Commissioner’s Update
Hurricane Season In Palm Beach County: Prepare Now To Stay Safe
By Mayor Maria G. Marino
Palm Beach County has a long history of severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning storms, flooding, droughts, and wildfires. Frances, Jeanne, Wilma, Fay, Matthew, Irma, and more recently, Helene and Milton, have all left their mark on our community. These events underscore the importance of being ready and resilient.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. While we all hope South Florida will be spared, it’s essential that every resident takes time to prepare—by reviewing evacuation plans, securing their homes, and gathering necessary supplies. Familiarity with severe weather is part of life in Palm Beach County, but preparation can reduce disruptions and speed up recovery.
The Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management provides a range of resources to help you get ready. One of the best tools is the Official Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide , available at https:// discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf.
It includes checklists, evacuation zone information, shelter options, and guidance on home preparation. If you need a printed copy, call the Emergency Information Center at (561) 712-6400 or contact our office.
Start by building an emergency supply kit. Stock several days’ worth of nonperishable food and water, first-aid items, hygiene products, prescription medications (including a way
Northern Notes
Prepare For Storm Season Now
By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern
Palm Beach County Improvement District
As much as we dislike talking about it, hurricane season officially started on June 1. Hurricane season isn’t a race. No bells chime to begin the onslaught of storms forming in the oceans surrounding North America. June 1 marks the beginning of the period when most tropical storms and hurricanes typically form. The six-month period from
to keep refrigerated medications cold, such as ice packs or a cooler), paper goods, flashlights with extra batteries, tools, cleaning supplies, and a waterproof container for important documents. Use tap water in reusable containers instead of buying bottled water—this is both cost-effective and environmentally-friendly. Don’t forget your pets; they need supplies too.
If you have a generator, test it now and ensure you have fuel. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout the season in case of evacuation orders. Electric vehicle owners should maintain battery levels between 50 and 80 percent, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is also the right time to trim trees and manage yard debris. Once a storm watch is issued, collection isn’t guaranteed. Yard waste pickup is limited to one pile of up to 6 cubic yards weekly. If you’re disposing of expired storm supplies like fuel, propane tanks, or batteries, use the Solid Waste Authority’s Home Chemical and Recycling Centers. A convenient site is the North County Transfer Station at 14185 North Military Trail in Jupiter. Visit swa.org or call (561) 697-2700 or (866) SWA-INFO for more details.
Stay informed by signing up for AlertPBC, the county’s emergency notification system, at https://discover.pbcgov. org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Alert-PBC.aspx. You’ll receive alerts by phone, text, or email about local hazards and emergencies. Your information is protected and used only for public safety. You can also download the Disaster Awareness and Recovery Tool (DART) app to check evacuation zones, shelter openings, and storm updates on your phone. More information can be found at: https://discover.pbcgov.org/ publicsafety/dem/Pages/dart.aspx.
Check in with your neighbors—especially seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who may be new to the area. Remember, we are a community first. A small gesture can make a big difference during an emergency.
Stay safe and take action now. Preparedness truly makes all the difference. If I can assist you, contact me at (561) 355-2201 or email mmarino@pbc.gov.
June 1 to Nov. 30 accounts for about 97 percent of all Atlantic tropical cyclone activity. While storms can and do occur outside of this period, the peak of the season is typically between mid-August and mid-October, with the most activity happening then.
Last year’s storms proved that storms do not always resemble “typical” hurricanes. While there was plenty of high wind and rain, we also experienced huge rain events and tornadoes hundreds of miles away from the storms’ centers. Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of northern Florida. It traveled northeast through Georgia, North and South Carolina, and even into Tennessee and Virginia. It dumped over 30 inches of rain in the mountains of North Carolina, 20 inches in Greenville, South Carolina, and 15 inches in parts of
By Bill Thompson Hero
My neighbor and good friend Ryan Warren was promoted to head the PBI airport air traffic control operation based on high qualifications. He has now been chosen to spend a year in Washington, D.C., to help restore critical air safety problems due in large part to an acute shortage of air traffic controllers throughout the country. My take: An excellent choice was made. A U.S. Navy veteran, Ryan is an honorable patriot and is willing to make the yearlong commitment separated from his wife Karen and two fine sons, Tyler and Colton. Karen has double duty to keep the home fires burning alone, which is a sacrifice, that she accepts for the good Ryan will do. It is a tight family. The many friends on Lake Bend Drive will be ready to assist in any way needed.
