palm Beach County about their top concerns and considerations, and “education” invariably tops the list. “Do your schools stack up against those we have back home?”

Thankfully for them, the county and its educational, business and elected leaders have worked hard to make sure our academics rival those found anywhere else.

As you will read in this issue of Quarterly, from infant to post-graduate, “students” of all ages find unmatched academics in Palm Beach County. Some of those, like ZenHippo, were created elsewhere and found their place in a county where families are growing and parents want to give their children the best first step. Others, such as Palm Beach County District Schools, area private and parochial schools, and our list of institutes of higher learning, serve students from around the world with first-rate, locally created academics.

That’s just the start. Whether students graduate from high school seeking a college degree or an immediate path to employment, our network of providers, such as the school district’s adult education programs, Palm Beach State College and CareerSource, work with employers who require eager and highly trained employees.

This collaborative approach to building a nexus where academics-meets-career readiness isn’t unique to Palm Beach County. But we’ve certainly elevated it to a higher level. The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County works closely with employers, recruiters, workforce development professionals and others to create a seamless approach to ensure a growing business’s specific needs are uniquely met. Together, our academic and business leaders are further growing every sector of our economy as Palm Beach County continues to evolve.

Take a look at the recent numbers:

n Palm Beach County witnessed a net in-migration of 20,000 new residents

n This area ranked #3 as the top markets by the USA Wealth Report

n Finance is the #1 sector for personal income at $7.53 billion

n Company Headquarters is the #1 sector for average salary at $190,741

n Healthcare / Life Science sectors are #1 for jobs at nearly 100,000 people

At the foundation of it all is education. When a family arrives in Palm Beach County, or local ones need support, our goal is to make them feel welcome - in their home, their student’s classroom, and their next job.

Kelly Smallridge President and CEO

Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc. 310 Evernia Street West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561.835.1008 | bdb.org

Kelly Smallridge

President & CEO 561.835.1008 Ext. 4121 ksmallridge@bdb.org

Lisa Anderson Vice President – Private Funding 561.835.1008 Ext. 4110 landerson@bdb.org

Kristen Boyd Liberman

Vice President – Marketing & Media Relations 561.835.1008 Ext. 4106 kliberman@bdb.org

Tim Dougher Vice President – Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion 561.835.1008 Ext. 4131 tdougher@bdb.org

Shawn Rowan Vice President – Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion 561.835.1008 Ext. 4108 srowan@bdb.org

Leaders Preparing

For Tomorrow’s Workforce

BDB PRIVATE SCHOOL TASK FORCE:

The Business Development Board’s Private School Task Force is comprised of nearly 25 headmasters of local private schools, as well as a representative from the FAU School District and Palm Beach County School District. This group meets to discuss openings and expansion plans. It embarked on the first-of-its-kind education outreach mission in April 2023, dubbed “One Palm Beach”, where 25 leaders traveled to New York City to meet with executives interested in education in Palm Beach County prior to relocating. The Business Development Board continues to keep relationships top notch, touring each school and introducing new families to the education leaders.

BDB CLAIM YOUR FUTURE SHOWCASE:

For 10 years, the Business Development Board has partnered with the School District of Palm Beach County to show local high school students the possible career paths that they can take in the County. More than 1,000 students each year, comprised of one bus from every school, visit the Palm Beach County Convention Center to hear presentations where they learn “Soft Skills” from CareerSource Palm Beach County and “Financial Literacy Skills” from sponsor Wells Fargo, followed by an exhibitor hall showcasing 50 top employers in the County. Companies in attendance have included Pratt & Whitney, Max Planck Florida, HCA Healthcare, U.S. Army, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Florida Crystals, ModMed, Florida Power & Light and ESPN West Palm, to name a few.

