2024 Stuart Air Show
To Feature Local Food Trucks, STEM Scavenger Hunt, Drone Show, And A-10 Demo Team’s Final Performance
The 2024 Stuart Air Show, set for November 8 to 10 at Martin County Airport/ Witham Field, is gearing up to be an action-packed weekend for families and aviation lovers. With new attractions like local food trucks, a kidfriendly STEM Scavenger Hunt, a dazzling drone show, and the final performance of the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team, this year’s event promises to be the biggest yet.
Tequesta Chili Cook-Off To
Spice Up Veteran Support
With Unforgettable Celebration
Details – 2 to 6 p.m., on November 9, at One Main Street in Tequesta
Get ready for a sizzling day of fun, flavors, and heartfelt tributes at the 13th Annual Tequesta Chili Cook-Off!
The Tequesta Chili Cook-Off is an annual fundraising event dedicated to celebrating local flavor and community spirit while supporting veterans’ charities. With a blend of culinary competition, live entertainment, and charitable giving, the cook-
off has become a cherished tradition in Tequesta, bringing together people to honor and support our nation’s heroes.
This year’s cook-off is not just about great food and fun; it’s a powerful fundraising event with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting five veterans’ charities: Wounded
Veterans Relief Fund, Southeast Florida Honor Flight, Operation 300, Warriors Renewal Coalition and Tequesta Friends of Public Safety, Inc. These organizations work tirelessly to support and uplift our veterans and their families, and your participation directly contributes to their vital work.
“The Joe Namath Charitable Foundation (JNCF) is proud to return and support the 13th Annual Tequesta Chili Cook-Off benefitting our veterans.” – The JNCF Event Highlights
• Live Music: Dance to energetic performances by No Big Deal Band.
• Pipes and Drums: Experience the stirring sounds of traditional military music.
Chili Cook-Off on page 2
This year introduces a community favorite: local food trucks! Attendees can enjoy a variety of mouthwatering options, from savory barbecue to fresh seafood, gourmet street food, and desserts. As you watch the aerial performances and explore
Athletes Race For Tampa General Hospital Loggerhead Triathlon
More than 400 athletes from across the country gathered in Jupiter, Fla., for the Tampa General Hospital Loggerhead Triathlon on Saturday, August 24. Hundreds of spectators attended to support the athletes as they made their way through the challenging race.
2024 Stuart Air Show on page 2
Veterans. Photo by Vanessa Allison
Joe Namath Foundation. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography Chili. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography
Julie Brown, Debbie Pingue, Becky Mitchell
Dr. Jose Lopez, Ray Curbelo, JZ Merheb
• Contact: Captain David McGovern, (561) 262-7087, dmcgovern@tequesta.org or Cyndi McDonald, (561) 3712819, info@tequestachilicookoff.com. Chili Cook-Off from page 1
• Military Flyovers
• Celebrity Guests and Judges: Meet notable personalities and culinary experts who will help judge the chili competition.
• Craft Beer: Sip on a diverse selection of craft beers from Tequesta Brewing Company.
• Award Ceremony: Celebrate our veterans and Gold Star families during a special awards presentation.
• Chili Competition: Taste and vote for your favorite chili among 32 competing teams from public safety, the military and the private sector.
• Silent and Live Auction
Tickets: 21 and older, clear bag, no pets event. Tickets available at https://tequestachilicookoff.com/ticket-sales.
static displays, the food trucks will provide the perfect fuel for an exciting day.
For families with kids, the all-new STEM scavenger hunt will offer an engaging educational adventure throughout the event. This hands-on hunt encourages children to discover how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) intersect with aviation. It’s a great way to spark curiosity in young minds and ensure the entire family is entertained and inspired.
A highlight of Friday night’s twilight airshow is the spectacular drone show, a high-tech visual experience that will light up the sky with dazzling formations. Combined with the fireworks display, this futuristic show promises to be a mesmerizing blend of technology and art.
Of course, aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the final performance of the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team. Known for its powerful presence and incredible low-level maneuvers, the iconic “Warthog” will make its last appearance at the Stuart Air Show before the team’s retirement. This historic moment will be one of the weekend’s most anticipated events.
Reflecting on the show’s growth, Chrissy Valvano, Director of Operations for the Stuart Air Show, shared her excitement: “As someone who’s grown up in this area for over 30 years, seeing the Stuart Air Show grow has been incredible. This year feels especially meaningful with the A-10 Final Demo Performance—it’s truly a historical moment. Being part of the community and witnessing such an iconic event makes me proud of how far the show has come. It’s like watching history unfold right here at home, and I couldn’t be more excited!”
Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event. Visit StuartAirShow.com to purchase tickets and find out more about the exciting performances and family-friendly activities.
Join us for a weekend full of aerial thrills, hands-on fun, and delicious food, as we celebrate the future of flight and aviation’s storied past at the 2024 Stuart Air Show.