Storm Water Drainage System
The Town of Jupiter contracted Nu Pipes Company to recondition The Shores’ drainage system. The large specialized company was well staffed for the job with impressive work crews whom I got to watch over Bill’s Box on page 4
June 15
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 Edwards, 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
Amy Lemelin, Director
Ryan Warren, Director
Architectural Control Committee:
Sal Greco, 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:
Amy Lemelin, Chair
John Hornyak
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
Anais Maristany-Diaz
Dena Martin
Webmaster
Kristi Parker
Rainfall totals for Hurricane Helene – Sept. 25 to 27, 2024
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on the west coast of Florida as a category three hurricane. Milton approached Florida as an extremely dangerous category five hurricane before encountering increasing wind shear. Despite the wind shear weakening the storm, Milton’s wind field expanded as it approached the Florida Peninsula, extending impacts far and away from the storm’s center. Impacts to our area in the east-central part
of Florida were significant, including a tornado outbreak that produced 15 confirmed tornadoes, including two EF3s, a first in 30 years, and hurricane-force wind gusts that downed trees and power lines. Many homes and businesses were damaged in Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, the Acreage, and Ft. Pierce. The Wellington/ Loxahatchee Groves/The Acreage/Palm Beach Gardens/ Jupiter Farms tornado, as documented by the National Weather Service, traveled almost 30 miles in 30 minutes and was categorized at an EF2 that strengthened into an EF3 with winds peaking around 140 mph.
The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center are rethinking how hurricanes and their impacts are predicted. A new model will predict the potential storm path and impacts outside of that path.
The key to staying safe is to be prepared:
• Know Your Hurricane Risk – Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. As we saw from Hurricane Milton , their effects can be felt hundreds of miles away.
• Make an Emergency Plan – Ensure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans.
• Know your Evacuation Zone – If you live in an evacuation zone, you may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane. You only need to evacuate 20 to 30 miles away. This could mean moving just further inland rather than traveling north or south.
• Recognize Warnings and Alerts – There are several ways to receive alerts. Download a weather app or have a weather radio tuned to the local area frequency.
• Those with Disabilities – Identify if you need additional help during an emergency if you or anyone else in your household is an individual with a disability. Register with the special needs shelter in your area early if you or someone you know will need electrically energized life support equipment. Pre-registration is required.
• Review Important Documents – Ensure your insurance policies and personal documents are current. Make copies or take pictures and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
• Strengthen your Home – Declutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.
• Get Tech Ready – Keep your cell phone charged when a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued, and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
• Help your Neighborhood – Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others
• Gather Supplies – Have enough household supplies, including medication, disinfectant and pet supplies, in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane. Also, have cash on hand since the power to payment devices and banks could be out for an extended time. Don’t wait – prepare today. “By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin.
NPDES tip: Hurricane Season began June 1. Make sure your yards and trees are trimmed to avoid flying debris during a storm. Dispose of your trimmings and clippings properly. Do not put them into storm drains or lakes!
The Singles Scene Column©
No Tariffs On Love
By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
“This unique engine (the heart in love) has always captivated humanity. Indeed, we have often believed that everything is under its command.” ~~Pierre Berville
Summer is upon us, and it will go quickly, so let’s consider some fun facts
about the allure of June. Welcome to extra sunshine, beach days, nostalgic rock music, and nights that don’t start until 9:00 p.m. Summer romances can last forever, so swipe left on the fling because we are here for the real thing. Tan lines will fade, but real love will not. Yet, many singles get weighed down by emotional overload, economic woes, and fear of rejection. Singles wonder: Are relationships still worth the cost? At Revolution Dating, our answer is simple: Yes. Because in our community, there are no tariffs on love, only massive returns.
Real love is not subject to market fluctuations. Unlike the swipe-happy online dating addicts, our confidential matchmaking service offers something truly recessionproof~~a priceless genuine connection. A dynamic duo will always live better than a single person. Finding (the right) love interest is and will always be your wisest and most significant investment. You have a financial advisor. Factor in a love advisor and thank us later.
