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:
Town Parks: Playground
Upgrades
Exciting playground upgrades are coming! The town is on a journey to revamp all of its playgrounds. At our Feb. 4 meeting, the Town Council approved construction on the first three—Indian Creek Park, Jupiter Community Park, and Maplewood Park.
But that’s not all. The town has a roadmap to renovate all 11 parks over the next 5 years and we would like your help in building the future of Jupiter’s playgrounds. We’re gearing up to design the playground at Abacoa Community Park, and we want your input. What cool features would you love to see? Town staff are reaching out through various channels to secure your ideas.
Northern Notes
Loggerhead
Shrikes – Nature’s
Butcherbird
By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District
The Loggerhead Shrike is a gray and white bird that resembles a Mockingbird at first glance. Both are types of songbirds with a similar overall gray, black and white pattern and are about the size of a cardinal or robin. The shrike has blacker wings, a larger head, a black mask, and a heavy, hooked bill, unlike mockingbirds that have grayer wings, a smaller head and a thinner bill. The Loggerhead Shrike’s black mask acts like the black paint athletes wear to keep the sun’s glare from impeding eyesight. Where they truly stand out is in their unique hunting techniques. The shrike, a carnivorous bird, has a preference for lizards, bugs, and small animals, unlike the seeds and berries that mockingbirds enjoy. Their hunting style is both fascinating and terrifying for their prey. Shrikes hunt from above, diving down to snatch their prey in their hooked bill. The upper part of the shrike’s hooked bill features a pair of built-in projections called “tomial teeth.” These
Jupiter Jubilee 2025
The Feb. 8 Jupiter Jubilee event was returned to the town’s governmental campus. It was held offsite in Abacoa Community Park the past two years due to construction of our new Town Hall.
This year’s Jubilee was extra special because we celebrated a truly historic milestone—Jupiter’s 100th year anniversary! This year should and will be all about honoring our rich history, the people, places, events, stories, and moments that have made Jupiter the incredible place and community that it is today.
A little history lesson – our annual Jupiter Jubilee was created to be a community event that brings us together to perpetuate our small town feel in a uniquely Jupiter way. It began 25 years ago and commemorated our town’s 75th birthday. It has always been our annual birthday bash, but the celebration was bigger this year because the very next day, Feb. 9, marked Jupiter’s official 100th birthday! Jupiter’s Centennial Celebrations
We have a full calendar of exciting events planned throughout the year. We encourage each of you to join in and actively participate in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Find the complete schedule of events at the town’s website at Jupiter.fl.us/Centennial.
Stay tuned.
specialized “teeth” are used to dispatch rodents by striking the nape of the neck, instantly paralyzing them, and then shaking them with enough force to break their necks. They are quick and efficient hunters, earning them the nickname “butcherbirds.”
Their genus name, Lanius , is derived from the Latin word “butcher.” Shrikes can also hover over prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
These remarkably intelligent birds then impale their prey on barbed wire, thorns, tree branches, or other sharp objects to immobilize and kill it, if their beak hasn’t already done the job. This practice, akin to a human’s pantry or larder, also helps them store food for days if food is scarce. A large pantry can serve to attract mates or feed juveniles. This practice can also help remove toxins, making the prey safe to eat after a few days. For instance, impaling a toxic monarch butterfly helps break down toxins, making it safe to eat after a few days.
Another reason for their macabre tendency to impale their prey is due to their
By Bill Thompson Deadline
The copy deadline for this issue was Feb. 11. That is damn close to one month before the paper hits your mailbox. That makes it hard to address topical subjects that are the slightest bit current.
The “news” already happened. That has always been the case, but as fast as events occur these days crafting timely prose is a little more challenging.
Easements
You will remember from last month’s “Northern Notes” about easements on our properties. Katie Roundtree of Northern Palm Beach Improvement District explained it has easement rights at certain locations along side of our homes to give it access for maintenance of areas for which it is responsible such as drainage and lakes. For instance, there is a curbside stormwater grate between my house and the one next door. An underground duct runs from the street to our lake’s catchment area engineered to drain through interlocking piping out to the C-canal and eventually out to sea. A project is now underway to replace deteriorated drainage ducts which will involve access through the easement by your home, the town and district will take every precaution not to disturb landscaping wherever possible.