The Stuart Air Show is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports local charities and celebrates aviation’s history. Proceeds from the event benefit community organizations.
• General Admission: $30 (includes entry and access to chili tastings). Tickets online and in person at Tequesta Brewing Company, McCarthy’s Irish Pub and Tequesta Fire Rescue. Ticket prices go up to $35 on the day of the event.
• Mug/T-Shirt Ticket: $60 (includes general admission items plus a 16-ounce glass beer mug and event T-shirt. Tickets online only.
• VIP Experience: $100 (includes Mug/T items plus entry to the VIP tent with upgraded food, drinks, and exclusive event swag.
Contact
• Website: https://tequestachilicookoff.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tequestachili_ cookoff/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ tequestachillicookoff
2024 Stuart Air Show from page 1
Pipes and Drums. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography
Judges 2023. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography Firefighters to the rescue. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography
City of WPB FR. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography
Chili attendees. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography
Awards Ceremony. Photo by Liz McKinley Photography
10/31/24
MONDAY - FRIDAY *With the purchase of 2 beverages Expires 10/31/24. Digital coupons not accepted. Cannot combine coupons. Must present coupon when ordering. DINE-IN ONLY.
Cardinal Newman’s Dillon Schneider Achieves National Merit® Scholarship Semifinalist
Cardinal Newman High School proudly announces that senior Dillon Schneider has been recognized as a semifinalist in the 70th annual National Merit ® Scholarship Program. Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.
“On behalf of the entire Cardinal Newman community, I am proud to announce that Dillon Schneider is counted among this extremely select group of scholars,” said Cardinal Newman High School principal Ed Curtin. “Being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist is truly an amazing honor, and we are very proud of Dillon’s accomplishment.”
First held in 1985, the event has become a must on the Southeast race circuit. The triathlon course included a 3/8-mile swim in the Atlantic Ocean off Carlin Park, a 13-mile bike ride down A1A into Juno Beach, Fla., a 3.1-mile (5K) run to the Jupiter Inlet, and back to the finish line at Carlin Park. The event also featured a duathlon for those who opted to skip the swim, and the option to participate in a relay.
Schneider now has the opportunity to compete for one of approximately 6,870 National Merit Scholarships and the prestigious title of Merit Scholar ®. To advance to the finalist stage of the competition, Schneider must fulfill several requirements, including submitting a detailed scholarship application highlighting his academic record, leadership, community involvement, and extracurricular achievements. Additionally, Schneider will need to write an essay and earn SAT ® or ACT ® scores that confirm his PSAT performance.
Cardinal Newman High School is a premier college preparatory Catholic high school in West Palm Beach. Their vision is to build life’s champions through faith, academics, servant leadership, and a strong family atmosphere. For more information about Cardinal Newman High School, visit cardinalnewman.com.
Dr. Ahmed Elhaddad, Tim Burke
Photos courtesy of Tracey Benson Photography
Shepard Reback, Kemper Reback
AnnMarie Foss, Edward Foss, Yolanda Debalo
Brian Elkins, Caitlyn Bergman, Katie Velotta, Brittany Cartwright, Sean Reed
Mona Anderson, Nano Swetman, Bob Hohnodel, Mercedes Loftos, Meredith Anderson
Jenn Shapiro, Tracy Baynham
Lara Trump
Becky Mitchell, Julie Brown, Dr. Ahmed Elhaddad, Debbie Pingue
Rob Lucarelli, Mariana Lamb, Adrienne Capps, Tamra FitzGerald, Jay Lessing, Michael Albanese
Bernardo Neto, Lauren Neto, Jon Colclasure, Charlotte Emilia
Bill Picciano, Claudia Garrell, Matt Young
Linda Robb, Barbara Shafer
Athletes Race from page 1
Ed Curtin, Dillon Schneider, Danielle Benvenuto, Irene Heidelbauer
Tax Talk
Dear Friends:
Our office was recently advised by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) that they are warning drivers who have illegal Florida license plates, which have been altered or customized, such as with air brushing or vinyl wrapping.
“Customer service directly impacts public trust and satisfaction. When residents interact with us, they often do so during critical moments in their lives, original identification issuance, driver license testing, vehicle ownership, or establishing a new business. Our focus on exceptional customer service ensures that these interactions are efficient and respectful, which can significantly enhance the public’s perception of the government.” – Matthew Johnson, Westlake Service Center Manager
managers jokingly ask one another, WWJD: What Would Jim Do? And the answer is: serve the client.”
He adds that an important component to success – both for his team and for the customer experience – is recognition. “When clients leave a positive review for an employee, that feedback is passed along.”
“As a leader, I think it is my responsibility to recognize my team for the good that they do, knowing that leads to better customer service,” says Jim.
And what about when things are not going perfectly?