Caveat: Remember to share this with someone you care about, and know that this information suits the SINGLE and the TAKEN, ages 20 to 80.
The Cost of the Modern Dating Dilemma: High Risk. Low Reward.
With 34 years of experience, let us share the hardcore facts. Using online dating apps or rolling the dice in the bar may appear “free” on the surface, but the hidden costs are steep. Take notes on this and bring it up at your next dinner party.
• Time wasted messaging incompatible matches or attempting to vet each candidate with your limited free time.
• Emotional burnout from ghosting, catfishing, or worse … someone in another country trying to gain access to your bank account information. It happens more often than you think but no one will tell you.
• Safety concerns exist, especially for high-net worth professionals and upscale retirees. Do not post your photos on a public forum for all to envy. This can lead to identity theft, fake profiles, or an awkward encounter in your social circle. Many have seen their clients or neighbors on these sites, making both parties incredibly uncomfortable.
• The Inevitable Dating App Fatigue that drains confidence and hope. With social media alone, self-esteem is at an all-time low, so why bother? Technology is for work. Not for love. Nothing beats traditional and oldfashioned introductions.
Online dating platforms can feel like a clearance rack in the back of the store ... i.e., the unwanted and out of style. Discerning singles, C-Suite executives, and entrepreneurs must step it up to meet a good partner. Matchmaking is in, and online dating is out, and this phenomenon has been escalating dramatically over the last ten years. Real people with real success do not use online dating forums.
Enter: Matchmaking Skills.
At Revolution Dating, we know you’ve worked hard to build a quality life, and your love life should mirror your high standards. Modern dating should not feel like a gamble. Curated, confidential connections tailored to your lifestyle, values, and goals trump stranger danger every night of summer. So, quit while you are ahead and focus on your day job while we focus on your love life and coaching (you may need). Chemistry is found in real-life connections. Unlike online platforms that profit from your endless swiping to KEEP YOU SINGLE, we succeed when you stop looking and pair off. This is why we offer unlimited introductions all summer long. We do not want to keep you dating. That is more work for us. We love a one-and-done.
Insurance Policy on Romance?
Get real. Dating is expensive—not just in dollars but in emotional wear and tear. Bad dates, dashed hopes, and wasted weekends add up. Our talent, vast connections, and skillset protect your most valuable assets: your time, energy, money, and heart. Unlike the digital Wild West of online dating, our process is built for discretion. If you are a public
figure, C-suite genius, or someone who values privacy, our matchmaking ensures your personal life stays private. Jet-Set Sans Jet-Lag.
Why does summer lovin’ happen so fast? In a nutshell, people are more open, spontaneous, and relaxed. This is the only time of year that single parents of school-age children get a life, too. CONGRATS, SINGLE PARENTS! Energy is lighter and more playful, making summer the ideal condition for escalating a meaningful relationship. Your summer love story does not require a plane ticket, but an open mindset is mandatory. You can vacation in your backyard with your plusone by your side. Just remember, our flights book quickly, so don’t delay or you may get stranded.
In our 34 years of specializing in representing clients who navigate the entire northeast coast, we have capitalized on our investment in the love movement. When you succeed, we succeed. Whether you are newly single, divorced, or widowed, let this summer bring the change you seek. Now is the perfect time to discover what’s possible when love is handled professionally, not casually. Your new summer hobby awaits. ...
Book your initial interview with us today before we book solid. Clients are pre-booking weeks in advance. Don’t let summer love pass you by. Simply scan the QR code and fill out the form or give us a jingle. LIVE Matchmakers are standing by.
XOXO - Kelly & Miranda #SummerLove25 #LiveOffline #ScreenFreeSummer #DiveIn #TellYourFriends #MatchmakingRoyalty
Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating clients are pre-screened in person, including background checks and ID verification. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking The Singles Scene Column© on page 4
services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and Miranda also provide feedback from dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area. Do call the central hotline at 561-6309696 (XOXO) or scan the QR code below to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just Date!
Financial Focus®
Carefully Consider Social Security Decisions
Behind The Scenes: Sunshine, Sparks, and Soulmates
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
Your Social Security benefits can be an important part of your retirement income – but when should you start collecting them? It’s a big decision, so you’ll want to consider your options carefully.
example, if you have a family history of longevity, and you’re in good health, you might decide it makes sense to delay taking Social Security until your full retirement age, or even later, as you could potentially have more years of receiving larger checks.
