STATION 6 OPENS
PRODUCTION
Public Communications Department
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Allyson Black
Ki Ki Hobbs
James Ippolito
Candice Temple
David L. Williams II
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ki Ki Hobbs
Candice Temple
David L. Williams II
CONTACT US
signaturecity@pbgfl.gov
Signature City Questions: 561.799.4152
Main City Line: 561.799.4100
Website: pbgfl.gov
SignatureCity magazine is a free publication produced quarterly by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Public Media Relations Division. SignatureCity is mailed to every household in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as distributed at city facilities.
CITY BRIEFS
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Thursday, July10, 2025
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Thursday, September 4, 2025
(City Budget Hearing)
Thursday, September 18, 2025
(City Budget Hearing)
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Resident Photo Contest returns this fall in recognition of Florida City Government Week. ENTER ONLINE AT www.pbgfl.gov/PhotoContest
CATEGORIES:
iGardens
Beauty Abounds Digital Manipulation
People & PBG
CHECKLIST:
Must be a City resident or student attending school in the Gardens.
Photos must be taken within Palm Beach Gardens
Photos must be taken between September 2024 and September 2025.
Finalists will be unveiled on October 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. and photos will be on display for the public as part of a GardensArt Exhibition at City Hall from October 20 through December 4, 2025.
Deadline for submissions is September 5, 2025
City Council meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, first floor, City Hall, 10500 N. Military Trail, unless otherwise scheduled.
OTHER WAYS TO WATCH
Our City Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website. Can’t make it to the meeting in person? Stay informed from the comfort of your own home!
LiveStream: www.pbgfl.gov/LiveStream
Archives: www.youtube.com/citypbg
SCAM ALERT
Palm Beach Gardens Police Department
SCAMMERS WILL CONTACT YOU IN DIFFERENT WAYS:
• Call or Text
• In-Person
IT WILL BE:
• Unsolicited
• About a problem or prize
• Urgent
YOU WILL BE ASKED FOR MONEY THROUGH:
• Venmo/Zelle
• Western Union & wire transfers
• Gift Cards
• Cryptocurrency
BE ON ALERT FOR PEOPLE CLAIMING TO REPRESENT:
• Government agencies
• Banks & retail companies
• Dating app connections
SAFETY TIPS:
• Don’t respond to unknown calls or texts
• Use official websites to submit information
• Don’t let others use your phone
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Check in with family about scams
• Only use gifts cards for shopping, not payments
FOUR WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT AND HAVE SOME FUN DURING A SOUTH FLORIDA SUMMER.
Written by Ki Ki Hobbs
Between the heat and humidity, it can be challenging to find fun, family-friendly activities that keep everyone entertained and cool during the hot summer months. To help you beat the heat, we’ve put together this Gardens Guide filled with fun things to do, outdoor tips and resident recommendations.
The Gardens District Park Splash Pads
Open year-round, the Gardens District Park Splash Pads are the perfect place for children to cool off during the summer. With two splash pads, including one specifically designed for smaller children, it supplies fun for all ages. They are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.
Resident Recommendation!
“We usually come to the splash pad or pool. Sometimes we get some ice cream.” - Camila R.
Street Address: 5101 117th Court North
The Burns Road Walking Trail
Bracketed by trees, there is plenty of shade along the Burns Road Walking Trail, a .43-mile trek. If you are feeling adventurous, stroll across the canal and continue your walk on the Lilac Park Trail, which is a little under a mile long. The walking trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Outdoor Tip!
When applying SPF, remember to protect your scalp; it can burn too! Use an SPF hair mist or wear a hat to protect your head while outdoors.
Street Address: 4404 Burns Road
The Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex
There is fun for the whole family at the Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex. Younger swimmers can enjoy the Splash Zone, which has three slides, zero-entry pool and interactive play features. The Main Pool has three water slides, zeroentry design, a dive well and rock-climbing walls. Open swim costs $8.50 per person for residents and $13.55 per person for non-residents. Tickets can only be purchased at the gate. To see the Aquatic Complex hours, visit their website at www.pbgfl.gov/aquatics.
Resident Recommendation!
“I love the pool and beach; I like a nice, shaded walk.” – Amber H.
