Town Of Jupiter News
Cheers To 100 Years: Jupiter’s Centennial Celebration In 2025!
By Jim Kuretski, Mayor, Town of Jupiter
Grab your party hats and sunscreen, because the Town of Jupiter is gearing up for a once-ina-lifetime celebration! In 2025, our charming coastal community will mark 100 years of history, growth, and beachy bliss with a Centennial Celebration that promises to be as vibrant and unique as the town itself. To help celebrate this momentous time in our town’s history, events are planned throughout 2025.
A Little Slice Of History
Jupiter’s journey began on February 9, 1925, when it was officially incorporated as a town. Known for its iconic red lighthouse, pristine beaches, and small-town feel, Jupiter has grown from a quaint fishing village into a thriving community that attracts families, adventurers, and sun-seekers alike. But even as it has evolved, Jupiter has never lost its small-town charm or deep-rooted connection to nature and the water.
What’s On Tap For The Big Year?
The Centennial Celebration festivities are shaping up to be an unforgettable mix of nostalgia, community spirit, and just the right amount of Jupiter flair. Here’s a small sampling at what’s in store:
1. Celebrate At Jupiter Jubilee
Jupiter’s biggest hometown celebration returns better than ever this year on Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. This year’s Jubilee, which will be held at the Municipal Complex (210 Military Trail), will serve as the town’s official birthday party, with live music, food trucks, and local vendors at the business expo and fun for all ages.
Don’t miss this community event. Mark your calendars. Join in the fun and help celebrate Jupiter turning 100.
2. Eat Your Way Around Town
Jupiter restaurants and businesses are getting in on the fun by offering discounts and special food items throughout the year.
3. Walk Or Ride, Through Jupiter’s History
History lovers will have plenty of opportunities to learn more about Jupiter, from before incorporation through modern times, throughout the year.
4. Get Out Into Nature
Trot your way through this year’s Centennial-themed Turtle Trot, help bring more beauty to our beaches through the Jupiter Beach Cleanup or learn more about Jupiter’s waterways on a paddleboard tour in just a few of the outdoor events that will highlight Jupiter’s nature and open spaces. Stay In The Know
With the Centennial Celebration spanning the entirety of 2025, everybody will have plenty of opportunities to participate in the festivities. Find a complete schedule of events on the Town’s website at jupiter.fl.us/Centennial Stay tuned.
Commissioner’s Update
Palm Beach County: Driving Innovation, Safety, And Growth For A Brighter Future
By Mayor Maria G. Marino
It’s truly an honor to become the mayor of a county that is a driving force for economic growth, innovation and quality of life. Palm Beach County stands as a beacon of progress, built not by chance, but through thoughtful planning, consistent effort, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Palm Beach County thrives on strategic investments that yield transformative results. For every dollar invested in economic development, we see exponential returns—more businesses, more jobs, and a stronger tax base. We’ve proven that we act local while thinking global.
Public Safety is the foundation of any thriving community. From emergency management during storms to initiatives by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), we are committed to ensuring residents feel secure. A shining example is our whole blood program, one of only 121 in the nation, which enables medically trained first responders to perform life-saving blood transfusions in the field. Through its safety education, the Drowning Prevention Coalition reached nearly 24,000 people, and 2,200 kids ages 2 to 12 took free or reduced-cost swim lessons.
Investments in public safety provide tangible returns: stronger communities, lower insurance premiums, and enhanced quality of life. When people feel safe, businesses thrive, families grow, and communities flourish. That’s the kind of return on investment we can all celebrate.
What makes Palm Beach County such a desirable destination for businesses and families? It’s the outstanding quality of life, with 110 parks, beaches, and recreational areas that turn living here into a dream. These spaces are more than just amenities; they are vital investments in our shared well-being. Programs like
Northern Notes
Nightjars, Nighthawks And Chuck Will’s Widows
By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration,
Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s Widows are common birds in South Florida, but most people have never seen one. They are members of the Nightjar family and are medium-sized nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) birds in the family Caprimulgidae. Nightjars are found worldwide, except Antarctica and certain island groups such as the Seychelles. Nightjars are primarily found in Europe, while Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s Widows are found more in the New World. Nightjars, Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s Widows belong to a family of birds with the folk name “goatsuckers.” The family name, Caprimulgidae , literally means “milker of goats” and
January 20
Deadline for the February Issue is January 14
Mail or email to:
Bill Thompson, 18583 Lake Bend Drive billthompsonsoj@gmail.com
The Shores of Jupiter website:
www.theshoresofjupiter.org
Disclaimer
Copy appearing herewith may not be the viewpoint of The Shores Board of Directors or its newsletter editor. Nor should responsibility be assigned for accuracy or validity or articles contributed by residents or other articles chosen by the publisher or the editor.