Box on page 3
March 17
Deadline for the April Issue is March 11
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
Smart But Scattered Adolescent Workshop
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
A parent described her son to me, “Sam is struggling with school and his grades. This year in sixth grade he is struggling with the workload, executive functioning, and expectations of the grade. The demands are more. I constantly have to stay on top of him or he’d be failing.”
This mom was describing her son’s executive functioning weaknesses. He was smart but scattered. Executive functioning skills are crucial for success in school, social settings, and everyday life.
This month I am offering an in-person one-day executive functioning course for students in grades six through nine. Your student can join us fun, interactive activities to learn executive functioning skills related to organization, planning, time management, memory, and attention. The group size is limited to 12 students. We use classroom instruction combined with games, scenarios,
and videos to illustrate points and practice skills. Students receive written handouts to keep which summarize the new skills.
Developing executive functioning skills is an ongoing process in adolescence, and teens often need instruction to improve these areas. Weak executive functioning skills can impact academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being, so interventions like workshops and coaching can be helpful if your teen struggles in these areas.
Adolescents face academic pressures, social dynamics, and life changes. Teens with strong executive functioning skills can handle uncertainty and stressful situations with more resilience. By understanding and supporting the development of these skills, your student can improve their ability to navigate the complexities of adolescence and prepare for greater independence as they grow into adulthood. Join us so your student can learn these important skills for success.
Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to sign up or if you need school neuropsychological testing for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or to give you understanding and answers about your child. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com/ executive.
Jupiter Senior Softball News
John Katulak, a stalwart of the Jupiter Senior Softball Association (JSSA) for more than two decades, was enshrined Feb. 7 as the organization’s 2023 Hall of Fame inductee.
A large crowd of senior softball players plus Katulak’s family members attended the event at Jupiter Community prior to Winter League games. Scheduling conflicts delayed his formal induction until February.
The JSSA Hall of Fame was created in 2020 to memorialize “those very few members who have made an extraordinary impact on the association.”
Katulak’s accomplishments include serving 12 years on the JSSA Board of Directors under five different commissioners. He was assistant commissioner, treasurer, entertainment director and founder of the sponsorship program with local businesses.
Richard Sewell, JSSA vice-commissioner, presented Katulak with the framed Hall of Fame citation which lauded him for his service and accomplishments, including the following. “His intricate knowledge of the game is legendary to those who play alongside him, and it has been said he exudes an on-field presence that possesses ‘one of the loudest voices’ but also the biggest heart. He truly exemplifies the core tenets of the JSSA Mission Statement.”
Katulak, who turns 76 on March 18, said, “It was a great honor to be respected by all of my peers in softball and I appreciate it very much.” He was joined at the enshrinement by his wife Debbie, brother Arthur (also a JSSA member)
Northern Notes from page 1
tiny feet and legs. Their beak and hunting abilities are similar to hawks and falcons, but their passerine feet are similar to songbirds and can only perch on branches instead of using them like hawks and falcons to rip and tear. The barbed wire and sticks hold the prey in place so the shrike can eat it. Don’t judge their feet too quickly, though; shrikes have been known to carry prey the same size as themselves.
Loggerhead Shrikes are typically found in open areas with scattered shrubs and trees, but the species can also be found in more heavily wooded habitats with large
and his wife Millie Frantz. As the 2023 Hall of Fame inductee, Katulak’s brass nameplate was added to the award plaque on display at the park.
The Hall of Fame was established in 2020 in honor of longtime JSSA member Ted Battistone who received the award posthumously. Other honorees are Mike Richmond, 2021; Gerry Elias, 2022; and Mike Manasia, 2024.
The Jupiter slowpitch softball program is sponsored by the nonprofit Jupiter Senior Softball Association in cooperation with Jupiter’s Parks and Recreation Department. For more information go to www.leaguelineup.com/jssa or contact Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791.
openings and very short habitats with few or no trees. They particularly like tree snags (dead trees), where they can perch high up to look for prey.
These vicious, intelligent, ruthless birds are amazing animals in our area. Next time you see a gray and white bird, look closely and see if it might be nature’s butcherbird.
NPDES tip: Safely use and dispose of pesticide. If all of the pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your solid waste management authority to find out when and where to properly dispose of this type of hazardous waste.