BDB ACADEMIC LEADERS COUNCIL:

The Business Development Board’s Academic Leaders Council is comprised of all colleges and universities in Palm Beach County, as well as the public school district. Council members include Ava Parker, President of Palm Beach State College, Dr. Stacy Volnick, President of Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Gary Vonk, Associate Vice Chancelor and Flagship Campus President of Keiser University, Lisa Nucci, West Palm Beach Campus President of Keiser University, Dr. George Hanbury II, President and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kevin Ross, President of Lynn University, Dr. Debra Schwinn, President of Palm Beach Atlantic University and Michael Burke, Superintendent of the School District of Palm Beach County. Together, these leaders meet bi-annually to ensure industry and curriculum alignment, meeting with top CEOs in the county from driving industries such as finance, technology, science, manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, engineering and trades. This effort has resulted in our soon-to-begraduates being sought-after prior to even graduating.

BDB SUMMER INTERN SERIES

The Business Development Board convenes interns throughout Palm Beach County who are here for the summer working with our top employers. This series happens twice each summer and provides a platform for them to network with peers, as well as learn why Palm Beach County is a great place to select for their career after graduating college. It’s an impressive group of students from all over the nation, with some enrolled in Ivy League schools, and this program convinces them to come back here after graduation to take on a career in the County. It’s been an excellent resource to recruit and retain top talent for the area.

BDB CONCIERGE SERVICES:

The Business Development Board is the countywide resource for relocating or expanding companies offering confidential and complimentary services such as expedited permitting, research, property tours, information on grants, business service connections, connections to public and private school offerings, and introductions to elected officials, among other services. If requested by a client, we present schools for the child's grade, area of the county and interests, followed by a tour with the Principal or Headmaster on site of the preferred school.

The Leaders Driving

Higher Education

PALM BEACH COUNTY’S, colleges and universities, as well as the School District of Palm Beach County have accomplished a lot over the past year.

Here are some recent accolades:

Palm Beach State College. Under President Ava L. Parker, J.D., the college awarded more than 3,000 associate degrees last year, including the most A.S. nursing degrees. The school recently partnered with TMRW Sports, which will launch TGL, an interactive golf league led by pro golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Florida Atlantic University Among other awards, the “Owls” received the 2024 American Council on Education (ACE)/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report, and and was recognized as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Palm Beach Atlantic University President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn has overseen such milestones as receiving AACSB accreditation for the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business (placing PBA in the top 6 percent of all business schools globally), and the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering program.

Lynn University In the past year alone, Lynn University was listed by U.S. News & World Report and was recognized among the nation’s most diverse and best-valued colleges.

Keiser University The private, independent, nonprofit university serves nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and t wo international sites. It is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 5 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report in 2022.

Nova Southeastern University. Classified as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU is one of only 59 universities nationwide to also be awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification and is also the largest private institution in the United States that meets the U.S. Department of Education’s criteria as a Hispanicserving institution.

The School District of Palm Beach County The 10th largest school district in the nation, with 182 district-operated schools (including 38 offering dual language programs), serving 170,048 students, the district boasts a 94.1 percent graduation rate in districtoperated schools. The district is designated a high-performing large urban school district with some 330 innovative Choice, Career and Technical Education programs with 95 different industry certifications offered. It was Cambridge International’s U.S. Large District of the Year for 2022-2023.

When the American Chemical Society announced that its prestigious 2022 Nobel Laureate Signature Award for Graduate Education in Chemistry would honor a student and faculty advisor from UF Scripps, it was only the latest news from the Jupiter-based research institution.

Today, graduate education at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology is delivered in partnership with the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California. The Skaggs Graduate School program is ranked ninth in the nation in biological sciences overall—sixth in organic chemistry, sixth in biochemistry and sixth in chemistry.

Highly competitive admission had a 16 percent acceptance rate in the 2022 cycle. Those who make the grade have high marks for the program. “You’re digging into research in the lab from day one, with less emphasis on classroom/textbook learning than some other programs,” said one student. Another added, “Studying on the Florida campus brings unique benefits, such as the ability to tap into the expertise and resources at the neighboring Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience as well as the University of Florida and its health science center, UF Health.”

Finally, another mentioned the advantages students, employees and business owners alike can appreciate. “Students enjoy a great quality of life here. … The state tax burden is lowest, and there is no city tax.”

