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Loggerhead Marinelife Center Honors Gordon Gray Circle Members At Celebration Dinner
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) hosted an appreciation dinner for its prestigious Gordon Gray Circle members on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the center. More than 160 guests attended to celebrate LMC’s 41st anniversary and the nonprofit’s historic achievements in ocean conservation and sea turtle rehabilitation.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center on page 2
Fallen Patriots Announces Its Inaugural Palm Beach Gala Hosted By CBIZ
Popular New York City Gala Branches Out To Palm Beach
Children of Fallen Patriots (CFP) Foundation will hold its first-ever Inaugural Palm Beach Gala hosted by CBIZ on March 7, at the prestigious Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach after four successful galas in New York City. This event promises to be an extraordinary evening of tribute, hope, and community support for military families who have made the ultimate sacrifice while illuminating the critical mission of supporting children who have lost a parent in military service.
The event commences at 6 p.m. with the cocktail reception, where distinguished guests will join cochairs
Matt and Jill Schecter to celebrate the resilience of military families and provide support through educational scholarships to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. These scholarships cover the gap in government benefits to help facilitate debtfree graduation and upward mobility.
Founded by CEO David Y. Kim and his wife Cynthia Kim in 2002, Fallen Patriots has provided over $70 million in scholarships to over 3,500 military children from all branches of our armed forces who lost a parent. This ensures that the children of America’s servicemen and women can pursue higher education without the stress of a financial burden. The organization also provides professional development opportunities through internships, full-time job placements, and career training, ensuring upward mobility for Gold Star children who have experienced loss.
“Recreating the New York City gala in Palm Beach allows us to foster new connections and expand our mission
Fallen Patriots Announces on page 5
Local Homebuilder To Be Honored At Inaugural March To End Homelessness
The Lord’s Place is honoring GL Homes with the MARCH Award for its unparalleled efforts in helping to break the cycle of homelessness.
70-year-old Lenwood was chronically homeless for more than fifteen years when he met The Lord’s Place outreach and engagement team at its Meal Mobile feeding site in Belle Glade. Lenwood began receiving weekly hot meals and essential lifesaving services. A few months ago, the outreach team moved Lenwood into his own apartment in
Riviera Beach through The Lord’s Place supportive housing program. Thanks to the Meal Mobile – a comprehensive service delivery bus for those experiencing homelessness that is operated by The Lord’s Place and fully funded by GL Homes – Lenwood’s hopelessness was transformed into hopefulness. Today, Lenwood has restored dignity, a support system, and a place to call home for the rest of his life.
Lenwood’s story is a testament to how community partnerships can assist local agencies in doing the work needed to serve those less fortunate.
It is also one of the many reasons why The Lord’s Place is recognizing GL Homes as a phenomenal corporate partner that has made unparalleled contributions in helping to break the cycle of homelessness and combat hunger in Palm Beach County. The Lord’s Place announces
it will honor GL Homes with the first M.A.R.C.H. Award (Mobilize, Advocate, Respond, and Commit to end Homelessness) on Friday, Feb. 28 at the inaugural March to End Homelessness.
Andy Dehart, Amanda Joiner, Lauren Proenca, Gui Proenca
Niles and Nancy Citrin
Lauren and Gui Proenca, Todd and Kami Batchelder
Misha Ezratti, Sarah Alsofrom, and Diana Stanley in front of the Meal Mobile. Photo by Tracey Benson Photography
Photos courtesy of Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Rick and Christie Stone, Doug Gray
Guy Sullivan, Brian Crowley, Josh Guittap
Henry and Barbara Garrana
Leonard Klorfine, Ofelia Utset
Mark Freeman, Jody Passov, Kelley Scott
Tom Kodadek, Monique Brechter, Norma Klorfine, Dayrn Kirchfield
Lee and Jenny Owen
Meg Miller, Tony Lourido, Alyse Lemstrom
Alyse Lemstrom, Orson Whitfield
Loggerhead Marinelife Center from page1
“We recognize and applaud GL Homes’ philanthropic philosophy and its Vice President of Community Relations
Sarah Alsofrom who, together with company employees, make a difference in the communities where they live and work throughout Florida,” stated Diana Stanley, CEO of The Lord’s Place.
Lenwood, client of the Lord’s Place, with Robbie Yancy, peer advocate of The Lord’s Place.
client of The Lord’s Place, sitting in his new apartment.