Photos by Lucas Shaffer, NPBCID Environmental Manager
Bill’s Box from page 1
Rocket Man
A few mornings ago, pretty early, my doorbell rang. Struggling into my bathrobe, I opened the door to find no one there, nor any package. With the door open only part way, sweet sneaky dog, Rocket Man Harley, charged out like a streak of lightning. He loves to run and is remarkably fast. He flew across the street and disappeared behind the homes. He was free , without a leash and looking neither right nor left for cars. He did not heed my calls and was out of sight. After several frantic minutes, my friend John Hornyak came by walking his dog. He went behind the house across the street and herded the wayward pup into my arms. Rocket Man Harley kissed me happily as usual as if nothing was unusual. Oh, the joys of dog family members.
Shores’ Homeowners Association Annual Meeting Was Held In February
Dave Lindley remains president. Other board members include:
John Hornyak, Vice President
Cynthia Clemente, Secretary
Barry Parker, Treasurer
Sal Greco, Director
Amy Lemelin, Director (replaces Brian Martin retired) Ryan Warren, Director
*All other committee members and chairs remain the same.
*Property Manager’s name changed to Alexa Ewards.
That’s all for now.
John Katulak admires his Hall of Fame citation that he received from Richard Sewell.
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office
Dear Taxpayer:
One of the most underrated aspects of the homestead exemption is that it doesn’t just reduce the taxable assessment of your home, it also caps its annual valuation. The Save Our Homes cap limits any increase to the assessed value of a homestead exempt property to a maximum of 3 percent each year or the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. Over time, the cap can provide substantial tax bill savings.
Business Tangible Personal Property
Tangible personal property is equipment used in a business and includes furniture, fixtures, machinery, tools, appliances, signs, leasehold improvements, supplies, leased equipment, and other assets. It is taxed at the same rate as real property.
All tangible personal property must be reported. Florida law allows an exemption up to $25,000 for business tangible assets. Businesses with tangible personal property assets valued at more than $25,000 are subject to ad valorem taxes, and those with less than $25,000 in assets are exempt from ad valorem taxes.
All businesses must file an initial Tangible Personal Property Tax Return (DR-405) their first year of operation. Afterwards, all businesses are required to file a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return (e-file or Form DR-405) annually unless the value of the personal property was
Property Appraiser’s Office Annual Scholarship Awards Program
The 32nd Annual Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Scholarship program is now accepting applications. Six college scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to
under $25,000 and they received a yellow postcard from our office that the requirement to file has been waived. If a business purchases additional assets that increase the total value of the assets over $25,000, they are required to file a return.
The statutory deadline to file a return without an extension is April 1. All extension requests must be received by 5 p.m. on March 31 to be considered for approval. Failure to file will result in the loss of the exemption and the assessment of penalties per Florida Statutes, Sections 193.072 and 193.073. Our office will not waive penalties for any returns filed after the extended deadline of May 15.
Save time, paper, and postage by e-filing. If you need a paper form, you can download the DR-405 on our website. If you have any questions about reporting personal property, tangible e-filing, or the $25,000 tangible exemption, please call our office at (561) 355-2896 or email mytpp@pbcpao.gov.
graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a higher education institution full-time, regardless of interest or major. The deadline to apply is March 31.
To be eligible for a scholarship award, a student must be a resident of Palm Beach County, have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, and plan to attend an accredited higher-education institution (college or community college).
In addition to receiving a scholarship, each recipient will be offered an opportunity for a paid summer internship in the Property Appraiser’s Office.
For 2025, the maximum increase will be 2.9 percent, as that was the change in CPI from December 2023 to December 2024. This slowed increase in CPI reflects plateauing inflation over the past year across dozens of consumer categories including shelter, food, transportation, and energy.
While the change in the CPI follows many markets, Florida law requires my office to value property based on the status of the real estate market in Palm Beach County. My office will determine a total market value for every home as of Jan. 1, taking into consideration the price fluctuations reflected in the sales of residential properties. But if your property is homesteaded, the taxable assessed value will not increase more than 2.9 percent.
If you already have a homestead exemption on your property, you do not need to reapply. There are several additional property tax exemptions, including those for widows/widowers, veterans, and those with disabilities. For more information, visit pbcpao.gov or call Exemption Services at (561) 355-2866.
In this month’s newsletter, a reminder to all business owners in Palm Beach County about filing for a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return for 2025 and my office’s annual college scholarship application process is now open. Enjoy reading and enjoy your spring.