In fact, since 2020 citations for unlawful altered Florida license plates have increased nearly 100 percent. FHP is being proactive in raising awareness of this and if you are caught with one of these customized or altered plates, you can receive a moving violation citation, which includes a fine of $60 (plus fees) and three points on your license! If you have one of these altered Florida license plates and it cannot be returned to its original condition, I strongly encourage you to make a reservation to visit one of our service centers to get a replacement license plate by visiting www.pbctax.com/reservations.
Anne
M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
Customer Service Appreciation Week – Going Above And Beyond!
At our office, we make customer service our No. 1 priority!
In honor of Customer Service Appreciation Week, October 7 to 11, I asked a few of our service center managers to share their thoughts on exceptional customer service and here is what they had to say:
“Exceptional client service enhances our agency’s reputation. Quality customer service is the distinguishing factor that sets us apart from other agencies. We prioritize the client’s needs by being effective and empathetic.” – Brian Applebaum, South County Service Center Manager
“The goal of our customer service is to build trust with our clients through communication and knowledge of our services. We strive every day to do this by incorporating the LEAP principles (listening, empathizing, apologizing, problem solving) with all our interactions allowing us to provide exceptional service.” – Michelle Arias, Central Service Center Manager
Faces Of The Tax Collector’s Office – James McConnell
Title: Chief Operations Officer
Hometown: Wildwood, NJ
Favorite Activity: Attending various cultural events in Palm Beach County and beyond
Favorite Food: Veal chop
There are more than 330 tax collector’s office (TCO) employees, and I thought you might be interested in getting to know some of them. We will start with someone who is behind the scenes, but very much a part of your experience as a client.
Jim McConnell, our chief operations officer, is a member of our senior leadership team, and he oversees the operation of our six service centers throughout the county. Jim is responsible for approximately 200 employees who provide service to our clients, so I asked Jim how he helps ensure that our clients receive exceptional customer service during each visit.
Jim says, “I’ve given my managers the ability to make decisions on their own. We talk about customer service in most of our meetings. The
Jim notes that, “We have a great team environment for discussing challenges.”
A common concern voiced by clients is the long lead time for making a reservation at one of our service centers.
“We’re researching a whole new reservation system,” Jim says. “The goal is to enable us to take more clients by decreasing the lead time.”
Stay tuned to future editions of Tax Talk to read about improvements we are making in our service centers and across the agency. And keep an eye out for opportunities to learn more about our team and how we are serving you in upcoming “Faces of the TCO” profiles!
Jim with his shih-tzu, Charlie
Live Like Jake Announces Sell-Out Of Seventh Annual Be The Light Gala Fundraiser On October 4 At Pelican Club, Jupiter
Live Like Jake, the local foundation created in the memory of Jake Roarke Morrison announces that tickets to its upcoming “Buoys & Bourbon”-themed gala are sold out.
The Seventh Annual Be the Light gala fundraiser took place October 4 at the elegant, waterfront Pelican Club, Jupiter. Along with special libations celebrating this year’s theme, the evening includes a live and silent auction, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a sumptuous dinner and dessert, dancing, awards ceremony, and a live musical performance by country music artist, Ricky Young.
“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and excitement for this year’s gala,” says Live Like Jake Founder, Keri Morrison. “Having our Be the Light Gala underneath the actual beams of the lighthouse could not be
more perfect, and we are so grateful to the Live Like Jake community for the opportunity. Based on the response, I know we are not alone in our enthusiasm, which bodes well for support of our mission to end childhood drowning,” says Morrison. “We have fun surprises in store, and I can’t wait to welcome everyone on October 4 at the Pelican Club.”
All monies raised from the fun-filled event go to support Live Like Jake’s mission of raising awareness for drowning prevention through self-rescue swim scholarships, outreach programs and financial assistance to families who have lost a child or have a child with critical care needs.
Sponsors for the night include: The Atkins Family, Life Saver Pool Fence, Infant Swimming Resource (ISR), The Weinberger Family, Counter Forced Labor Technologies, Hobgood Estate Services, Ritter & Ramsey General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Window Doctor, Trelles Injury Law, 16 Handles, The Forgatch Group – Compass, Atlantis Car Wash, Allyson Sullivan & Lang Realty, Nanny, Pandora, Illustrated Properties and Love, Tito’s.
Table Sponsors: A&S Electric; Premier Pediatrics; Dr. Michael Connor, MD; Guardian Angel Inspections, Inc.;
Lee Petereit; The Gilbert Family; The Barone Family; The Broadhead Family; and The McCarty Family.
For information about future events, scholarships, or the foundation, please visit www.livelikejake.org or call (561) 441-7611.