Managing GL Homes’ statewide philanthropic efforts since 2015, Alsofrom oversees the organization’s focus on homelessness, hunger relief, and children and education through its donations to 150 charities throughout Florida and beyond.
The Lord’s Place and GL Homes are celebrating their 10th anniversary in partnership. Since 2014, GL Homes has donated more than $900,000 to The Lord’s Place. Their most notable project together is the Meal Mobile, a transformative vehicle that delivers meals and drives its wrap-around services directly to the most vulnerable individuals living on the streets.
GL Homes has been the presenting sponsor of The Lord’s Place Annual Ending Homelessness Breakfast since 2019. The local home builder is also the presenting sponsor of The Lord’s Place inaugural March next month.
In addition to GL Homes being part of the solution in addressing homelessness through The Lord’s Place, the corporation also supports Gulfstream Goodwill and has built affordable housing in The Pines (Delray Beach) for those doing farm work in the Glades.
“GL Homes is excited and honored to be recognized with The Lord’s Place inaugural M.A.R.C.H. award! Our commitment to ending homelessness in Palm Beach County is unwavering. It is through our collective advocacy, compassion, and commitment that we will break the cycle of homelessness,” stated GL Homes President Misha Ezratti.
Homelessness is a serious social and economic issue impacting all levels of our society. The Lord’s Place recognizes that all people deserve respect and a place to call home. The inaugural March to End Homelessness is part of The Lord’s Place’s effort to spread community and national awareness, raise the much-needed funds to provide the resources, programs, and services needed, and recognize those who are partnering in helping to break the cycle of homelessness.
The significance of the event is to educate participants and change the lives of those who are homeless. By marching through West Palm Beach, The Lord’s Place wants to raise awareness of the estimated 3,000 men, women, and children without a home on any given night in Palm Beach County. In the United States, many Americans are forced to choose between basic necessities like purchasing food, paying rent, or going to the doctor. The fact is more than 770,000 Americans are homeless on a typical night.
Since 1979, The Lord’s Place has been finding solutions and providing services to take more people off the streets and into homes. All are invited to join this profound movement
Alsofrom and Diana
the
advocating for those who are homeless and raising crucial funds to support them.
“Carry your sign high and show that you believe everyone deserves a roof over their head. Homelessness is often unseen or pushed aside but let this be a day to stand strong and march to break the cycle of homelessness for our most vulnerable neighbors living in Palm Beach County,” commented Stanley.
The 5K march is open to everyone in the community. Participants can choose to march beginning at The Lord’s Place Fortin Family Campus (2808 North Australian Ave.) at 2 p.m., join at any point along the route, or come for the program at the final destination in downtown West Palm Beach. Individuals, corporations, business and community leaders, schools, and groups will gather at Lake Pavilion for
the celebratory event that will take place from 4 to 6 p.m.
Participants can help raise money for this event by creating a team and challenging their friends and co-workers to help end homelessness. The goal is to have 200 people march and attend the program and to raise a minimum of $350,000. Funds raised will be matched by The Honorable Ann Brown.
“As we march forward, we speak for those who cannot and lift up those who have lost their way. Our path to raise awareness about the men and women living on the streets is only possible with the support of our friends, neighbors, and other generous corporate partners. Please join us as we give voice to the most vulnerable and neglected in Palm Beach County,” encouraged Alsofrom.
Visit TheLordsPlace.org/march for more information.
Individuals experiencing homelessness receiving hot meals from the Meal Mobile at its feeding site in Belle Glade. Photo credit: Downtown Photo
Sarah
Stanley at
Engine Starting Ceremony for the Meal Mobile on Sept. 18, 2023. Photo by Tracey Benson Photography
Lenwood,
When Young Kids Hate Themselves
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., School Psychologist
My first grader has recently said, “I hate myself” because she doesn’t feel smart. She says things are too hard and I can see her getting discouraged. She has trouble remembering letters, sounds, some numbers. She can’t keep up with everyone. Her teacher says she is the lowest one in her class.”
of honoring the sacrifice of fallen service members. By providing scholarships and educational counseling to their children, we can ensure their legacy lives on while giving these families the support they deserve,” said founder and CEO David Y. Kim. “We are thankful for the sponsors who champion our mission and for the new and existing local connections and supporters who help expand our impact.”