Respectfully, Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Since 1994, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office has awarded $179,000 in college scholarships. The program is particularly special to the Property Appraiser’s Office because the scholarships are completely funded by employee donations. For more information, call (561) 355-3230 or visit https://pbcpao.gov/ scholarship-awards.htm.
The 2024 scholarship awardees with the Property Appraiser’s Office Scholarship Committee
Office staff at the Florida Chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officers 2024 Tangible Personal Property conference: from left, Kathy Rhodes, CFE, Manager; Trina Morrison-Nash, CFE, Personal Property Appraisal Department Manager; Tara McCoy, CFE, TPP Appraiser I; Kevin M. Bradley, PPS, CFE, Senior TPP Appraiser
Financial Focus®
Key Decisions For Retired Couples
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
Once you and your spouse retire, you’ll have some decisions to make –decisions that could affect your quality of life in your retirement years. What are these choices?
Here a few of the most important ones:
• How much should you withdraw from your retirement accounts? By the time you retire, you may have contributed for decades to an IRA and a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan.
But once you retire, you’ll probably need to draw on these accounts to help pay your living expenses. Consequently, both of you will need to be sure that you don’t withdraw so much each year that you risk running out of money later in your retirement. One common guideline is to aim for an annual withdrawal rate of 4 percent, but everyone’s situation is different based on age, pre-retirement income, lifestyle, health, travel plans and other factors. (Once you turn 73, or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later, you will have to take certain amounts, based on your age and account balance, from your traditional IRA and traditional 401(k) each year.)
• When should you take Social Security? The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as your age and other sources of income. You can take Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payments will typically be bigger if you wait until your full retirement age, which will be age 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. And if you can afford to wait even longer, your payments
will “max out” when you reach age 70. Your decision on when to take Social Security can affect your spouse – and vice versa. If the lower-earning spouse claims Social Security before their full retirement age – again, age 67 – their own retirement benefit and any potential spousal benefit will be reduced. (Spousal benefits are given to the lower-earning spouse if their full retirement benefit is less than half the other spouse’s full retirement benefit.)
• Should you downsize? If you live in a big home and your children are grown, you may find it economical to downsize. Of course, this is also an emotional decision, but you may find that you can save money by moving into a smaller home.
• Where should you live? Some states are far more expensive to live in than others. You’ll want to weigh your decision carefully, considering the cost of housing, food, income and real estate taxes, transportation and health care in whatever state you choose.
• Have you finished your estate plans? If not, now is the time. You’ll want to work with your legal professional to create whatever documents are needed – a will, living trust, power of attorney – to help ensure your assets go where you want them to go, and that your financial and health care choices will be protected if you become physically or mentally incapacitated.
Of course, many of these same issues will apply if you are single, divorced or widowed. But if you are married, you and your spouse will want to discuss all your choices and then decide which steps to take. Once you’ve got your plans in place, you may well find that you can fully enjoy your retirement years.
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.
Jupiter Town Council
Navigators Are Here To Help Guide You Through Court Document Prep
By Joseph Abruzzo, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Palm Beach County
As your Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Palm Beach County, I am excited to share a valuable resource that is making a real difference in our community: our free document preparation assistants, known as “navigators.” Navigator assistance is available for free by appointment at our West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and Delray Beach locations. Navigators can assist you in completing court documents and can give you procedural information for most family law and county civil actions.
Navigators can assist you with filing many of the forms that we offer, including divorce, legal custody and tenant eviction complaints. You can find a full list of forms available on our website at mypalmbeachclerk. com/selfservice.
While our navigators are here to help, they cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court. Also, they are unable to assist with certain specialized forms such as those involved in probate, mortgage foreclosure, or guardianship cases.
To schedule an appointment with our navigator, please call (561) 355-7048.
And for those who prefer to tackle things on their own, we have a range of how-to videos and workshops at https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/services/selfservice-center/how-to-videos-toolboxes.
Do not hesitate to take advantage of this free service – we are here to help make navigating the court system as easy as possible.