Realtime Property Management of South Florida LLC
Alexa Schuck, Property Manager
612 N. Orange Ave., Bldg C-4, Jupiter, FL 33458
The Shores Of Jupiter Homeowners Association Inc.
Board Of Directors, Committee
Board Of Directors:
David Lindley, President
John Hornyak, Vice President
Cynthia Clemente, Secretary
Barry Parker, Treasurer
Sal Greco, Director
Brian Martin, Director
Ryan Warren, Director
Architectural Control Committee:
Brian Martin, Co-Chair
Sal Greco, Co-Chair
John Hornyak
Compliance Committee:
Ryan Warren, Chair
Lakes And Parks Committee:
David Lindley, Chair
Crimewatch Committee:
Bill Thompson, Co-Chair
Sal Greco, Co-Chair
Welcoming Committee: John Hornyak, Chair
Sylke Lopez
Infrastructure
David Lindley, Chair
Communications and Newsletter Editor: Bill Thompson, Chair
Events & Social Media Committee:
Barry Parker, Co-Chair
Kristi Parker, Co-Chair
Francesca Brown
Tracey Lavoll
Sylke Lopez
Anais Maristany-Diaz
Dena Martin
Webmaster
Kristi Parker
Park Rx, also known as Park Prescriptions, is part of a national initiative that encourages healthcare professionals to prescribe time spent in nature to improve patients’ health and well-being.
This past year, we completed two major restoration projects in our estuaries: Sawfish Island and Tarpon Cove. These initiatives created critical seagrass, oyster reef, and mangrove habitats, supporting wildlife, improving water quality, and enhancing coastal resilience. Coastal resilience is important for maintaining our pristine beaches and natural habitat. The county spent nearly $6M this past year on dune projects and beach renourishment and over 1.4 million cubic yards of sand was placed on county beaches. That volume would fill 150 Jupiter Lighthouses!
Education in Palm Beach County is more than Vanderbilt. In addition to our higher education options, we have three technical high schools in our county. College may not be for everyone, but education is.
Palm Beach County is buzzing with transformational projects designed to meet the needs of yesterday and today while anticipating tomorrow. Recent accomplishments include the completion of the PBSO District 1 Marine Unit Facility, the Supervisor of Elections Production Facility, and the Canyon Branch Library. Upcoming renovations at Roger Dean Stadium and expansions to the Animal Care and Control Building will further enhance our infrastructure. Solid Waste Authority has the No. 1 renewable energy facility in America.
Transportation is another cornerstone of our growth strategy. By collaborating with all 39 municipalities, we are developing a Countywide Transportation Master Plan that ensures safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility for everyone.
With more than 550 interlocal agreements spanning public safety, coastal protection, facilities, and broadband, we’re fostering a spirit of collaboration that benefits every corner of our county. Our ISS department, using $50M in federal funds, has installed broadband poles and more than 500 miles of fiber optic cabling. Free Internet broadband is available in 17 branches of our libraries and 47 county parks. And by partnering with agencies like the Boys and Girls Clubs and 86 schools, we are bringing Wi-Fi to homes that would otherwise be unable to have this necessary tool for kids to do their homework. Pair that with many interlocal agreements with our municipalities, we are delivering broadband at a discounted price which is passing a huge savings on to all our residents.
Palm Beach County is an award-winning county, locally, statewide and nationally. We are rewriting the rules of what’s possible. Through precision, patience, and strategy, we’re driving excellence and ensuring every resident and every business sees the benefits of living, working, and thriving here. Together, we’re creating a future where innovation meets sustainability, and prosperity is shared by all.
For more information on the latest news and initiatives in Palm Beach County, please visit: www.pbc.gov.
than across it as birds usually do to hide during the day, blending seamlessly with tree bark.
is based on an ancient belief that the birds milked goats with their enormous mouths each night. In reality, the birds’ attraction to livestock was likely due to the presence of insects.