“Our graduate program blends the best of both worlds, allowing our students access to the Nobel laureates and unique expertise of Scripps Research and the benefits of the vast resources of the University of Florida,” Associate Dean Laura Solt, Ph.D., wrote in a note to prospective students. “Read on and envision yourself with us, working at the forefront of this scientific quest of discovery.”

Florida Atlantic University

Palm Beach State College

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Private and Faith-Based Schools

PALM BEACH COUNTY is home to 118 private and faith-based schools, with expansion plans and new academic centers in the pipeline. As more people than ever relocate to Florida, seekers of a private school education in Palm Beach County have myriad options and a future full of growth.

American Heritage Schools

» Independent, Nonsectarian, and Coeducational Day School

» Grades: PreK3 - 12

» 2 Locations: Delray Beach (Palm Beach Campus); Plantation (Broward Campus)

» # of Students: 1,700 Palm Beach Campus; 3,000 Broward Campus

» Phone: 561-495-7272 (Palm Beach County Campus); 954-472-0022 (Broward County Campus)

» Website: ahschool.com

Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Preparatory School

» Jewish Day School

» Grades: Junior K - 8

» Location: Palm Beach Gardens

» # of Students: 200

» Phone: 561-686-6520

» Website: meyerprep.org

Atlantic Christian Academy

» Christ-Centered, Non-Denominational School

» Grades: PreK - 12

» Location: West Palm Beach

» # of Students: 489

» Phone: 561-686-1247

» Website: atlanticca.com

Baldwin Prep School

» Private School

» Grades: K - 12

» Location: North Palm Beach

» # of Students: 112

» Phone: 561-844-7700

» Website: baldwinprepschool.com

The Benjamin School

» Independent, Coeducational Day School

» Grades: PreK3 - 12

» 2 Locations: Nor th Palm Beach (Grades PK3 - 8); Palm Beach Gardens (Grades 9 - 12)

» # of Students: 1,300

» Phone: 561-472-5998

» Website: thebenjaminschool.org

Berean Christian School

» Private School and a Ministry of Grace Fellowship

» Grades: PreK - 12

» Location: West Palm Beach

» # of Students: 761

» Phone: 561-798-9300

» Website: bereanchristianschool.org

Bezos Academy

» Montessori-inspired preschool

» PreK for ages 3 – 5 years old

» Locations: Boca Raton and West Palm Beach

» Website: bezosacademy.org

Boca Raton Christian School

» Private School and a Ministry of Boca Raton Community Church

» Grades: PreK3 - 12

» Location: Boca Raton

» # of Students: 536

» Phone: 561-391-2727

» Website: bocachristian.org

Cardinal Newman

» Private College Preparatory Roman Catholic Coeducational School

» Grades: 9-12

» Location: West Palm Beach

» # of Students: 600

» Phone: 561-683-6266

» Website: cardinalnewman.com

Chesterbrook Academy

» Private Preschool

» 6 weeks – PreK2

» Location: Palm Beach Gardens

» Phone Number: 561-559-4913

» Website: chesterbrookacademy.com

Donna Klein Jewish Academy

» Private, Jewish Co-ed School

» Grades: K-12

» Location: Boca Raton

» Phone: 561-852-3300

» Website: dkja.net

Glades Day School

» A Fully Accredited, Independent School

» Grades: PreK3 - 12

» Location: Belle Glade

» # of Students: 335

» Phone: 561-996-6769

» Website: gladesdayschool.com

Grandview Preparatory School

» Independent, Non-Sectarian, College Preparatory, Coeducational Day School

» Grades: PreK3 - 12

» Location: Boca Raton

» # of Students: 238

» Phone: 561-416-9737

» Website: grandviewprep.net

The Greene School

» Private School

» Grades: PreK - 9

» Location: West Palm Beach

» # of Students: 180

» Phone: 561-293-2888

» Website: thegreeneschool.com

Gulf Stream School

» Independent, Private School

» Grades: PreK3 - 8

» Location: Gulf Stream

» # of Students: 300

» Phone: 561-276-5225

» Website: gulfstreamschool.org

Jupiter Christian School

» Private, Christian School

» Grades: PK2 - 12

» Location: 3 Jupiter Campuses; and 1 West Palm Beach Campus

» # of Students: 1,067

» Phone: 561-746-7800 (Jupiter West)