Successful single, divorced, and widowed clients are ready to live and love offline. Revolution Dating is a full-service matchmaking firm specializing in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades, with a corporate brick-and-mortar office in your backyard in the exclusive PGA Commons business neighborhood. Last month, the team celebrated many of their new success stories that have gone public! Thankfully, they chose to share their love with the community outside of the office and downstairs at Rocco’s Tacos on PGA Boulevard. Revolution Dating invites you to embrace love with them this summer. You belong here. #TellYourFriends #SummerLovin
Essentially, you’ll need to decide whether you’re going to take your benefits as early as possible – age 62 – or if you should wait until your “full retirement age” or even longer. If you begin accepting benefits at 62, they’ll be about 30 percent lower than if you waited until your full retirement age, which is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. And if you wait until 70, your benefits will be about 24 percent higher than at your full retirement age.
In deciding when to claim benefits, you’ll want to weigh these factors:
• Income needs – If you need the money to help meet your daily cost of living, then you may not feel you have much of a choice about when to take Social Security. However, if you have sufficient income from other sources, such as your 401(k) or other retirement accounts, you may be able to delay taking benefits until they’re much larger.
• Employment – If you’re still working and you haven’t reached your full retirement age yet, it might be a good idea to wait before claiming Social Security because your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above $23,400. In the year in which you reach your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 earned above $62,160. (But once you reach your full retirement age, Social Security will adjust your payments to credit you for the months during which your benefits were lowered because of your income.)
• Life expectancy – None of us can say for certain how long we’ll live – but you may have some hints. For
Bill’s Box from page 1
several days because they accessed Silver Lake through my easement from the street. The job required heavy equipment and pipes and hoses operated from the front of my house. Fascinating operation!
The street side grated stormwater manhole is located in the verge. Unknown to me, on the duct route to the lake is another manhole just past my pool enclosure on the property line between my house and that of my neighbors Ross and Jackie Cummings. Surprise! Another manhole underwater near the point where the duct opens for storm water to empty into the lake. I watched crew members lower themselves into the manhole to examine the wall for breaks. That is a dirty and daring thing to do. The final step of the operation was to pump a sealant substance through the whole outflow section of duct work. All our lakes are interconnected, and high water is released into the C Canal that carries it out to sea.
The very polite and skillful crew were friendly with all neighbors. I let the Town know our appreciation and the competence of the crew.
• Spouse – If you’re married, decisions about when to claim benefits could affect you or your spouse. The spouse with lower Social Security payments may be eligible to receive spousal benefits, which, when combined with their own benefits, can reach up to 50 percent of the higher-benefit spouse’s payment at their full retirement age. To qualify, the lower-benefit spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age must be less than half of the other spouse’s full-retirement-age benefit. But if the lower-benefit spouse claims their benefits before their full retirement age, their own retirement benefit and the spousal benefit will be reduced. Also, the lower-benefit spouse reaches their maximum benefit amount at their full retirement age – they won’t receive additional benefits even if they or the higher-benefit spouse delays taking benefits past their respective full retirement ages.
One other point to keep in mind: If the higher-benefit spouse claims early, the survivor benefit to the other spouse is reduced, but if the higher-benefit spouse delays their benefit beyond their full retirement age, the survivor benefit is increased.
By making the appropriate choices, you can help maximize your Social Security benefits – and possibly enjoy a more comfortable retirement.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
Quieter Neighborhood
I’m fairly certain the e-bikes and motorized bikes are taking a break. Jupiter’s Police Department likely played a role in the calming. Now I hope they catch the Mustang (?) with awesome pipes, that treats Longshore like a racetrack straight away at 60 mph.
Rain
It has been dry in May, as I write now. I most likely have lost some newly installed plants. Expensive loss. Contributing is a flawed irrigation system that was not altered as specified to reach the plants. Let’s hope by the time you read this the June rains will have returned. Of course, with the climate change, old patterns of rainy season are not certain.
Hurricane Season Will Be Here Before You Know It I see lots of tree trimming. Folks are getting ready timely. Guess I’ll get on the bandwagon. Don’t forget to use a company that is overseen by a qualified arborist. They know where to cut to keep your oaks healthy.