Street Address: 4420 Burns Road
Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area
Step into a shaded paradise at Frenchman’s Forest, a 172-acre natural area with four walking trails, a boardwalk through cypress swamp and an observation platform overlooking a tidal swamp. Home to gopher tortoises, red-shouldered hawks, warblers and more, there is plenty of nature to enjoy along these trails. Frenchman’s Forest is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Outdoor Tip!
Bringing a cooler? Don’t forget a washcloth! Pack it alongside your ice, so you have a nice, cool cloth to whisk away sweat.
Street Address: 12201 Prosperity Farms Road
MAKE THIS SUMMER A SAFE SUMMER!
Teach your child(ren) to swim at an early age, as backyard swimming pools account for over half of drowning deaths for children 0-5 years old.
NEVER LEAVE A CHILD ALONE
Never leave a child alone near water. Check the pool first if a child is missing.
INSTALL ALARMS
Install alarms on house doors and around pool area.
layers of protection
Layers of protection include adult supervision, fences, gates, latches, safety pool covers, education, throwing aids, and rescue techniques.
touch
Designate an adult to be close enough to reach out and touch the child.
eyes
Adults should keep a constant eye on children in or near any water including bathtubs, buckets, toilets, ponds, spas and pools.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for toddlers 1-4 years old. Boys are two times more likely to drown in a pool than girls.
The
REAL READY HOSTING A SOCCER POWERHOUSE
Written by Candice Temple & Photos by David L. Williams II
If you’re a soccer fan, you most certainly felt the excitement pulsing throughout our community this summer over some very special visitors. In June, the City experienced its highest-profile private rental ever when one of the world’s top professional soccer teams, Real Madrid, chose the Gardens District Park as its base camp while training for the FIFA Club World Cup.
As a private facility rental, not many details were released to the public due to security and contractual obligations. Now that the training is complete, we can bring you up to speed on all that went into creating a world-class training facility right here in Palm Beach Gardens. On fields 1 & 2 of the park, temporary buildings equipped with air conditioning, plumbing and seating were erected at the team’s request. The perimeter was contained by privacy-screened fencing. Fans came out in droves hoping for even just a peek at their favorite player.
It all started in early January 2025 when City staff were approached by the soccer club and met with them to understand what they were looking for in a host site. From the start of the partnership with Real Madrid, collaboration led to a lengthy list
of requirements that the team and players needed to support their work. Real Madrid would pay for the cost of the entire project, including security. Any equipment remaining after the training became the property of the City.
Palm Beach Gardens has a special events planning team with representatives from multiple departments coming together to lend their ideas and expertise. This included staff from Finance, Risk Management, Sports, Parks, Operations, Public Communications and more. The team was responsible for creating a viewing area for the media and team VIPS. Palm Beach Gardens Police provided a security escort from the team’s sponsor hotel to the park on each training day and provided on-site security throughout the three-week camp.
The city also formulated the plan for an indoor gym, complete with restrooms, showers and a relaxing hospitality area so the players had everything they needed at a single location.
“It was quite the undertaking,” shared Sport & Special Facilities Director Tim Ford. “We ran internet across the park. We installed sewer and water lines. The structures that you see are massive.”
The end result? Lush grass so green that the images looked photoshopped. And rave reviews from Real Madrid Dani Ceballos who even commented to international media that the facility was one of the best training setups he has experienced in the United States.
“It took a total team effort,” adds Deputy Community Services Administrator Cory Wilder. “That’s what we pride ourselves in and as a result of that we get to host world-class talents like Real Madrid.”
Coconut Crossing
Coconut Crossing, formerly known as the Shops at Indian Trials, is located at the southwest corner of Northlake Boulevard and Coconut Boulevard. The new shopping center will have 84,489 square feet of retail and medical uses including an Aldi grocery store, a 16-pump gas station, drive through restaurants, banks, a car wash and a daycare. Construction has started on several of the buildings with some shops anticipated to open in 2026.
Street Address: 12500 Northlake Boulevard
Port 32
Port 32, formerly known as PGA Marina, is getting a new look. Once completed, this will be a world-class boating facility with three buildings, a boat showroom, office space and retail. The facility’s storage is getting a boost with five new dry boat slips being added to the property. This will bring the total number of boat slips up to 471 (451 dry boat slips and 20 wet boat slips).