About The Live Like Jake Foundation
Committed to honoring the life and joy of Jake Roarke Morrison, the foundation’s mission is to raise awareness for drowning prevention. Following the 2013 tragic drowning of their 2-year-old son, Keri Morrison and her husband Roarke created the Live Like Jake Foundation to raise awareness for childhood drowning prevention. Partnering with other drowning prevention agencies and instructors, supporting other families who have experienced the same loss; providing an indoor, heated pool dedicated to infant swimming resource (ISR) instruction, and connecting with their community, the foundation has been able to provide thousands of self-rescue swim scholarships and critical care funds around the nation.
Visit livelikejake.org and facebook.com/livelikejake and @livelikejake3939 on Instagram.
What Is The Difference Between ADD And ADHD?
Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
You may have wondered things like “What is ADD? Is it different from ADHD?” or “How do I know if my child has ADD or ADHD?” ADD was an older term for attention deficit disorder, which is the classification for symptoms like inattention,
distractibility, forgetfulness, and making careless mistakes. While people still use the term ADD to classify these symptoms, it is no longer the technical term used in the medical and psychology community to diagnose these types of symptoms. In the late 1980’s the medical community shifted to the term ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In the early 1990s ADHD was classified into three different types, or presentations, that we use today. The three types are: inattentive presentation, hyperactive presentation, and combined presentation.
So, if you’re seeing inattentive symptoms in your child and they were to be diagnosed, the official diagnosis
would be ADHD, predominately inattentive presentation. Likewise, if your child struggled with hyperactivity and impulsivity the diagnosis would be ADHD, predominately hyperactive presentation and if your child had both symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, they would be diagnosed with ADHD, combined presentation. What this shift in terminology did was combine both inattentive and hyperactive impulsive symptoms into one disorder with specific presentation types so everything could be categorized the same way. How Do I Know If My Child Has ADHD?
Children can be evaluated for ADHD with several instruments that assess their functioning in different areas and look at the severity of their symptoms. The testing we provide in our office targets the specific areas of concern related to ADHD and allows us to diagnose and provide specific recommendations to support your child at home and at school. Our evaluations are comprehensive and offer a “whole child” approach so we will be able to assess their cognitive processing, like attention, memory, and processing speed, as well as their social-emotional and behavioral functioning. Our testing will provide you with the answers to know if your child really has ADHD or if they are struggling in some other area that is contributing to their ADHD-like symptoms. You will leave this process with targeted and specific recommendations tailored to your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Call (561) 625-4125 to discuss about your child.
CAPE Team, Mobile Response Team, and community-based agencies with whom the district partners.
Center for Child Counseling CEO Renée Layman gave a brief overview of the agency’s public health framework and their data-to-action approach of prevention, early intervention, and treatment. The center realizes that children don’t necessarily need treatment only, the caregivers need ways to help their own kids.
“We have focused largely on building the capacity of people who work and live with kids to promote their well-being and resilience,” said Layman.
Dominika Nolan, director of education and prevention services for CFCC gave an overview of all of the services offered to children, families, schools, and communities in order to build the capacity and promote positive mental health for all.
In the closing remarks for the evening, Dr. Fox-Levine encouraged all attendees to think about, “How can you take action now and step out of this room tonight and into your day tomorrow and be a superhero, even more than what you have been in the past, with the information and energy from tonight about the exciting things that are happening with our schools and being able to partner with schools?”
In 2015, Center for Child Counseling launched Fighting ACEs to build awareness and action to mitigate the impact of ACEs and build well-being through positive childhood experiences (PCEs). In conjunction with Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2017, the center developed “Lead the Fight” in 2016 to bring awareness to system leaders around fighting childhood adversity with advocacy and action. Since that time, the agency has educated tens of thousands of parents, professionals, and systems leaders.
Partnership sponsors who are leading the fight in making these important and necessary conversations possible include: BeWellPBC; Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County; Florida Association for Infant Mental Health; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Hanley Foundation; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County; Mead Johnson Nutrition; Palm Beach Pediatrics; Palm Beach Pediatric Society; and Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart & Shipley.
CFCC’s Fighting ACEs initiative to build traumainformed communities is made possible with the generous support of Quantum Foundation, Community Foundation
for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and private donors.
CFCC’s pediatric integration program is made possible thanks to the support of Quantum Foundation, The Frederick DeLuca Foundation, and Palm Beach County Community Services Department.
Part 3 of the Lead the Fight 2024 series, Positivity Will Give HOPE for Our Future, will take place on December 4. The event focus will be on understanding the effect of positive childhood experiences on countering the longterm possible effect of adverse childhood experiences.
For more information about Center for Child Counseling visit www.centerforchildcounseling. org, Twitter: @ChildCounselPBC, Facebook: @ CenterforChildCounseling, Instagram: @childcounselpbc.
Medicare Corner With Kathy O
It’s Time For Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) Oct. 15 To Dec. 7
What Does This Mean To Me, What Are My Options?
• Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
• Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare
• Switch from one Advantage Plan to another Advantage Plan
•Join, drop or change Medicare Drug coverage
Supplement Or Advantage Plan?
Advantage Plans must cover all the medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers. Most plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover – like prescription drugs, dental, vision and hearing.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (also called Medigap) help fill “gaps” in Original Medicare and are sold (extra cost) by private companies to cover deductibles and copays.
Prescription drug coverage must be purchased separately.
What Do I Look For? How Do I Know What Advantage Plan Is Best For Me?
First, we review the costs of supplement and drug plans and look at your healthcare budget. Then we review the Advantage plans to see if your doctors in network and review the cost of medications you take. Another consideration is to determine which of the ancillary benefits of Advantage plans are most important to you; dental, eye exam, glasses, gym membership, hearing aids, over-the-counter medication, etc.
How Do I Decide?
Medicare.gov offers tools to look up medications and all plans in your area. However, there is an overwhelming amount of information there. A licensed local agent like me can review your plan and help you make an informed decision.
I Am Already On An Advantage Plan I Like … Should I Change?
Each year you receive the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) for your plan which outlines the changes for the upcoming year. A free plan review will let you know if other plans you previously ruled out may have coverage that better meets your needs now or if your current plan is sufficient.
If you do not do a plan review, you miss out on a plan with lower costs, higher benefits or lower maximum out of pocket costs in and out of network. This is your financial exposure. It is important to ensure a major illness will not bankrupt you.
Happy AEP and Happy Medicare Planning!
I speak Medicare: supplement, drug plan and Advantage plan.
For your free Medicare plan review please call me: Kathy Olejniczak, Agent, at (561) 835-5413, Cell/text at (561) 212-7640.
Dr. Anna Irizarry Cardona, Dr. Claire Mucenic
Sam and Karry Meshberg Stephanie Noel, Denise Lafoy
Photos by Tracey Benson Photography
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Dear Taxpayer, Welcome fall!
The end of the 2024 tax year is fast approaching! This month, my office will certify the ad valorem tax roll to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office. The Tax Collector will mail the 2024 tax bills on Nov. 1.
It is also petition season. Hearings are beginning for property owners who filed a petition because they disagree with their property assessment or denied exemption. They are led by the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Value Adjustment Board (VAB). On average, the number of petitions filed in Palm Beach County is low, typically less than 1 percent of the total parcels in the county.
As we move into the final months of the year, I’d like to remind all property owners to review their homestead exemption status to determine whether they might qualify for additional property tax saving benefits. There are several other exemptions such as those for seniors, the disabled, and members of the armed forces. You can research them all at pbcpao.gov.
Also in this month’s newsletter, a note on sales verification, an important process that helps inform our valuations. I hope you find this information useful and your autumn enjoyable.
Respectfully,
Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Members of the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office at the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Annual Conference; Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS is on the far right and IAAO President Rebecca Malmquist, CAE is in the center.
Additional Exemptions
Property owners may be eligible for additional exemptions. In order to qualify for the following additional exemptions, you must have a homestead exemption on your property.
Limited Income Senior Exemption
A $25,000 exemption is available to those 65 or older with an adjusted gross income below $36,614, not including tax-exempt bond interest or non-taxable social security income. You will be asked to provide a
copy of your Federal 1040 Tax Form or your Social Security 1099 Form. The county’s senior exemption does not apply to other taxing authorities, such as the school district and other municipalities.
In addition to the countywide exemption, some municipalities offer additional tax savings.
Boynton Beach – $25,000
Delray Beach – $25,000
Greenacres – $5,000
Haverhill – $50,000
Juno Beach – $50,000
Jupiter – $50,000
Jupiter Inlet Colony –$50,000
Lake Park – $10,000
Lake Worth Beach – $25,000
Lantana – $25,000
Loxahatchee Groves –$50,000
North Palm Beach – $25,000
Palm Beach Gardens – $25,000
Palm Springs – $25,000
Royal Palm Beach – $5,000
South Palm Beach – $25,000
Tequesta – $25,000
Wellington – $50,000
West Palm Beach – $25,000
The city of Boynton Beach also offers a Super Senior exemption for those who meet the qualifications of the limited income senior citizen exemption and who have:
• Maintained the ownership and have been a permanent residence of the property for at least 25 years.
• A property with a market value of less than $250,000 at the time of application.
Widow/Widower Exemption
Florida grants a $5,000 exemption to widows and widowers. You will be asked to submit a copy of the deceased spouse’s death certificate. If the surviving spouse remarries, they are no longer eligible to receive the additional exemption.