Father’s Day
He needs a nice card and a special meal. Throw in a bottle of his favorite juice—you know what I mean. Over and out.
& Donna Share an
Meet New Client, Austin!
Bruce & Brenda thank Kelly and Miranda with Beautiful Bouquets. #SpreadTheLove
Tax Talk
Dear friends:
I am sure you have all heard about AI – Artificial Intelligence, so this month, I thought I would give it a try. Plugging in a few keywords, here is what AI wrote for me for this month’s Tax Talk . What do you think?
Welcome to the June edition of Tax Talk ! With hurricane season kicking off June 1, I want to make sure you are ready. This month, I am sharing helpful information about what to do if your property suffers catastrophic damage – and don’t forget to check out our handy wallet-size hurricane guide, designed to keep key information at your fingertips when you need it most.
My team also had a great time at the Black Gold Jubilee, where we enjoyed meeting many residents celebrating that wonderful local tradition.
As always, my team and I are here to help – stay safe and stay connected! And a special Happy Father’s Day to all of our fathers!
Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
Hurricane Season Is Here
Hurricane season starts June 1, and my office is committed to helping you and your family plan and prepare for any storms that affect Palm Beach County. Our Hurricane Guide is a good place to start.
This pocket-sized guide includes a timeline for preparing for hurricane season, an itemized list for family disaster supply kits, important telephone numbers, and a space to record your important information, so you can find it quickly. The comprehensive guide also includes detailed information about storms, including the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. This is a must-have during hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30.
Visit our website at www.pbctax.gov/hurricane to request your copy today!
Black Gold Jubilee
Each spring, the town of Belle Glade celebrates the end of the harvest season with its annual Black Gold
Jubilee. Named for the area’s rich soil, this annual festival celebrates Belle Glade’s unique agricultural heritage.
Each year, we are honored to take part in this familyfocused festival to meet our western Palm Beach County clients. A big thank you to our TCO staff for volunteering their time to be on hand to answer questions about our services and hand out important information.
While the Black Gold Jubilee marks the end of our festival season, be sure to look for members of our Community Engagement team at your local HOA meetings and expos!
Florida Homeowner’s Guide
Hurricane season is fast approaching, and it is best to plan ahead and be prepared to protect loved ones and property; however, there are some events that we are not able to prepare for like accidental fires, water damage or even structural damage. We do get questions about scenarios where homes are impacted by catastrophic events (weather related or non-weather related) and the impact they have on property taxes. I want to share some common questions and answers on this topic with you.
My residence was recently destroyed or damaged. Do I have to pay property taxes?
If the residence is uninhabitable for 30 days or longer due to a catastrophic event, you may be eligible for a refund.
My residence was recently destroyed or damaged. Will my property taxes go down?
Property taxes will typically not decrease for the tax year in which the catastrophic event occurred but could decrease for the next tax year.
You
For
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
Dear Taxpayer:
The summer months are a busy time for my office.
Before June 1, my office submits the estimated taxable property values for 2025 to cities and other authorities who levy taxes because they need these numbers to begin developing their budgets. The taxing authorities review the property values in their jurisdictions and decide on a proposed tax rate.
On July 1 , my office submits a preliminary tax roll to Florida’s Department of Revenue (DOR), the agency that oversees the operations of all property appraisers in the state. The DOR performs a rigorous review and evaluates the tax roll for accuracy.
On August 21, my office will mail the Truth in Millage, or TRIM Notice, to all property owners. This notice of proposed taxes details the assessed and taxable values of your property, as well as the tax rates submitted by taxing authorities.
As always, I welcome your comments and questions regarding your property value and exemption amounts. Florida law requires my office to value property based on the status of the market as of January 1. Our highlytrained appraisal experts use state-of-the-art technology to continuously process property data from local and industry sources and from field inspections.
Now is a good time to check the mailing address associated with your property at pbcpao.gov. Simply search your property and confirm that your mailing address is correct. If it needs an update, just visit our E Address Change Form.
In this month’s newsletter, a reminder that hurricane season is upon us and a reminder to those residents who have not yet applied for a homestead exemption on their permanent residence in Palm Beach County.
Enjoy reading and stay safe.
Respectfully, Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Hurricane Season Begins
June kicks off hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30. There are provisions in Florida law that pertain to your property tax assessment if your home suffers catastrophic damage by a hurricane.