According to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida has the third largest veteran population in the nation and is the second largest state of Gold Star families in need, making the CFP mission one that hits close to home.
Dinner sponsors for the Inaugural Palm Beach Gala for Fallen Patriots hosted by CBIZ include Citadel, Citadel Securities, and Griffin Catalyst. Attendees will enjoy an exquisite dinner, guest speakers, live auction, surprise entertainment, and plenty of opportunities for meaningful engagement and sponsorship.
The Inaugural Palm Beach Gala hosted by CBIZ is sure to attract notable guests. The host committee includes partner and vice chairman of the Florida Panthers NHL team, Doug Cifu and his wife Melissa, founder and managing partner of Shield Capital, Phillip Bilden and his wife, Dr. Patricia Bilden.
Although America is not currently at war, the children of fallen military service members continue to battle significant
This concerned parent’s description of her child cried out for help and understanding. It is highly unusual for a young student to make statements such as they hate themself, they feel dumb, or they want to die. No student wants to go to school and repeatedly fail. Furthermore, it is a giant red flag when your child’s teacher says your child is the lowest one in the class. Given these challenges, this young child’s self-esteem is at risk of long-term damage.
As a concerned parent, you can provide your child with support and understanding. If you suspect an underlying learning disability like dyslexia, our school neuropsychological testing provides answers. We also test for processing problems such as a weakness in phonics development and memory. Once you understand the specific problem you can then provide the right treatment to help.
educational challenges. The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (CFP) anticipates a substantial funding gap of $300 million over the next two decades, with an urgent need for $150 million in the next four years. This critical support is essential for Gold Star children who are now reaching college age, helping to cover the difference between available government assistance and the true expenses of higher education.
To learn more about Fallen Patriots or sponsorship opportunities, please email palmbeach@fallenpatriots.org. Tickets and additional event information can be found online at https://donate. fallenpatriots.org/2025pbgala.
The testing revealed this child had dyslexia with anxiety. Her mom followed up with one of the specialized tutors and started three times a week tutoring. Once she received our written report, the teacher helped get the child an IEP for school support. The IEP allowed the school’s special education teacher to work with her in addition to her private tutoring. Parents used children’s books to help with her anxiety of being embarrassed for her reading struggles. In a follow-up conversation, her mom said she had renewed hope for her child’s future.
We test students from age 2 through college for dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, and more. Call us at (561) 625-4125 to discuss your child or learn more at www. JimForgan.com.
Town Of Jupiter News
By Jim Kuretski, Mayor, Town of Jupiter
The Town Council works with our town manager, staff and others to address issues affecting our residents and businesses. The following provides a summary of actions and achievements since last month’s community newspaper report:
Free In-Person SAT Practice Test
By Peggy Forgan, M.Ed., College Planner
Let’s face it, college acceptance is a competitive process and strong SAT scores are one way to set yourself apart from the crowd. High SAT scores are important for college admission but also for qualifying for meritbased scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. Class 101 is offering a free SAT practice test on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. After the test, students can receive their test scores and a test analysis during an individual appointment at no cost.
Class 101 helps your student improve SAT scores with live expert instruction, study guides, interactive quizzes, and personalized worksheets. The program covers key areas including specific test-taking strategies designed to boost performance across the entire test. A practice SAT is the first step, helping understand where your student needs to focus their attention to raise scores. This baseline assessment allows us to tailor instruction to the areas that need the most improvement.
Additionally, Class 101 will be offering a six-week SAT test prep course beginning this spring, designed to help your student thoroughly prepare for the test. Space is limited, so sign up now to secure your spot! This is a great opportunity to improve SAT scores for college admissions and earn merit-based scholarships.
Our program includes practice tests that simulate the actual SAT, helping students become familiar with the test format and time constraints. Detailed feedback after each practice test tracks progress and refines strategies. Class 101 also emphasizes test-taking psychology, teaching students how to manage anxiety and stay focused under pressure—critical skills for performing well on test day.
To register, call or text Peggy Forgan at (561) 418-7897, or email pforgan@class101.com for more information.
Strategic Plan 2025-2027
The Town Council began work in January 2025 on the annual update of the Town of Jupiter’s Strategic Plan. New strategic initiatives have been identified as well as key next steps to take on multiyear strategic initiatives that were already in the overall strategic plan.