They are unique birds with a distinctive look characterized by long wings, small feet, short legs, and very short bills. They have short bills but have enormous mouths when opened to allow them to catch insects at night. They have bristles around their beaks called rictal bristles, which are stiff hair-like feathers that arise around the base of the beak. The function of rictal bristles is uncertain, although several possibilities have been proposed. They may function as a “net,” helping to capture flying prey. Some evidence suggests that they may prevent particles from striking the eyes. There is also evidence that the rictal bristles of some species may function tactilely, like that of mammalian whiskers, to help detect prey.
Widows can be found in various habitats, most commonly in open areas with some vegetation. Locally, they live in and around upland preserves. Nighthawks usually spend their days hidden, sometimes in plain view, thanks to their cryptic gray, brown, and blackish plumage and the birds’ squat, “neckless” shape. They often prove challenging to spot even while roosting quietly on a tree branch or fence post.
They usually lay their eggs directly on the ground rather than in a nest. They are incredibly good at camouflage, and their coloring allows them to blend in remarkably well with the leaves and trees around them. Their soft plumage is colored to resemble bark or leaves, protecting them from their primary predators: foxes and raccoons. As a defense, these birds can hide in leaves on the ground, spread their wings and open their mouths to resemble cottonmouth snakes preparing to strike. Some species perch face lengthwise along a branch rather
The Common Nighthawk’s erratic, acrobatic flight style gives the bird its folk name “bullbat.” They fly alone or in groups in a looping pattern. This dusky hunter jerks and weaves through the air on long, pointed wings, flashing distinctive white wing patches.
Chuck Will’s Widows are the largest of the Nightjars and are primarily nocturnal. They have enormous mouths that, when open, can catch flying insects like beetles and moths but can even catch small birds or bats on occasion. Their name is an onomatopoeia from its song. As is often the case with Nightjars, the Chuck-Will’s-widow was named due to its song, which to many sounds like a phrase composed of the words “chuck,” “will’s,” and “widow”: “Chuck Will’s Widow. Chuck-will’s-WID-ow. Chuckwill’s-WID-ow.” The first syllable of the call is often hard for humans to hear. You can hear their distinctive call in the evening or pre-dawn hours.
As is the case with many Nightjars worldwide, Nighthawk and Chuck Will’s Widow numbers are declining. The factors driving these declines are elusive, but habitat destruction, declining insect populations, and pesticide contamination have all been suggested as potential culprits.
These fantastic but rarely seen birds are an integral part of the Florida ecosystem. Now that the evenings are cool, enjoy a walk by a preserve area in or around your neighborhood. Listen for the call of the “widow” or watch the looping Nighthawks as they search for dinner.
As a defense, these birds can hide in leaves on the ground, spread their wings and open their mouths to resemble cottonmouth snakes preparing to strike.
NPDES tip: Storms occur all year round. Make sure your yards and trees are trimmed neatly
Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Annual Holiday Mixer, Raising Funds For Literacy Efforts In Our Public Schools
The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce celebrated the season in style last week at The Gardens Mall during its Annual Holiday Mixer. The event brought together
prominent business executives, including Michael Mitrione and many others, for an evening of connection, celebration, and community impact.
This year’s Holiday Mixer was not only a festive occasion but also a meaningful one. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the chamber raised $1,350 for the Palm Beach North Education Foundation. These funds will provide essential literacy materials for an entire classroom, supporting local students in their educational journey and ensuring brighter futures within our community.
“The Annual Holiday Mixer is always a highlight of our year, and this year was no exception,” said Noel Martinez, president and CEO of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to this incredible cause. Together, we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of our local students.”
The evening was filled with festive cheer, offering attendees the opportunity to strengthen relationships, forge new connections, and reflect on the accomplishments of the past year. As 2025 approaches, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering a high quality of life in Palm Beach North while building a prosperous economy, developing regional leadership, and becoming a resilient and connected region.
For more information, visit www.pbnchamber.com.