» Phone: 561-972-4521 (Jupiter East)

» Phone: 561-745-3035 (Jupiter North)

» Phone: 561-832-9220 (West Palm Beach South)

» Website: jupiterchristian.org

Kentwood Preparatory School

» Fully Accredited Day School

» Grades: 1 - 12

» Location: Lake Worth Beach

» # of Students: 110

» Phone: 561-649-6141

» Website: kentwoodprepschool.com

The Kings Academy

» Private, Christian, Coeducational, College-Preparatory School

» Grades: PreK - 12

» Location: West Palm Beach

» # of Students: 1,500

» Phone: 561-686-4244

» Website: tka.net

Oxbridge Academy

» Private Coeducational College-Preparatory School

» Grades: 6 - 12

» Location: West Palm Beach

» # of Students: 600

» Phone: 561-972-9600

» Website: oapb.org

» 2 Locations: West Palm Beach (PreK – 3); Palm Beach (4 – 9)

» # of Students: 575

» Phone: 561-832-8815 ( West Palm Beach Campus);

» Phone: 561-655-1188 (Palm Beach Campus)

» Website: pbday.org

Pine Crest

» Private School

» PreK – 12

» Locations: Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale

» 2,682 students (both campuses)

» Phone Number: 561-852-2800

» Website: pinecrest.edu

The Pine School

» Independent, College Preparatory Day School

» Grades: K - 12

» Location: Hobe Sound

» # of Students: 425

» Phone: 772-675-7005

» Website: thepineschool.org

» Phone: 561-210-2000

» Website: saintandrews.net

St. Ann Catholic School

» Private, Catholic School

» Grades: PreK-8

» Location: West Palm Beach

» Phone: 561-832-3676

» Website: stannwpb.org

St. Mark’s (Episcopal Church School)

» Independent, Coeducational, Christian Day School

» Grades: PreK2 - 8

» Location: Palm Beach Gardens

» # of Students: 476

» Phone: 561-622-1504

» Website: stmarkspbg.org

Turtle River Montessori

» Independent School Providing Montessori Education

» Grades: 18mos - 8

» Location: Jupiter (two campuses)

» # of Students: 260

» Phone: 561-745-1313 (Elementary –High School); 561-746-1998 (PreK - K)

» Website: turtlerivermontessori.com

(Bachelor and High School Diplomas)

» Grades: 9 - 12

» Locations: Boca Raton; Jupiter

» Phone: 561-297-4707

» Website: fauhigh.fau.edu

» Website: fauhigh.fau.edu/jupiter-campus

Bezos Academy

construction will deliver a new lecture hall, aquatic center, track and field, and research labs focusing on the areas of ocean college enrollment.

The Right Choice for Tomorrow’s Career

Where School is ‘Like Family’

AS HEAD OF SCHOOL at Rosarian Academy, Linda M. Trethewey knows the importance local and newly arriving families place on their children’s education from the earliest stages. She’s heard a consistent message from those who enroll—that “our academic standards are on par with, or possibly more rigorous than, many of the top schools in the Northeast,” she said.

Montessori-certified teachers follow Conscious Discipline, which encourages the youngest students to learn and grow socially and emotionally. The Early Childhood Montessori program teaches math, language, and science. The school will debut a new Early Childhood Center in the fall. The STEM curriculum for older students, which is partnered with Carnegie Science Center, features a lab with the latest technology. Meanwhile, extracurricular activities include the arts, theatre, music and competitive interscholastic athletics.

Together, they prepare students for future accomplishments. “Early education is an essential part of establishing a solid footing on which to build,” Trethewey said.

Courtney Charles wasn’t sure what she would do for a living after graduating from high school. Then she received a flyer in her student email about the HVAC program as part of the School District of Palm Beach County’s Choice Program.

Today, the senior at Royal Palm Beach Community High School is working toward her diploma—and a certification that will put her to work right out of high school. This will allow her to work while she attends the University of Central Florida next fall.