Living Quarters Of Parents Or Grandparents Exemption (Also Known At The Granny Flat Exemption)
Homesteaded property owners who add living quarters for a parent or grandparent can apply to have all or part of the value of this new construction deducted from the assessment. Civilian Disability Exemptions
Full or partial exemptions are available for individuals with the following disabilities:
• Quadriplegic
• Paraplegic
• Hemiplegic
• Legally blind
• Total and permanent disability, requires wheelchair for mobility
• Total and permanent disability, does not require wheelchair for mobility
Some of these exemptions have income limitations. Visit our website at pbcpao.gov for more information on these exemptions or to download and print forms. You can always call us at (561) 355-2866 or email us at myexemption@pbcpao.gov.
Did You Know? We Call To Verify Sales Data
Our work entails setting the market value for each property, and so property sales data is an important tool to show where the market is in Palm Beach County. Before we use sales data, we first make sure that the details of each sale reflect the market. Only sales that meet the definition of market value are used in developing estimates of market value for similar properties.
To verify sales information, our appraisers regularly contact the market participants (sellers, buyers, brokers, attorneys, etc.) involved with real estate sales. We try to obtain details regarding property sales from someone directly involved with each transaction. We then use this data to determine which sales represent market value and will be used in the development of property appraisals.
Answering our questions about property sales gives our office reliable data from which we can then create appraisals that are fair, equitable, and reflect the market.
Offices Open On Columbus Day
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office (including all of our Service Centers) will be open on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14.
Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce Honored With Five Awards
At Florida Festivals And Events Association 2024 “Sunsational” Awards
The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its recent recognition at the Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) 2024 “SunSational” Awards, where the organization earned five prestigious honors.
The Chamber’s ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, presented by Tampa General Hospital received significant accolades, securing second place for both the Mobile App category and the Television campaign category, third place for its Commemorative Poster, and third place in the PR/ Media Campaign category. These awards underscore the festival’s commitment to delivering an exceptional cultural experience that resonates with the community and visitors alike.
Additionally, the Chamber was recognized with a second place award in the Multi-Agency Program category for its collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County on the impactful event, “Confronting Hate: Insights from the Israeli Frontline.” This program
Book Review
American Sanctuary: Mutiny, Martyrdom, And National Identity In The Age Of Revolution
By Nils A. Shapiro
I cannot recall ever enjoying a scholarly work of early American history so interestingly and vividly told, so extraordinarily researched and impressively detailed, exciting as any novel, and as timely in subject as next month’s presidential election!
The date was September 21, 1797. The event was a vicious mutiny by the crew of a British naval vessel, HMS Hermione, in the Caribbean off the coast of Puerto Rico. Little remembered today, its aftershock was to lead directly to the election of Thomas Jefferson over the incumbent John Adams as president of the United States … and the resulting lasting image of America as a sanctuary of freedom for those fleeing from persecution in other lands— an issue that dominates today’s political campaigns just as it did the one in 1800.
I must admit that, although it was published in 2017, I had never heard of American Sanctuary and was fortunate to come across it by accident on a table stacked with books while shopping in a market. Its author, A. Roger Ekirch, is a professor of history at Virginia Tech, has written four earlier books, received a Guggenheim Fellowship and is widely recognized as one of our finest historians.
The details that enrich this narrative, garnered from the author’s extraordinary research, add enormously to the overall experience, as do the many contemporary portraits and illustrations from that period.
Revolutionary and early American history being one of my preferred reading tastes I was surprised never to have heard of the very significant event that is the pivotal subject of this book: the mutiny aboard HMS Hermione Nor, shockingly, was it ever mentioned in any class, even through college.
At the time the mutiny took place—after the United States had already won the Revolutionary War several years earlier and declared itself an independent nation—one of the most objectionable policies of the British crown and its navy was the practice of “impressment”: the stopping and boarding of other nations’ vessels, capturing members of their crews and forcing them to sail and work as seamen on British ships, most likely never to see their families again. Such was the case of many on the Hermione’s crew as it sailed near the island of Puerto Rico on that September
exemplifies the Chamber’s dedication to fostering dialogue, understanding, and action within the community.
“We are incredibly honored to receive these awards, which reflect the hard work and creativity that go into making our events and programs successful,” said Brian Elkins, Director of Events at the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. “We are deeply grateful to our members, community partners volunteers, and everyone involved in these initiatives. Their support is crucial in helping us achieve our mission.”
day in 1797. Adding to what was already a tinder box of a situation was the fact that this ship’s captain, Admiral Hugh Pigot, was a disciplinarian so stern that whipping and other punishments for minor crew offenses became unbearable and sparked the bloody insurrection that ended in the death of the captain and other officers.
One of the main leaders of the mutiny was a man whose name throughout this book varies between Thomas Nash (if he was actually Irish) and Jonathan Robbins, depending upon whether his claim to have been an American from Connecticut was true or not.
Eventually, after the mutiny Robbins made his way to the U.S. and was tracked down by the British government, which demanded that President John Adams turn over the “mutineer and murderer” to Britain for punishment. It was awkward timing, for Adams was then in the process of ratifying an economic trade treaty with Britain that had just been negotiated.