Jimmy Glenis, Bruny Rosa, and Eddie Tybuszynski
Alex Martinez Slaton, Ashley Verturo, and Narupa Baldeosingh
Michael Mitrione, Susan Kaplan and Chip Armstrong
Angel Adams, Alex Slaton, Traci Rollins, and Betsy Cohen
Mike Bauer, Stacey Bauer, Mark Holbert, and Corey Saban
Sarah Kudisch
Rob Taylor, Alex Martinez Slaton, Katie Thompson, Kathleen Joy, Carrie Combes, Noel Martinez
Tax Talk
Dear Friends:
Each day, at approximately 11 a.m., my team and I receive an email report from our client satisfaction survey vendor highlighting the surveys we received from clients the previous day. I enjoy reading the surveys, especially the comments where clients tell us what we are doing right and what needs improvement. We strive for exceptional service on each and every interaction with our clients, both in-person and on the phone, and most of the time we get it right, but there are times that we miss the mark. In either case, it is important that we hear from our clients so we can address issues and make corrections where needed, but at the same time, it is so rewarding to hear from clients who rave about the service they have received from a member of my staff. That commitment to exceptional from every member of our team is the driving force behind our industry-leading client satisfaction results, where 87 percent of our clients say that their experience with our office was exceptional or very good!
Anne M. Gannon,
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
Get Yours Now! The 2025 Tax Planner & Services Guide
As we worked on this latest edition, one of our priorities was to align with the information on our new website, www. pbctax.gov, so the two complement one another. We made the guide easy to use with color coding guides to services and QR codes that will take you right to our website for more information on a specific topic.
Visit www.pbctax.gov/tpsg to request a copy of the 2025 edition. When you receive the guide, we will invite you to respond to a brief survey to provide us with your feedback so we can keep enhancing this signature publication. I hope you enjoy this publication as much as we enjoy providing it to you!
Faces Of The TCO: AJ Starks
Title: Director of Contact Center Operations
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Favorite Activity: Manning the grill or the smoker
Favorite Food: My smoked brisket
This month, in our “Faces of the TCO” series, I am pleased to shine the spotlight on the director of our Client Care and Research Center (CCRC).
and ‘Client Service Excellence.’ I feel lucky to be a member of such a great team of professionals, all moving in the same direction to deliver exceptional customer service.”
A Better Journey
We are excited to announce that our 2025 Tax Planner & Services Guide will be available beginning in January. This comprehensive guide is designed to keep you informed, connected, and empowered as you navigate our organization’s services, values, and resources. Inside, you’ll find everything from taxes to motor vehicles services and driver’s license/ID card services. There is also a monthly calendar to help you keep track of your payment deadlines.
Ajani “AJ” Starks joined my Senior Leadership Team in 2022, and he oversees 40 employees whose main responsibility is to answer client questions and concerns via phone and emails. Handling an average of 1,700 calls a day is not an easy task, and to do so effectively, AJ and his team have developed strategies to ensure all clients receive exceptional service. AJ says, “Client feedback is important to us, and we monitor calls and utilize call monitor forms to provide our client care representatives with feedback. With this comes challenges servicing clients who are unsatisfied with some aspect of our services. I remind the team that it is not personal and to show empathy towards the client, and we specifically train staff for these calls.” Employee recognition is important, and AJ says, “We celebrate wins and best calls, and in fact, we just held our first annual CCRC Awards, recognizing exceptional achievements, such as ‘Most Calls’
Our new website, www. pbctax.gov has been online for over a month now and I hope you have enjoyed exploring all the new features. One feature that I want to highlight is the enhancements made to our reservation system. We created a new more intuitive interface, featuring pop-up icons to provide information about topics related to our services. During your “journey” to make a reservation online, we first present you with a list of documents that you will need for your transaction. Next, upon indicating which documents you have by checking “Yes” or “No” and before you officially schedule your reservation, we present you a summary checklist of the document(s) you need to bring with you to your reservation. You can then print the list or email it to yourself to view or print later. Keep in mind that this document is not confirmation of a reservation, as you still have to select a date, time and location. This checklist is designed to help you easily keep track of the documents you need to gather. Once you have the opportunity to use our enhanced reservation-making system, tell us your feedback by visiting www. pbctax.gov/website-feedback/.
Susan G. Komen® Announces 2025 FORD Warriors In Pink
Warriors represent North Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Boca Raton, Palm City, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, is excited to announce the 2025 FORD Warriors in Pink. These nine women from across South Florida will be honored at the MORE THAN PINK Walk in West Palm Beach on Saturday, January 25, in addition to being featured in a variety of promotional materials and activities.