“By working, I mean in a job that would allow me to have good benefits like health care and retirement and be able to buy a house at a younger age and also buy a car,” she said confidently. “A future that was not available for me prior to this was the ability to work at a skilled job while going to college. This will allow me to have a better standard of living.”

The more than 330 Choice and Career programs offered are only one component of the academic and career-focused options available to every student in the County, including those who relocate here. Programs also include Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and a host of innovative initiatives that open paths to 21st century careers aligned with the needs of local employers.

“Our high-performing school district offers rigorous academic programs taught by well-credentialed, certified teachers,” District Superintendent Mike Burke said. “Our schools work with local business leaders and industry experts to design programs to meet community workforce needs, while offering students their choice of career pathways.”

Courtney Charles

Palm Beach District Schools: Preparing Every Student for the Future

“We believe our public schools are the best choice for anyone relocating to Palm Beach County,”

– Superintendent Mike Burke

The Sweet Sound of Success

IN 2024 FOR THE

EIGHTH consecutive year, the School District of Palm Beach County earned the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants. Cleve Maloon, the District’s K-12 Arts Education Program Planner, noted the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders. “We are all very proud,” he said, recognizing their support of music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children.

In all, the District serves more than 170,500 students in the areas of music, visual arts, theater arts, dance, and TV production—from elementary through high school.

School District of Palm Beach County Stats:

n 10th largest school district in the nation

n 182 District-operated schools serving 170,048 students

n The largest employer in Palm Beach County, with 13,003 of the 22,801 employees being classroom teachers

n 94.1% graduation rate in District-operated schools

n Thirty-eight campuses offer Dual Language programs (35 in Spanish, and three in Haitian Creole)

n In 2023, there were 11,624 students who graduated from District-operated schools (1,256 from Charter schools)

And a Few More Points to Add:

n Designated a high-performing large urban school district

n More than 330 innovative Choice, Career and Technical Education programs with 95 different industry certifications offered

n Cambridge International’s U.S. Large District of the Year for 2022-2023

n Designated Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants, eight years in a row

FROM GRADE SCHOOL TO GRAD SCHOOL, the construction site to the Fortune 500 workplace, Palm Beach County District Schools are preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s careers.

As the 10th-largest school district in the nation, the School District of Palm Beach County’s 182 District-operated schools serve upwards of 170,000 students—each with a different plan for their future. More than 13,000 teachers ensure each student is given the chance to excel in their education. The District’s efforts are well noted. It was named the Large District of the Year for 2022-2023 by Cambridge International, offering a pathway for students to exciting college and career opportunities through access to rigorous coursework.

The numbers tell the tale. The County boasts a 94.1% graduation rate among District-operated schools, including more than 11,600 who graduated last year. Another 1,256 graduated from charter schools throughout the County.

These students emerge ready for a place in the workforce or higher education. The District’s more than 330 innovative Choice, Career, and Technical Education programs offer 95 different industry certifications, often created in direct partnership with area employers eager to hire qualified talent who are ready to work.

Designated a high-performing, large urban school district, the School District of Palm Beach County suits the needs of a vibrant, multilingual student population being prepared for its place in tomorrow’s dynamic workforce. Thirty-eight District campuses offer Dual Language programs in Spanish and Haitian Creole.

For older adults seeking education as their path to a better future or personal enrichment, the County’s Adult and Technical Education Centers offer job training, educational enhancement, and lifelong learning. For employers, students emerge prepared for employment in health care and as first responders, the trades, commercial driving, and IT, among other critical sectors.

“We believe our public schools are the best choice for anyone relocating to Palm Beach County,” Superintendent Mike Burke said. “With more than 330 Choice and Career programs, comprehensive athletic offerings, and a wide array of extracurricular activities, there is something for everyone.”

Superintendent Mike Burke School District of Palm Beach County

Executives are Happy with the Local Schools

Studying the Right Local Schools

WHEN NED AND KELLY GRACE decided to move to Palm Beach County, the quality of the schools was high on their list. Their research led them to Palm Beach Day Academy, to which their older son, Teddy, was accepted and younger son, Hobie, will attend in the fall.