Street Address: 2385 PGA Boulevard
Written by Ki Ki Hobbs Drone Photos by David L. Williams II
Calendar of Events
NOW- AUGUST 21
GardensArt Exhibition
“Coastal Wonders: Birds, Butterflies & Beyond”
Sonia Sousa - Photography
Laura Steinhauer – Oil on Canvas M- Th 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri 7:30am – 7 p.m.
Sat & Sun 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
*Hours may vary due to special events or other programs.
NOW - AUGUST 14
Summer Swim Lessons
M-Sa, Various Sessions & Times Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex
NOW - AUGUST 14
GardensArt Exhibition
Illene Gruber Adams“Chromatic Convergence: An Abstract Odyssey”
Mixed Media Paintings
Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
NOW - OCTOBER 21
GardensArt Exhibition
Sonia Sousa –“Feathered Friends”
Photography
Dawn to Dusk
Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
JULY
JULY 1-31
National Park & Recreation Month
Theme: Build Together, Play Together
Full schedule: pbgfl.gov/events
JULY 6, 13, 20, 27
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
JULY 15-17
Golf Summer Camp #5
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The Nest Par 3
JULY 15, 22, 29
Splash into Storytime
9 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Burns Road Community Center –Aquatic Complex
JULY 19
Junior Rec Singles
Tennis Tournament
11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
JULY 19 & 26
Get Golf Ready
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Golf Junior Drop-In
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Get Golf Ready
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The Nest Par 3
JULY 20
Roll with Recreation at the GreenMarket
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Glide, spin and groove with our roller-skating pop-up City Hall Municipal Campus
JULY 22
Special Magistrate Hearing
2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall
JULY 22-24
Golf Summer Camp #6
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Nest Par 3
JULY 26
Pickleball Stroke of the Month –Serve & Return
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex (Pickleball Courts)
JULY 27
Market Motors Classic Car Show at the GreenMarket
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Classic cars on display City Hall Municipal Campus
JULY 28 – AUGUST 1
“Love Serving Autism” Therapeutic Adventure & Racquet Sports Summer Camps
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
JULY 29 – JULY 31
Golf Summer Camp #7 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The Nest Par 3
AUGUST
AUGUST 2
Junior Rec Singles Tennis Tournament
11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
AUGUST 3, 10, 17, 24
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
AUGUST 4 – 8
Sandhill Crane Golf Course Closed for Maintenance
AUGUST 5 – AUGUST 7
Golf Summer Camp #8 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The Nest Par 3
Tranquil Waters by Virginia
AUGUST 13
After School Golf Clinic 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Nest Par 3
AUGUST 16-18
USTA “Summer Smash” Open Boys Tennis Tournament 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
AUGUST 18-22
The Nest Par 3 Closed for Maintenance
AUGUST 18 - OCTOBER 16
GardensArt Exhibition
Monica Nask
“These are the Days” Acrylic on Canvas Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. City Hall Lobby
AUGUST 20
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Nest Par 3
AUGUST 23-25
USTA “Summer Smash” Open Girls Tennis Tournament 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
AUGUST 23
Pickleball Stroke of the Month –Overhead & Lob
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex (Pickleball Courts)
AUGUST 25 – OCTOBER 17
GardensArt Exhibition
Virginia Praschnik- “About Water” Oil on Canvas: Impasto with Palette Knife
AUGUST 5
Splash into Storytime
9 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. Burns Road Community Center –Aquatic Complex
AUGUST 7
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
AUGUST 12
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board
6 p.m. at City Hall
M - Th 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sat & Sun 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
AUGUST 26
Special Magistrate Hearing 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall
AUGUST 27
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Nest Par 3
Burrowing Owl by Sonia Sousa
Praschnik
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 1
Labor Day
Administrative Offices Closed
SEPTEMBER 3
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Nest Par 3
SEPTEMBER 4 (TENTATIVE)
City Council Meeting (Budget Hearing)
6 p.m. at City Hall
SEPTEMBER 5
Slices & Slices Youth Hitting Frenzy & Pizza Social
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
SEPTEMBER 7, 14, 21, 28