There will continue to be significant efforts to bring to fruition a number of traffic mitigation solutions for the western portion of Indiantown Road. These roadway capacity improvement project solutions are being implemented in phases spanning years due to FDOT and Town of Jupiter funding constraints. We will also be reactivating a project to implement traffic signalization improvements along the western portion of Indiantown Road including use of new technologies and equipment. This will require collaborative efforts by our town along with FDOT and Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County has overall accountability for managing traffic signalization throughout most of the county, including Jupiter.
One of the new strategic initiatives that I identified relates to historic preservation. We should continue on-going efforts to collaboratively work with the Suni Sands property owner to respect and preserve the unique archeological and historical nature of portions of this unique site.
Specific action plans are being developed for each of strategic initiative item. Funding needs are then addressed during the town’s annual budget process as well as those of other governmental agencies with associated accountabilities. Action plan assignments are made to town staff and Town Council members to collaboratively work to achieve the desired outcomes and results.
U.S. 1 Bridge
The first two lanes of the under construction, replacement/new U.S. 1 bridge were placed into service on December 31, 2024. The remaining two lanes are expected to be placed into service during the second quarter, 2025. The new bridge is taller and will therefore require much less openings for boat traffic. The pedestrian and bicyclist facilities on the new bridge represent exceptional enhancements for public use, as the old bridge had no such provisions.
Jupiter’s Centennial Celebrations
Our Town of Jupiter reaches 100 years of existence on February 9, 2025. We have planned for an entire year of celebrations and community events. Find the complete schedule of events at the town’s website at Jupiter.fl.us/ Centennial.
Stay tuned.
Sarah LaPierre Named Poster Artist For 40th Edition Of ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival
The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that local artist Sarah LaPierre has been named the official poster artist for the 40th edition of the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival presented by Tampa General Hospital. LaPierre’s stunning artwork, titled Local Legacy, celebrates both the vibrant cultural landscape of Palm Beach County and the personal history LaPierre shares with the iconic event.
In her piece, LaPierre draws from her own deep connection to the festival, having attended since she was just nine months old, and from the natural beauty of her hometown, Palm Beach Gardens. Local Legacy prominently features a pair of sandhill cranes, whose red-crowned heads symbolically
With a focus on sustainability, LaPierre incorporates upcycled materials into the assemblage-style painting, a theme close to her heart. Through her art, she encourages viewers to reflect on the local wild spaces we inhabit and our collective impact on them.
“Natural spaces are deeply important to me. They are where I find inspiration, peace, and spiritual connection,” LaPierre explains. Her process of using found objects from nature and materials sourced from places like Resource Depot, a local treasure trove of repurposable materials, further highlights her commitment to sustainability.
The piece also carries a personal touch, with elements
involvement as an assistant and later as a featured artist,” LaPierre shares. Her work is infused with references to ArtiGras memorabilia, such as name badges, early promotional materials, and beaded necklaces, making Local Legacy not only a visual celebration of the festival but a tribute to its impact on her
the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival. Photo by Jordan Baum
LaPierre, who is also the host of the ArtiGras Podcast, has long been an advocate for local artists and cultural enrichment. The podcast, a collaboration with the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, highlights the incredible diversity and vibrancy of the area’s arts scene.
“One of the best parts of my professional life has been shining a light on the inspiring work of artists and cultural figures in our community,” LaPierre says.
The 40th ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival will showcase LaPierre’s artwork in various forms, from the festival’s promotional materials to her double booth at the event. Attendees will have the chance to view LaPierre’s traditional impasto paintings, as well as her new assemblage series, Local Legacy piece. Her booth, located near the red gate entrance (Numbers 336 to 337), promises to be a must-see experience for festivalgoers.
The two-day outdoor art festival, set to take place on February 15 and 16 at the Gardens North Country District Park in Palm Beach Gardens, will also feature a juried fine art exhibition, live entertainment, the Culinary Arts Studio, a dedicated Amazon ArtiKids’ Zone, and the Youth Art Competition. Ranked as a Top-100 fine arts festival by magazine, ArtiGras offers visitors the unique opportunity to meet and engage with over 250 of the nation’s
Painter Sarah LaPierre has been named the official poster artist for the 40th edition of
The Pet Cottage Post
Love In Action: Thor’s Heartwarming Journey To A New Home
As February rolls in with its celebration of love, we at The Pet Cottage are reminded of the countless ways love shines in the bonds between people and their pets. For us, love is the foundation of everything we do — the love it takes to relinquish a cherished companion when life circumstances make it impossible to care for them, and the love that finds these pets a new family to cherish them.