“Susan G. Komen Warriors in Pink represent the strength, resilience and determination of everyone impacted by breast cancer,” said Jamie Bellamy, Development Director at Susan G. Komen. “These women are beacons of hope and courage, inspiring us to continue our work to achieve a world without breast cancer. We are honored to celebrate them as breast cancer Warriors and join them in standing strong for every life touched by this disease.”
The Susan G. Komen 2025 Warriors In Pink Are: Kristen A. Dugan of North Palm Beach is a single mom of three girls. She was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in January 2024. Since then, she has undergone a double mastectomy, five months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. On August 22, she rang the bell to conclude her final chemotherapy treatment! While her experience has not been easy, she has dedicated herself to being a role model who embraces hope, inspiration and bravery.
Erin M. Correa of Riviera Beach is a registered nurse, wife and mother of two young sons. In 2022, Erin was diagnosed with gastroparesis followed by Stage 2 Mesenteric Follicular Lymphoma and in July 2023 she was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Erin advocated for herself and met with multiple doctors before choosing her oncology team. By April 2024, she had completed her bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy, began physical therapy, and resumed her infusion therapy.
Allison Jones of Palm City has faced a series of health setbacks over the years. In 2023, plans for a dual hip replacement were put on hold when she received a diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer. Overwhelmed by the unexpected diagnosis, Allison was advised to focus on her breast cancer treatments as the top priority. Within two weeks, her treatment began. This year marks her first MORE THAN PINK Walk, where she hopes to reclaim her strength and connect with other women, finding inspiration and renewed determination through their shared experiences.
Lucille Ciaccia of Boca Raton went in for her first mammogram shortly after turning 40. However, what began as a routine screening quickly escalated, and her cancer progressed from Stage 1 to Stage 3 in a short time period. Since July 2023, Lucille has undergone a double mastectomy, AC-Thermotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation. Lucille passionately encourages women to advocate for their health. She advises, “If you’re told a mammogram before 40 isn’t necessary, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be afraid to fight for yourself!”
Nicholle Chadwick of Boca Raton is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) and mom of two. In 2022, Nicholle’s world shifted dramatically when she discovered a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Further testing revealed she was positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation. Nicholle has since undergone a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and IVF treatments. Through it all, her children became her driving force—her “why.” Nicholle encourages others to find their own reason to fight, saying, “Why are we fighting? The answer can simply be yourself and the will to survive.”
Stephanie R. Baker, RN, MSN, of Boynton Beach is a Registered Nurse who teaches at Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology. During a routine mammogram 17 years ago, Stephanie’s life was turned upside down with a breast cancer diagnosis. She met brave women who offered her tools to cope, make plans, dream and continue with her treatments ahead. With the support of her husband, kids, siblings, family and friends, she survived and later earned her BSN and MSN in nursing. She has since retired to Florida and gives back to the nursing profession as a nursing professor at a local college.
Shae Henderson of Broward was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 23. Shae’s journey with breast cancer was marked by delays and dismissals. Despite being told she was too young to have breast cancer and being denied mammograms and referrals, she refused to give up. Eventually, she found her team at Holy Cross, where a doctor finally listened to and validated her concerns. For Shae, that compassionate care made all the difference—both physically and mentally. Her advice to others: “Play an active role in the fight against cancer and draw strength from those around you.”
Elizabeth Hamma of Jupiter is the market president at Hubbard Radio, a wife, mother of two adult children, and grandma to three grandchildren. Elizabeth never expected her journey with cancer to extend beyond supporting family members, friends and her involvement with Komen. However, life took an unexpected turn when she was
diagnosed with Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Thrust into the fight herself, she made the decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy. Now, Elizabeth embraces her role as a breast cancer “thriver” and looks forward to continuing her advocacy with a renewed perspective.
Julie Culpepper of Fort Lauderdale began her journey in 2017 when her oncologist identified an atypical (precancerous) lump during a routine screening. Given her family history— both her mother and sister are cancer survivors—and a decade-long pattern of benign biopsies, she initially underwent a lumpectomy but later opted for a mastectomy for peace of mind. The path, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Over two years, Julie faced difficulties with implant reconstructions before successfully undergoing a DIEP flap procedure. Now, a year and a half later, she is thriving and grateful for the choices that have supported her health and well-being.
The MORE THAN PINK Walk is open to the public and free. Please register in advance at www.komen.org/wpbwalk. Participants are encouraged to fundraise. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