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health byPalm Beach Gardens Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
SEPTEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 6
GardensArt Exhibition
Scott Klimek - “Under It All” Abstract Art inspired by Marine Life & The Universal Patterns that Shape all Living Things During Operation Hours
Burns Road Community Center
SEPTEMBER 9
Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Meeting
6 p.m. at City Hall
SEPTEMBER 10
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Nest Par 3
SEPTEMBER 12
Artist Reception for Scott Klimek
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Burns Road Community Center
SEPTEMBER 13
Junior Rec Singles Tennis Tournament
11:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
Pickleball Stroke of the Month –Volley, Block, 3rd Shot Drop
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex (Pickleball Courts)
SEPTEMBER 17
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Nest Par 3
SEPTEMBER 18 (TENTATIVE)
City Council Meeting (Budget Hearing)
6 p.m. at City Hall
SEPTEMBER 23
School’s Out Camp
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Burns Road Community Center
School’s Out Golf Camp
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Nest Par 3
Special Magistrate Hearing
2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at City Hall
SEPTEMBER 24
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Nest Par 3
SEPTEMBER 27
Adult Rec 1-Day Singles Tournament
11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Tennis & Pickleball Center
SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 5
USTA / ITF Regional Championships
8:00 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 1
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Nest Par 3
OCTOBER 2
School's Out Camp
7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Burns Road Community Center
OCTOBER 4
Indoor Yard Sale
7:30 -11:30 a.m.
Burns Road Community Center
OCTOBER 5, 12
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens
Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
OCTOBER 5
The Gardens GreenMarket 24th Season Kickoff Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens
Medical Center
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
City Hall Municipal Campus
OCTOBER 8
After School Golf Clinic
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Nest Par 3
OCTOBER 9
City Council Meeting
6 p.m. at City Hall
OCTOBER 11
Junior Rec Singles Tennis Tournament 11:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
Jellies by Scott Klimek
Ongoing:
EVERY
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center 8 a.m.-1
Pickleball Stroke of the Month –Serve & Return
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex (Pickleball Courts)
OCTOBER 14
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board
6 p.m. at City Hall
OCTOBER 15
Schools Out Golf Camp
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The Nest Par 3
OCTOBER 16
Artist Reception for Monica Nask 5:30 – 7 p.m.
City Hall Lobby
OCTOBER 17
School's Out Camp 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Burns Road Community Center
OCTOBER 25 Fall Festival 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
Catch of the Day
Written and Photographed by David L. Williams II
Located at the entrance of the Northcorp Corporate Park at 3910 RCA Boulevard, Catch of the Day by Florida sculptor W. Stanley “Sandy” Proctor is a powerful lifesize bronze sculpture that beautifully captures a timeless outdoor teaching moment.
Renowned for his narrative realism, Proctor has a rare talent for animating bronze with warmth, motion and meaning. In Catch of the Day , he preserves a fleeting yet familiar scene: an older brother gently teaching his younger sibling how to remove a hook from a freshly caught fish, while their loyal labrador looks on with eager curiosity.
Measuring an impressive 96 inches high, 90 inches wide and 46 inches deep, the sculpture is both monumental in scale and intimate in feeling. Like much of Proctor’s work, its power lies in its subtlety, figures caught mid-gesture in the quiet exchange of knowledge and trust. Here, we see more than a fishing lesson; we see mentorship, wonder and the quiet moments that establish unique bonds.
Set in a City that values family, community and connection to the outdoors, Catch of the Day feels perfectly at home in Palm Beach Gardens. It’s a piece that invites the viewer to pause and reflect. This bronze scene is more than public art; it’s a reminder of what endures: shared moments, simple pleasures and the beauty of learning from one another.
Ross Gilmore
HURRICANE SEASON IS UPON US - JUNE 1 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30. We did some fact-checking on the common misconceptions people consider about hurricanes:
1
CONCEPT: "TAPING WINDOWS WILL PREVENT THEM FROM BREAKING."