Adams had to weigh the success of the treaty against the American public’s anger about the British policy and actions of impressment on the high seas and the idea of turning over to Britain a claimed American citizen who “had the right to regain his freedom after having been the victim of such impressment” and return home.
These recognitions are in alignment with the Chamber’s strategic imperatives, which focus on enhancing the quality of life in Palm Beach North while fostering a prosperous economy. The Chamber remains committed to creating an environment where businesses can thrive and the community can flourish.
For more information about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and its upcoming events, please visit www.pbnchamber.com.
For more information, visit www.pbnchamber.com.
Adams’s decision to turn Robbins over to Britain—where he was executed by hanging without a trial—Adams’s Federalist Party’s defense of his decision, and the consequences of Jefferson’s Republican Party’s national electoral campaign focused on driving the public’s anger, form the major part of this compelling story.
Eventually—and critical in light of today’s political climate and immigration crisis—the American people eventually decided that, whether or not Jonathan Robbins (or Thomas Nash, if that was his real name) was in fact an American citizen, anyone fleeing from oppression should be able to find sanctuary in the United States and not have to fear being turned away. It is to this day at the heart of our nation’s self-image, symbolized by the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and the inscription on her base addressed to “the huddled masses yearning to be free.”
This is the story of how and when that all started. I loved every word of it.
Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Palm Beach County Announces Veterans Build 2024, Presented By Vertical Bridge
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County (HFHGPBC) has announced its annual Veterans Build event, presented by Vertical Bridge, will be held on November 1, with multiple job sites across Palm Beach County. This annual fundraiser and community build/repair effort supports veterans and active service members in our community.
With nearly 76,000 veterans living in Palm Beach County, Habitat is committed to honoring those who have served our nation through initiatives like Veterans Build. This program ensures that veterans can achieve or maintain the American dream of homeownership, providing them with a safe and affordable place to call home. The community can support Veterans Build in three impactful ways: by becoming a sponsor, fundraising and building, or by donating to the American Dream Fund – a dedicated fund for Veterans Build 2024. Immediately after the build, participants will gather for
the American Dream Barbecue, a reception at the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center where guests will celebrate the impact of Veterans Build and honor the veterans and active service members in attendance.
This year’s event is once again presented by Vertical Bridge, a dedicated annual partner and champion for veterans in Palm Beach County. “Vertical Bridge is proud to sponsor the Veterans Build with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, marking our seventh consecutive year of support,” said Ron Bizick, CEO of Vertical Bridge. “Giving back and making a difference in our communities is deeply important to us. Seeing the stability this housing provides to those who have devoted themselves to defending our nation’s freedom is especially fulfilling.”
Veterans Build 2024 cochairs are Clint Lowe, director of Engineering Transformation and Footprint Strategy at Carrier
and U.S. Army Veteran; and Michael Maglio, vice president of Industrial Sales at NuStar Building Materials and U.S. Marine Veteran. Both chairs are honored to lead this year’s event, dedicated to ensuring that veterans in our community feel supported and connected as they transition from military to civilian life. By helping provide a stable foundation of affordable homeownership, they are committed to giving veterans a sense of security and belonging.
Anyone wishing to learn more and get involved is invited to attend the kick-off party on Thursday, October 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., hosted by the Maglio family at a private residence in Jupiter Farms. Guests will enjoy an award-winning pig roast, tableside paella, red, white, and brews, live music by the Steel Pony Band, and a silent auction while learning how they can support Veterans Build 2024. R.S.V.P. is required, visit https://app.giveffect.com/campaigns/33470-veteransbuild-kick-off-party.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County welcomes corporate partners, volunteers, and service members to help build and improve homes for veterans in our community. Committed sponsors include Vertical Bridge (Presenting Sponsor); Carrier (Challenge Coin Sponsor); MISSION UNITED (Grant Funder); Hubbard Radio/WFTL 50 (Exclusive Radio Sponsor); Art Roffey & Gail Danto, and BallenIsles Country Club and Seacoast Bank (Community Builder Sponsors); Clear Touch, Document Storage Systems, Inc; Grimes Events and Party Tents; Gunster; Humana; FPL; Pratt & Whitney; and Grimes; Mariza Brussolo, Boynton Beach Arts and Cultural Center; and Restore Construction Group, Inc (Hope Builder Sponsors); Magen Protective Services (Security Sponsor); and Starbucks (Coffee Sponsor); and Baptist Health (Hospitality Tent).
Committee members include Cochairs Clint Lowe and Michael Maglio; Honorary Cochairs Anne DesormierCartwright and Ryan Paton; Committee reserves: Julia Dattolo and Charles (Chuck) Millar; Committee members: Brandon Albers, Nicholas Cannon, Carey Clarke, Andrew Filauro, Amy Kemp, Donna Kerner, Debbie Meyers, Anthony Nastase, Jonathan Oakley, Anta Plowden, Jon Raybuck, Art Roffey, Ivan Rosa, and Melissa Royal.