Take Jerry and Thor, for instance. Jerry, a cancer survivor, shared an unbreakable bond with his 120-pound Dutch Shepherd, Thor, for five wonderful years. Thor was not just
a dog; he was Jerry’s best friend, constant companion, and loyal confidant. But when Jerry’s cancer returned unexpectedly, he faced a heart-wrenching decision. Moving to Australia to live with his daughter for treatment was the best choice for his health, but the lengthy flight and mandatory quarantine would be too much for Thor.
Jerry’s priority was finding a loving new home for Thor, where he could thrive. He tried on his own and through his vet, but no match felt right. Then a friend, Jane, told Jerry about The Pet Cottage, and he reached out to us in late November. With a flight booked for December 23, the timeline was tight, but our mission was clear: find the perfect Forever Guardians for this intelligent, active, and affectionate dog.
At The Pet Cottage, we believe every pet deserves a home that matches their unique personality. We arranged two meet-and-greets with potential families, one even including a skilled dog trainer for introductions. However, despite their interest, neither was the right fit for Thor. Jerry began to worry that Thor might need to be boarded while we continued the search. But I, Wendy, the founder and executive director of The Pet Cottage, assured him that miracles do happen.
And happen they did. Just days before Jerry’s departure, Marcia reached out to us. She and her husband, Michael, had been following Thor’s story and felt a pull to reach out. Experienced with large dogs and with a spacious acre of land
and a pool — a dream for Thor, who loves to swim — they were eager to meet him.
When we visited Marcia and Michael’s home, it was clear: this was the one. Jerry had the chance to meet them and see the wonderful environment Thor would call home. The bond was instant, and Jerry left for Australia with peace of mind, knowing his beloved companion was in loving hands.
Today, Thor lives happily with Marcia and Michael, enjoying his new home and their expansive backyard. Jerry stays in touch through WhatsApp, sharing updates and photos, and The Pet Cottage remains committed to supporting Thor and his Forever Guardians for the rest of his life.
At The Pet Cottage, we witness love in its purest forms every day. Whether it’s the selfless act of rehoming a beloved pet or the joy of welcoming a new furry friend into your heart, love truly is all around us.
If you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a Forever Guardian, visit www.thepetcottage.org. Together, we can create a world where pets and people truly belong.
This February, we celebrate the love that makes miracles happen — the love that brought Thor to Marcia and Michael, giving Jerry peace of mind during a difficult time. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission and helps us create these beautiful stories of love and connection.
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at The Pet Cottage!
The Amazon ArtiKids Zone: A Creative Playground For Children At ArtiGras 2025
February 15 to 16, Gardens
North County District Park In Palm Beach Gardens
Get ready for an unforgettable family experience in the Amazon ArtiKids Zone at the 2025 ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival presented by Tampa General Hospital. Designed for children of all ages, the Amazon ArtiKids Zone offers an interactive, fun, and creative environment where young minds can explore the world of art and play.
The Amazon ArtiKids Zone features an on-site playground, giving children a chance to burn off some energy while enjoying the festival. Plus, families can visit a variety of vendor booths where children will receive take-home art crafts to keep the creativity flowing long after they leave.
Whether your child is a budding artist or just loves to explore, the Amazon ArtiKids Zone promises an art experience like no other.
Vendor opportunities are still available for the Amazon ArtiKids Zone. Showcase your creative products and services to families attending this beloved community event. Don’t miss your chance to be part of ArtiGras 2025!
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For more information about the Amazon ArtiKids Zone or to apply for a vendor booth, email info@artigras.org.
The 40th Annual ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival will take place on February 15 to 16, at the Gardens North County District Park, located on 117th Court North. The festival will feature a juried fine art exhibition, live entertainment, the new Culinary Arts Studio, a dedicated Amazon ArtiKids Zone, and the Youth Art Competition. Ranked as a Top-100 fine arts festival by Sunshine Artist magazine, ArtiGras offers visitors the unique opportunity to meet and engage with over 300 of the nation’s leading artists.