FACT CHECK: Taping your windows does not stop them from breaking. It may keep the glass in larger pieces if shattered, but it gives a false sense of security. Instead, use hurricane shutters or plywood to protect windows from debris that can become a projectile in strong winds.
CONCEPT: "OPENING WINDOWS OR DOORS EQUALIZES PRESSURE DURING A STORM."
FACT CHECK: Opening your doors or windows will just let rain and wind inside, causing more damage. Buildings are designed to withstand external pressure. Keep windows and doors closed and secure.
3
2
CONCEPT: "IF I’M NOT IN THE CONE OF UNCERTAINTY, I’M SAFE."
FACT CHECK: The cone only shows the likely path of the center of the storm. Dangerous winds, rain, and tornadoes can happen far outside the cone. Pay attention to watches and warnings for your entire area.
CONCEPT: "CATEGORY 1 HURRICANES ARE NO BIG DEAL."
FACT CHECK: Even Category 1 hurricanes can cause serious flooding, power outages, and damage. Every storm should be taken seriously.
5
4
CONCEPT: "I LIVE INLAND, SO I DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HURRICANES."
FACT CHECK: Inland areas can experience flooding, tornadoes, and wind damage. Hurricane Milton (2024) had many tornados prior to making landfall and caused damage via an EF-3 tornado in our Avenir Community.
CONCEPT: "IT’S SAFE TO GO OUTSIDE ONCE THE EYE PASSES."
FACT CHECK: The eye of the storm is calm, but the other side of the storm will hit soon after, often with winds from the opposite direction. Stay inside until officials say it’s safe.
7
CONCEPT: "HURRICANES ARE ONLY A SUMMER PROBLEM."
6
FACT CHECK: While the season peaks in late summer, hurricanes can form well into November. Don’t let your guard down in the fall. Hurricane Milton (2024) came in October and Hurricane Nicole (2022) hit Vero Beach in November.
Hurricanes can form at any time, make sure you are prepared! The City created a Hurricane Resource Guide specifically for our residents. Inside you will find information for storm preparation, a hurricane checklist, and information from our utility partners. Use the QR code to download it today!
PALM BEACH GARDENS FIRE RESCUE
EMBRACING THE FUTURE OF FIRE AND EMS SERVICE
Written by James Ippolito, Deputy Fire Chief
PALM BEACH GARDENS FIRE RESCUE STANDS AS A MODEL OF HOW A FIRE DEPARTMENT CAN HONOR ITS HISTORY WHILE EMBRACING INNOVATION TO BETTER SERVE A GROWING AND DYNAMIC COMMUNITY.
Fire protection in the City of Palm Beach Gardens began modestly in the early 1950s, provided first by the Lake Park Volunteer Fire Department and later by the Old Dixie Volunteer Fire Department.
A disagreement between the Old Dixie Fire Department and the City’s founder, John D. MacArthur, led to the creation of the Palm Beach Gardens Volunteer Fire Department, an independent nonprofit corporation formed on October 9, 1963. In 1968, the department was formally reorganized as a branch of city government, officially becoming Palm Beach Gardens Fire Department.
Beach Gardens Fire Rescue began providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport services, establishing a new level of prehospital care for residents and visitors. Today the department has grown to six stations with the newest, Station 6, opening in June 2025 in the rapidly developing Avenir community.
The grand opening of Station 6 represents a major investment in expanding emergency services to the western areas of Palm Beach Gardens. The station is staffed daily with seven personnel, including a fire engine, a rescue unit, and an EMS supervisor equipped with advanced tools that reflect the department’s reputation for delivering hospital-level care in the field.
From those early days operating out of a two-car garage on Keating Drive, the department has continually expanded its capabilities to meet the city’s evolving needs. In 1995, Palm
Among these capabilities is prehospital whole blood transfusion, a critical intervention that allows paramedics to begin life-saving treatment for severe hemorrhage immediately on scene. Station 6 brings this level of care closer to residents in Avenir and surrounding communities, ensuring faster access to treatment when seconds count.
Fire Station 6 is fully staffed and was officially opened on June 19, 2025.
Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue is widely recognized for its leadership in prehospital medicine, integrating innovations such as point-of-care ultrasound, advanced airway management, and evidence-based clinical protocols that rival those found in emergency departments.