As a developer connected in the community, Grace received ample advice about the local schools. Thankful as they were, the couple still researched the area’s public and private schools to see which schools and neighborhoods fit their needs. It’s a moving target. The market is growing very quickly, and education will continue to be a priority—albeit one that is constantly evolving.

His own top bit of advice: “You shouldn’t always believe what you hear. Do the research for yourself, and I think you will find that there are public and private school options that fit your family’s needs,” he said. “We have been very impressed with PBDA thus far, and feel very lucky to have found a school that fits for our family.”

Sold on Sand and Studies

WHEN THE GREENHALGH FAMILY toured area schools for their young family, one look at Gulf Stream School students studying Spanish with teachers on the beach—and learning to surf the waves— and they were sold.

Travis Greenhalgh, founder and CEO of medical device maker SurGenTec, said the 80-year-old K-8 private school offered just the community setting and rounded curriculum they wanted for their two kids. Mandatory sports made a basketball and lacrosse player of their daughter. “That helps build character and confidence for the future,” he said.

While the couple hasn’t decided where their kids will attend high school, they know the county has great public, private and parochial school options. Wherever they go, the kids will have a community of friends.

“The kids grow together,” said Greenhalgh, who has seen school alumni his age at parent functions. “These families are from all over the world, and they have such fond memories.”

Education, Connection, and Mindful Play From Birth to 3

WITH ALL THE traditional focus on education from grade school to grad school, Loren Klein thought about what parents of the youngest children needed.

As a parent in New York, she soon realized that a resource-rich community was essential. Though joyful, parenting, especially during the early years, can be isolating and overwhelming. New York had a network of prenatal and postpartum support—doulas, parenting centers and classes—but here in Palm Beach County, it was tough to find, she said.

After a 15-year career in education as a teacher, social worker, and parent advocate, she decided to create ZenHippo. Two years later, families now have a place to connect, play and learn with their children from infancy to age 3. They offer play-based classes in outdoor spaces around the county and monthly talks on parenting, pediatric development and maternal wellness.

Classes focus on key areas of early childhood development through play. Children develop the speech and language needed to self-advocate, and the fine and gross motor skills to hold a pencil and write, or eventually carry their backpacks, dress themselves, and play sports. They develop the cognitive and emotional skills needed to be part of a classroom community. And they play, as Klein knows it’s the best way to prepare for school. “We embrace it wholeheartedly,” she said.

“Parenting will never be easy or predictable,” she wrote. “It will fill you with joy and despair—sometimes simultaneously! But when education, community, and play authentically come together, it radically transforms these early years of parenting.”

Loren Klein, LMSW, M.Ed, CEIM

Our Free & Complimentary Services

THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County, and partner of SelectFlorida. Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, our primary purpose is to attract and retain a spectrum of new industry, business investment, and high-quality jobs through corporate relocations, expansions, and international trade, stimulating economic energy, promoting business diversity, and enriching the vitality of Palm Beach County. This organization is leading the transformation of Palm Beach County’s economy by creating a competitive and sustainable environment that attracts businesses and residents.

42 YEARS OF COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES

Supporting Corporate Relocations and Expansions:

n Site inventory on available industrial buildings, land and office space are provided through our state-of-the-art computerized tracking system.

n Site tours personally conducted by our Business Relocation and Expansion Staff.

n Information on grants and financial incentives available through the State of Florida, Palm Beach County, and local municipalities.

n Introductions to CareerSource Palm Beach County employee-training programs.

n Personalized tours and introductions to public and private schools for relocating children.

n Introductions to elected officials and local business leaders.

n Review of available housing and cost of living.

n Government zoning and expedited permitting information.

n Local buyer and supplier information.

n Demographics and labor market information.

n Available services and rates for utilities, communication, and transportation.

n Introductions to banks, law firms, employment agencies, accounting firms, and all other appropriate suppliers.

n Technical presentations tailored to company’s specific location requirements for relocating employees.

n Overview of Palm Beach County’s lifestyle, including recreational and cultural amenities.

n Research services.

n Vetted referrals to personal services for relocating families.