So many crafts for the children in the Amazon ArtiKids area at the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival
Jupiter Senior Softball News
To Paul Storch there was a noticeable “buzz in the air” as scores of senior softball players took to the fields Jan. 6 for the start of the Jupiter Senior Softball Association’s 2025 Winter League.
“I saw about 150 ballplayers out there and all were absolutely thrilled to be participating in opening day. You could feel it in the air,” said Storch, who is commissioner of the Jupiter Senior Softball Association.
The league runs from January through March and is the cornerstone of the year-round senior softball program. Persons 55 and older are eligible and there is no upper age limit. The winter league features 15 teams competing among
three divisions and is followed by pickup games and spring and fall leagues the remainder of the year.
Bill “Doc” Pollack, a retired dentist and seasonal resident from Livingston, N.J., is in his 17th season playing in the league. He celebrates his 90th birthday February 11, making
him the oldest active player. He also is manager of the Blue Division team, “Bill’s Warriors.”
When asked why he keeps playing, he said, “I love the guys, I love the atmosphere and love the competition. “It’s just fun.”
In the off-season he still plays softball and hardball once or twice a week in New Jersey.
Pollack said he’s been playing ball since he was eight years old, including through college and in semipro and senior leagues. He pitched baseball into his 80s, compiling a record of 1,028 wins. When he was in dental school the New York Yankees wanted to sign him but he turned down the offer.
Bill Pollack, who turned 90 this month, is playing in Jupiter’s 2025 Winter Softball League.
“In those days the the maximum bonus they could offer was $4,000 and I wasn’t about to quit dental school for $4,000,” he said. A high point, however, was that he got to pitch batting practice to Micky Mantle, Yogi Berra, Elston Howard and other Yankee greats, he noted.
The Jupiter slow-pitch softball program is sponsored by the nonprofit Jupiter Senior Softball Association in cooperation with Jupiter’s Parks and Recreation Department. Games are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Jupiter Community Park and new players of all skills are welcome.
Registration can be made online at www.leaguelineup. com/jssa. Sponsorships are also available. For more information contact Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791.
Medicare Corner With Kathy O
Since the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is ending Dec. 7, I’d like to offer some general Medicare tips and advice.
The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to have your own agent. Your agent is an amazing resource to reorder lost cards, answer benefit questions, give a list of specialists, review notices, claim statements and so much more. Your agent can even answer questions about those pesky TV ads and all the gossip from your friends about Medicare. Best of all, there is no cost to have an agent.
Moving? Do not change your address with your Advantage, supplement or drug plan carrier prior to your move without first speaking to your agent – if you don’t have one, find one. When you call member service and change your address, they may cancel your plan at the end of the current month, even if you don’t move until next month. This could unknowingly leave you with no coverage.
The special enrollment period for moving outside your plan service rules are: 1) if you tell your plan before you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for two full months after you move, or 2) If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus two more full months.
It is also important to change your address with Medicare. This is done through Social Security by phone or online at ssa.gov.
Why is Social Security involved when I need services with Medicare? Social Security (SSA) is the gatekeeper for Medicare. Your earnings are tracked by SSA and you must qualify with 40 work quarters to receive Medicare. Medicare also relies on SSA to determine your Part B Premium and, if you receive SSA benefits, to collect your premium. If you are not receiving SSA benefits, you will be billed quarterly by Medicare.
If you still need to review or change your Medicare plan, open enrollment is Jan. 1 to March 30 and you may qualify for a special enrollment. Call me! If you have new Medicare Topic suggestions, email me at czak82@aol.com.
I speak Medicare: Supplement, Drug Plan and Advantage Plan.
For your free Medicare plan review please call me, Kathy Olejniczak, agent, at (561) 835-5413 or cell/text (561) 212-7640.
Commissioner Paul Storch
Ron Horne, 71, sprints for first base after getting a hit in a Winter League softball game.
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
Dear Taxpayer,
My office is busy preparing the 2025 Tax Roll, a report of the combined value of all the property (real and tangible) in Palm Beach County as of January 1.
This report will reflect market data gleaned from property sales last year as well as new construction, demolition, land splits, land combinations, ownership changes, and additions or removals of exemptions.
The numbers cited below are as of January 9 and are subject to change.
Our estimates show modest increases in sales volume over last year, indicating stabilization in the market.