About The Clerk Of The Circuit Court And Comptroller, Palm Beach County
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is Palm Beach County’s protector of public money and records including marriage licenses, court documents, financial reports and real estate records. Visit www. mypalmbeachclerk.com and find us @ClerkPBC on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn and X.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying To College
By Peggy Forgan, M.Ed., College Planner
Applying to college can be a stressful process but avoiding a few common mistakes can make a big difference in a student’s best chances of success. One of the most frequent mistakes is waiting until the last minute to submit applications or gather necessary documents. Procrastination increases the risk of missing deadlines, submitting incomplete materials, or rushing through tasks. This can lead to errors like typos, poorly written essays, or incomplete recommendation letters. To avoid this, start early. Create a timeline with clear deadlines and allocate time to review each application component—essays, transcripts, and recommendations. Another common mistake is underestimating the importance of college essays. Many students mistakenly treat the essay as an afterthought, focusing more on their test scores and GPA. However, the essay is a key part of the application, offering a chance to showcase
your personality, values, and uniqueness. A generic or poorly written essay can fail to set you apart from other applicants. Take the time to reflect on your personal experiences and how they align with the school’s values. Your essay should be authentic and show who you are beyond academics. Don’t forget to revise and seek feedback to refine it.
Applying to a limited number of schools can also limit your options; while applying to too many can lead to burnout and make it harder to tailor each application. A balanced approach is essential—apply to a mix of reach schools, match schools, and safety schools. Focus on quality over quantity by investing time and effort into each application to ensure it’s the best representation of your abilities and fit with the school. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll increase your chances of submitting a standout application.
Class 101 North Palm Beach is holding a free information session on March 15 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss how to stay ahead of the college application process. Donuts and coffee will be served, and door prizes will be given.
To register call or text Peggy Forgan at (561) 4187897 or email pforgan@class101.com. Our website is Class101.com/northpalmbeachfl.
Tax Talk
Dear Friends: Is spring in the air? With a somewhat chilly winter in South Florida, perhaps the springtime weather is right around the corner, and that means outdoor gardening is in full swing. While I tend to my outdoor garden throughout the year, this time of year is about planting and fertilizing. But be careful, it is important to know your soil before you plant as you want to ensure the right soil will help your plants grow and remain healthy. There are many different types and combinations of fertilizer on the market so you need to know what your soil needs before you decide to incorporate nutrients into the ground. A soil testing kit is a good start and I recommend visiting Mounts Botanical Garden’s website for helpful gardening tips at www.mounts.org/gardening-tips. Good luck with your spring gardening and enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year.
Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
New Homestead Adjustment
2025, and will begin with the upcoming 2025 tax year assessment. Amendment 5 requires the value of the second, or additional, homestead exemption to be adjusted for annual inflation. If inflation goes up, your second exemption will also go up, and you could pay less in property taxes as a result.
To learn more about homestead exemptions, visit the Property Appraiser’s website at www.pbcpao.gov.
Before You Go, You Should Know …
If your 2025 travel plans include taking a flight domestically and/ or internationally, please be sure to take note of new travel requirements going into place.
On May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must be Real ID compliant to board domestic flights. If you have a gold star on your driver license/state identification card, you are compliant. If not, be sure to make a reservation at www.pbctax.gov/reservations to obtain your Real ID. Check the website for the required documentation you will need to bring to your reservation. Don’t delay, reservation lead time is approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Drop It!
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service to all of our clients throughout Palm Beach County. We serve you online, in-person, by kiosk and also by drop box. Did you know we have drop boxes located at each of our six service center locations? The drop box allows you to drop off payments for property tax, business tax, tangible personal property tax, and motor vehicle registration. You can also surrender your license plate. Using the drop box is twice as fast as mail and is checked multiple times per day!
To use the drop box, you will need to visit one of our service centers during our business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.), check in with our team at the reception desk to ensure you have what you need and then you are good to go – no reservation required! For more information about the services that are drop box eligible, visit www.pbctax.gov/resources/payment-options/.
If you are a permanent Florida resident, you may be eligible for a homestead exemption, as determined by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser. A homestead exemption lowers your property’s assessed value and caps its increase, meaning you pay less in property taxes.
In last November’s general election, Florida voters approved Amendment 5, which took effect on Jan. 1,
Planning a trip the United Kingdom? U.S. citizens traveling to the U.K. for short visits, tourism or business, including just passing through U.K. airports, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This applies to all parts of the U.K., including Northern Ireland. The ETA is modeled after the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization and acts as a pre-clearance for travel to reduce security risks and make border entry more efficient. The ETA is $12.75 and takes approximately three working days to process. It is required for travelers of all ages and valid for two years. Visit www.gov. uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta to apply and happy travels!