Interested in relocating to or expanding in Palm Beach County?

Contact Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO at ksmallridge@bdb.org

Did You Know?

Fortify App

When schools face threats, every second counts. The new FortifyFL app makes schools safer by allowing users to alert authorities about potential and real threats they hear, see or read about on social media.

One example: An anonymous FortifyFL user reported an area student posting to Instagram a picture of a gun with the caption, “school gonna be fun.” The poster was arrested.

Since 2018, the app has enabled the reporting of suspicious activity to school officials and law enforcement agencies. Students can share descriptions, pictures and videos of the threat or individual—even share updates to previously posted tips. All they need to provide is:

n The school name.

n Incident or threat details.

n A photo or video, if available.

Knowingly posting a false threat is punishable under state statute.

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Welcome to the Warmer Side of Care.

There are many sides of care at Baptist Health. And each one stays true to our values. Bringing humanity, warmth and understanding to every person that comes through our doors. Which is why we’re here to stand by you, through all of life’s moments. Welcome to Baptist Health.

Meet Your Elected Officials

THEY SAY “all politics is local.” If that’s the case, here’s a chance to get to know your local politicians working to improve life and work in Palm Beach County.

Michael A. Barnett

County Commissioner, District 3

MBarnett@pbc.gov

Since being appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to his District 3 Palm Beach County Commission seat in 2023, Michael A. Barnett has worked to serve his diverse constituency. Now planning for his November re-election campaign, he’s running on a platform of combatting homelessness, drug abuse and mental health issues, which took his brother, Robert, several years ago.

The Queens, New York, native lived in Puerto Rico for a year and a half before moving at 10 with his mother and siblings to Boca Raton in 1987. After graduating from Boca Raton High School, he became politically active at Florida Atlantic University. He later graduated from Palm Beach State College and the University of South Florida, before earning his law degree from the University of Miami. Formerly a practicing attorney, he now focuses on his commission work full time. “It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” Barnett said.

What's been on your agenda as a commissioner?

When I was first appointed, I had no specific agenda. I just wanted to represent the people of District 3. Now I realize there’s a much greater need for resources in District 3 than where I’m from in Boca.

What do you like about public service?

Despite being a (Republican) party leader for almost nine years, I get along with members of the opposite party really well. I like them, and I think they like me. We can talk respectfully about the issues and find common ground on 99 percent of the issues.

Friends are coming to town. Where will you take them?

We’d go to Benny’s on the Beach or Sabor Latino in Greenacres. There’s a lot to do around here—John Prince Park or the Loxahatchee Wildlife Preserve or the Cox Science Center. I just like spending time with friends.

Maria Marino

Vice Mayor, Commissioner, District 1

MMarino@pbc.gov

As vice mayor of Palm Beach County, Maria Marino has long had a vision for her adoptive home town. Since arriving here in 1985 from Connecticut to play golf, she has served as commissioner and mayor of Palm Beach Gardens, where family has since joined her.

Golf remains central to Marino’s life. She is a nearly 30year member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association and a 20-year member of the Golf Writers Association. Marino mentors young female golfers. “Girls’ golf scholarships go unused every year,” she said. “I am trying to change that statistic.”

What’s been on your agenda—and what’s left to be done?

Upon election to the county commission, my first priorit y was a decrease in the tax rate, and last year, with the support of my board, we were able to deliver the largest tax rate cut in 30 years. It has always been important that the quality of life of our taxpayers and the success of our businesses remains at the forefront and that we protect their hard-earned dollars as much as possible.

You have friends or family coming to town. Where will you take them—or where will we find you?

Golf and beach, in that order. Palm Beach County is the golf capital of the world with over 160 golf courses, and the County has over 47 miles of coastline to enjoy, not to mention hundreds of acres of equestrian/polo activity and thousands of acres of parks. When fun in the sun is over, the dining and cultural experiences are second to none.

What’s something people may be surprised to learn about you?

I was just inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame for golf. Not for my playing skills, but for the doors golf has opened for me both professionally and personally … Everything I am today is because of golf’s influence.

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