• Commercial sales are up from 818 to 880 or 7.6%
• Condo sales are up from 16,877 to 17,417 or 3.2%
• Residential sales are up 17,846 to 18,402 or 3.1%
New construction reflects the growth of our county as an estimated 5,000 new structures will be added to the 2025 Tax Roll. The rate of growth in single family homes is slightly down compared to last year. While more condos are projected be added this year than last, fewer new commercial buildings will be added.
• New Single-Family Homes – 3,512 down 1.5% from 2024
• New Condominium Units – 1,060 up 9.5% from 2024
• New Commercial Buildings – 197 down 28.1% from 2024
New construction numbers represent property that has never been taxed before, adding new value to the 2025 Tax Roll. This contributes to the tax base while sharing the tax burden.
The deadline to file for a homestead exemption is March 3 this year. This is an excellent time of year to review your homestead exemption status and examine additional exemptions that may yield tax savings. In this month’s newsletter, you will find information to help you do just that. I hope you find it useful.
Respectfully, Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Homestead Exemption On Real Property
If you are a permanent Florida resident, you may be eligible for a homestead exemption, which can save you generally $750 to $1,000 in property taxes each year. All homestead exemption applications must be submitted by March 3, 2025.
A $25,000 exemption is applied to the first $50,000 of your property’s assessed value if your property is your permanent residence and you owned the property as of January 1. This exemption applies to all taxes, including school district taxes. An additional exemption (up to $25,000 plus an increase for inflation) will be applied if your property’s assessed value is between at least $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption is not applied to school district taxes. In addition, a homestead exemption limits any increase to your assessed value to a maximum of 3% each year or the amount of the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.
Three ways to apply:
• E-file at pbcpao.gov
• Visit one of our five service centers to file in person
• Complete the application online, print it out, and mail it to the Property Appraiser’s Office
Once you qualify, your homestead exemption will be renewed for you annually as long as you continue to qualify for the exemption.
Additional Exemptions
If you receive a homestead exemption, you may be eligible for additional exemptions or discounts in the categories listed below. The application deadline for all additional exemptions is March 3, 2025.
• Civilian Disability
• Institutional Exemptions
• Florida Law Enforcement and First Responders (Disabled in the line of duty)
• Living Quarters for Parents or Grandparents (also known as the Granny Flat)
• Senior Citizen (Limited-Income)
• Veterans Disability
• Widow/Widower Exemption
For more information, visit pbcpao.gov or call Exemption Services at (561) 355-2866.
Portability — You Can Take It With You!
If you sell your home and buy a new one, there is good news – you may not lose all the tax savings accumulated over the years.
Portability refers to Florida’s Save Our Homes provision which allows you to transfer all or a significant portion of your tax benefit, up to $500,000, from a home with a homestead exemption to a new home within the state of Florida that qualifies for a homestead exemption. The application deadline for portability is March 3, 2025.
You can e-file for portability when e-filing for your homestead exemption. Or, if you have already filed for a homestead exemption and need only to file for portability, visit our website or call Exemption Services at (561) 355-2866.
Office Closed Due To Holiday
In honor of Presidents’ Day, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office (including all of our Service Centers) will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025
Northern Notes from page 10
on the other side. Without this access, maintenance of preserves and stormwater facilities becomes impossible, which could put the district in violation of regulations with the South Florida Water Management District. In some cases, this lack of access may even result in improper functioning of these systems.
For more information, please visit our website at www. npbcid.org, where you can view facility maps that display the locations of easements. Additionally, the site includes a link to our geographical information system (GIS), which presents property information and district facilities in an interactive map format.
NPDES tip: Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and eventually enter local waterbodies. Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains.
your only “A” rated hospital
At Jupiter Medical Center, our commitment to providing the highest level of patient care is the cornerstone of our mission. We are proud to have earned a Grade “A” in safety from the Leapfrog Group, the leading independent watchdog organization focused on health care quality and safety. This prestigious rating is awarded to hospitals that exemplify excellence in patient care.
We are honored to be the only hospital in Palm Beach and Martin counties to achieve an “A” safety grade. This accolade affirms our team’s commitment to ensuring the best quality and safety for our patients.
As a patient, it’s important to be informed about the safety of your hospital. Visit hospitalsafetygrade.org to learn more. jupitermed.com