If your home suffers hurricane damage, our office will work with you through the assessment process. We review insurance claims, photographs, repair estimates and invoices, and any other documentation that would detail damage. For more information, visit our website or contact (561) 355-3230 or PAHurricaneDamage@ pbcpao.gov.
As you plan for the season ahead, Palm Beach County Emergency Management offers essential tips on hurricane preparedness in their Hurricane Planning Guide (PDF).
E-Filing For Homestead Exemption And Portability
A homestead exemption can reduce the assessed value of your property, thereby reducing the amount of property tax you pay. In addition, a homestead exemption limits any increase to your assessed value to a maximum of 3 percent each year or the amount of the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. Portability transfers all or a significant portion of your cap savings, 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. With our homestead exemption e-file, you can e-file the same day you close on a new home, even without the deed. You can even e-file for portability if moving within the state of Florida. Our Exemption Services Department administers all exemptions and portability applications and is available to answer your questions. Contact them at myexemption@ pbcpao.gov or (561) 355-2866.
Office Closed In Honor Of Juneteenth
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office (including all of our Service Centers) will be closed in honor of Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
Top Three Ways To Stand Out When Applying To College
By Peggy Forgan, M.Ed., College Planner
With thousands of applications pouring in each year, colleges are looking for more than just high GPAs and strong test scores. They want to know who you are, what you care about, and how you’ll contribute to their campus community. Here are the top three ways students can make themselves stand out in the college admissions process:
1. Share Your Unique Story
Your personal essay is your chance to go beyond the numbers and show colleges the real you. A compelling
story—whether it’s about a challenge you’ve overcome, a lesson you’ve learned, or a passion you’ve pursued— can make a powerful impression. Focus on authenticity. Admissions officers are drawn to honest, reflective writing that reveals your character, values, and growth.
2. Show Depth In Your Activities
It’s not about how many clubs you join—it’s about the impact you make. Instead of spreading yourself thin, focus on two or three activities that truly matter to you. Whether it’s leading a club, starting a community initiative, or building a creative project, meaningful involvement and leadership demonstrate commitment, passion, and initiative.
3. Pursue A Passion Project Colleges love to see students take initiative outside the classroom. A self-driven project—like launching a nonprofit, starting a podcast, writing a book, or
Is Your Daughter ADD?
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
“My ten-year-old daughter often has trouble following multistep directions, will lose her place in reading and need to re-read, will say ‘huh?’ or ‘what?’ after being given directions, blurts things off topic, has a difficulty
staying engaged during lessons, and shows inconsistencies in academic performance.” This mom asked, “Could she be ADD (now called ADHD Inattentive Presentation)?”
These warning signs showed a valid concern and lead her to trust her instincts and seek out professional help in understanding her child. She felt like her daughter might be being manipulative but yet she did not want to scold her for something that she might not always be able to control. Mom also wanted to understand treatment options if it was ADHD, Inattentive Presentation.
Our school neuropsychological evaluation tested many key areas of attention including her sustained attention, attention capacity, impulse control, flexible thinking, memory, and processing speed. The child also completed a self-esteem assessment to gain understanding about how she felt about herself. Emotional health is important for reaching one’s potential.
The results revealed two factors which contributed to her challenges. First, she had slow processing speed. This
conducting independent research—shows that you’re curious, motivated, and capable of thinking big. Passion projects set you apart because they reflect your interests and your willingness to go above and beyond.
How Class 101 Can Help
At Class 101, we work one-on-one with students to help them discover their unique strengths, set goals, and build a standout college application. From guiding essay writing and identifying leadership opportunities to supporting passion projects and finding the right college fit, we equip students with the tools and confidence they need to shine. With Class 101, standing out becomes a plan—not a guess.
For more information or to schedule a free 30-minute consultation contact Peggy Forgan at (561) 418-7897 or email pforgan@class101.com
helped explained her “huh” types of behaviors. She must put in lots of mental effort when learning new content. This drained her mental energy and contributed to her difficulty maintain attention. Once her mental fuel was used, she tuned out, disengaged from learning and showed avoidance behaviors.