These capabilities, once considered impossible to deliver outside of a hospital setting, are now standard across the department’s EMS response units. With the opening of Station 6, the department continues its mission to bring the highest level of emergency medical care directly into the neighborhoods it serves.
The department has also expanded its technical response capabilities through the development of a dedicated Technical Rescue Team. Specially trained and equipped, this team responds to challenging scenarios including structural collapse, rope rescue, trench entrapment, and confined space operations. Their expertise further strengthens the department’s ability to protect life and property during complex emergencies.
A significant change ahead for Palm Beach Gardens is the department’s upcoming transition to NorthCom, an established regional communications center. This move will consolidate the City’s police, fire, and EMS dispatch operations into a single, unified system.
By streamlining 911 call handling and improving coordination between public safety services,
the transition to NorthCom is expected to reduce response times and enhance the overall efficiency and safety of emergency operations. It marks a strategic investment in modernizing how emergency services are dispatched throughout Palm Beach Gardens.
Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its rare distinction as one of only 16 fire departments nationwide to achieve all three of the profession’s top recognitions: accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), and an ISO Class 1 rating.
This triad of professional excellence places the department among the most elite fire and EMS agencies in the country, underscoring our dedication to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
As the city continues to grow, so too does the responsibility and reach of our fire department. What began as a volunteer force in a small garage has transformed into a progressive, full-service agency driven by technology, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the community.
For Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, the future isn’t on the horizon. It’s already on scene.
James Ippolito, Deputy Fire Chief
68% of calls received by Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue are EMS related.
The Northern Municipal Regional Communications Center, otherwise known as NorthCom dispatches calls for North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Tequesta and the City of Palm Beach Gardens.
BURNS ROAD COMMUNITY CENTER
GRAND
OPENING
At the Florida Municipal Communicators Association’s Annual Conference in May, Palm Beach Gardens' Public Communications Department earned seven awards, including three Outstanding Awards for projects such as Gliding Through Gardens (Marketing Campaign), The Pinnacle (Newsletter) and Falls Prevention (Social Media Post), along with four Honorable Mentions. (Pictured above: KiKi Hobbs, Candice Temple, and David Williams)
Members of Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue received the Call of the Year Award from the North Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce for their response to a traffic accident with life-threatening injuries to a toddler. Battalion Chief Robert Pieris, District Captain Ashley Terrana, Lt. Patricia Merkel and not pictured, Cpt. Travis Held, Driver Engineer John Hoelzer, Fire Medic Carlos Iriban, Lt. Brett Orr, FF Sarah Harper.
We’re proud to share that Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue received multiple honors for excellence in emergency care, including the "Heart Safe Community Award" for a small/mid-sized community from the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the PulsePoint. For the 11th consecutive year, the department also earned the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS program for delivering high-quality care to patients experiencing heart attacks, heart disease and strokes.
City Social: Shout Outs!
At the Florida City and County Management Association Conference, City Manager, Ron Ferris (pictured center) received the Richard “Dick” Simmons Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his career of dedicated service, forward-thinking leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the City Manager profession. Assistant to the City Manager, John Boehm (pictured far right), was was honored with the Rising Star Award, recognizing his outstanding professional contributions and leadership in local government.
Officer Precious Washington (pictured center) received the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award for her dedicated volunteer work benefiting the local community.
LEFT: In recognition of its commitment to professional excellence, the City of Palm Beach Gardens Purchasing Department received the Excellence in Achievement Award from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council. (Pictured above Km! Ra, Purchasing and Contracts Director)
RIGHT: Dispatcher Katie Kendall Jackson received the First Responder Appreciation Foundation’s LEO award for top Emergency Communications Operator, as well as the Florida Police Chief’s Association award for Dispatcher of the Year. Sgt. Rob Boschen (not pictured) received the LEO award for Supervisor of the Year.
City of Palm Beach Gardens
10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 DAILY HAPPY HOUR
From 3–6 p.m. (half-price well drinks)
TRIVIA NIGHT
Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. (great to pair with dinner and happy hour)
PRIME RIB FRIDAYS
$34
LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS
From 6-9 p.m.
WEEKEND BRUNCH
From 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