The second factor was indeed a deficit in sustained attention. This was validated through interactive tests of attention, a computerized test of attention, and by having others complete behavioral rating scales. We discussed the different treatment options, and this mom decided to first work on increasing her underlying processing speed prior to considering other treatments. This mom also planned to share the results with her school to give understanding and obtain accommodations.
Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com.
News From The Solid Waste Authority
Prepare Your Yard Now For Hurricane Season
Though hurricane season is still a couple months away, preparing now can help minimize property damage and make our communities safer.
The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) strongly encourages residents to implement a year-round yard maintenance program.
Major storms can leave behind incredible amounts of debris. For example, after Hurricane Irma, almost 3 million cubic yards of vegetative debris was collected. It took three months and cost more than $39 million to collect and dispose of it all. Every property owner can help minimize the potential for vegetative debris by starting their hurricane trimming now. The SWA contract for unincorporated Palm Beach County residents allows them to place a maximum of six cubic yards of yard waste at the curb each week for pickup. Starting now allows plenty of time for yard waste to be safely removed so you aren’t stuck with it in the event of a storm. Hurricane season starts June 1, and once a storm threatens it’s too late to trim trees.
Here are some tips to ensure your yard is as prepared as possible.
• Cut back all trees and weak branches that could come into contact with buildings.
• Have foliage thinned so wind can flow freely through branches, decreasing the chance that trees or plants will be uprooted.
• Contain small pieces of vegetation, such as pine needles, leaves and twigs, in bags or cans that weigh less than 50 pounds when full and place at the curb on your scheduled pickup day.
• Clean your yard of any items that could pose a danger to you or your neighbors’ property in hurricane-force winds, such as old lumber, broken lawn furniture, etc. Unincorporated Palm Beach County residents can place these types of items (three per week) curbside on their bulk waste collection day (If you’re not sure what day that is, you can find it by entering your address on the My Pick-Up Days page). Please note that lumber must be placed into a container weighing no more than 50 pounds, and fence materials will not be collected in unincorporated Palm Beach County.
• Place yard waste from routine maintenance at the curb on your regularly scheduled collection day. Residents in unincorporated Palm Beach County may place a maximum of six cubic yards – equivalent to three standard size refrigerators – at the curb each week. (Vegetation cannot exceed six inches in diameter, six feet in length or 50 pounds in weight.)
Note: Unincorporated Palm Beach County residents who place more than the permitted six cubic yards of yard waste at the curb will have no portion of the waste removed. The pile will be tagged, and the resident will be responsible for removing all the material at their own cost.
Residents living within city, village or town limits should contact their local municipality for their collection guidelines. Check the SWA website for municipal contact information.
Whether you maintain your yard yourself or use a lawn care or landscape service, if you produce significant yard waste, consider requesting a price to remove the yard waste if it exceeds the six-cubic-yard limit. Excess debris from major cutting or tree removal will need to be properly transported and disposed of, and there is a fee for disposal.
The SWA offers hurricane information to help residents understand best practices for preparedness and what the SWA prioritizes after a storm passes. For additional information on debris collection in unincorporated parts of the county, contact SWA Customer Information Services at (561) 6972700 or (866) 792-4636 (toll-free).
Learn more at swa.org. Find technical reports at swa.org/ technicalreports.
Is It Recyclable? Here’s How To Recycle Glass Bottles And Jars
Today, many things are recyclable, but not everything. Let’s focus on glass bottles and jars.
Glass bottles and jars that are used to hold food or drink are items the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) accepts in its dual-stream recycling program. They go into the blue recycling bin. Lids or tops on the glass bottles and jars need to be removed and placed into the blue bin.
When the glass bottles and jars in your blue recycling bin arrive at the SWA’s recycling facility, they’re sorted from other materials and delivered to manufacturers to make new products. The lids will be sorted out first with a magnet. The glass will then get broken in the glass breakers and fall through the line to get sorted with other glass pieces in its own bunker.
In 2023, more than 17,000 tons of glass bottles and jars were recycled.
Glass from mirrors or kitchenware used in cooking or baking is not accepted in the SWA’s dual-stream recycling program. This glass is not made of the same material as regular glass and has a higher melting point.
If you have more glass bottles and jars than can fit into your blue recycling bin, you can take them to one of seven Home Chemical & Recycling Centers (HCRCs).
IMPERIUM HOME REMODELING