To learn more about Veterans Build 2024 sponsorship and/ or volunteer opportunities, visit https://habitatgreaterpbc.org/ veterans-build/.
To discover more, visit www.habitatgreaterpbc.org and follow us online at @HabitatGPBC.
For any inquiries, contact Kristen Bardin, director of Advancement, at kristen.bardin@habitatgreaterpbc.org.
Cochairs of Veterans Build 2024: Michael Maglio and Clint Lowe. Photo by MasterWing Creative Agency
Commissioner’s Update
Advocacy And Civic Engagement In Government
By Vice Mayor Maria G. Marino
Advocacy and civic engagement are fundamental to a healthy democracy. These practices allow citizens to influence government policies, hold officials accountable, and actively shape the decisions that impact their communities. When citizens and organizations engage, they can drive government responsiveness, transparency, and effectiveness.
Advocacy refers to the efforts of individuals, groups, or organizations to influence public policy and government decisions. These efforts can take various forms, such as lobbying, public campaigns, and grassroots mobilization. It often involves educating decision-makers and the public on specific issues, persuading them to adopt certain policies or actions.
Civic engagement is a broader concept that encompasses any activity that allows citizens to be involved in public life. This ranges from voting and participating in town
halls to volunteering and joining community boards. Civic engagement emphasizes collective action to address societal issues and fosters a shared responsibility between citizens and their government.
A recent example of effective advocacy and civic engagement occurred in Palm Beach County when the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) unveiled its 2024/25 Great Outdoors Initiative. This initiative is aimed to increase public access, recreation and lodging at Florida state parks. However, the proposal to amend the Unit Management Plan of Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP) to develop environmentally sensitive lands into a golf course sparked wide concern.
Local residents, outraged by the potential environmental damage, quickly mobilized. They reached out to elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels, voiced their concerns, and organized protests. In a matter of days, thousands of residents had signed petitions and coordinated protests. As a result, the outcry attracted attention from officials across the state, including Florida Cabinet members, U.S. Congress representatives, and state senators. These leaders called for increased transparency and urged FDEP to withdraw the proposal.
As Vice Mayor of Palm Beach County and a member of the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council, I was acutely aware of the proposed plan’s potential impact on the Loxahatchee River, a designated National Wild and
Scenic River. Protection of water quality and lands has been a hallmark of our success as a county, much of which is a direct result of various partnerships between the county and FDEP. However, the plan amendment was directly detrimental to environmentally sensitive lands and water quality to the Loxahatchee River. Along with my colleagues, I penned a letter to the secretary of the FDEP, expressing our opposition to the proposal and requesting its withdrawal.
Advocacy empowers individuals to take action on issues they care about, fostering a sense of ownership over the direction of government policy. As an elected official, I often have the opportunity to hear from constituents daily through letter writing, phone calls, public comment on agenda items, and additionally once a month during Matters by the Public. When individuals realize that their voices can have an impact, they become more involved in the political process. Advocacy and civic engagement are crucial to the health of a democracy.
As demonstrated in Palm Beach County, when citizens come together to advocate for change, they can profoundly impact their government and community for the better. Thank you for staying engaged and making your voices heard. If you’re interested in learning more about the Palm Beach County boards and committees that citizens may participate in, please visit https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/ABC/ Pub_ABCReports.aspx. As always, please contact me if I can be of assistance at (561) 355-2201 or by email at MMarino@ pbc.gov.
Statewide Leaders To Convene With Dr. Nadine Burke Harris To Support The Well-Being Of Babies
Pioneer of ACEs/former Attorney General of California to lead discussion to better shape the future of Florida’s youngest generation.
What
Center for Child Counseling in partnership with Florida Association of Infant Mental Health are hosting “Celebrate Babies with Nadine Burke Harris, M.D.” on Tuesday, October 22, to help better shape the future of Florida’s youngest generation. With Kathy Leone as the honorary chair and WPTV Channel 5’s Ashley Glass as the emcee, the hybrid event will take place at The Breakers by special invitation only and online for the public from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Dr. Burke Harris is the former attorney general of California and an internationally renowned pediatrician, public health advocate, and author. She is best known for her pioneering work in the field of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. Joining the event virtually, Dr. Burke Harris will lead statewide business and system leaders in an interactive conversation that explores the profound impact of early adversity and trauma on childhood development. The event is taking place during Celebrate Babies Week—a week dedicated to celebrating infants, toddlers, young children, their families, and early childhood professionals across the globe.
Kathy Leone will host 175 by-special-invitation-only attendees at The Breakers. Registration to attend virtually is $25 and open to the public. For more information, visit centerforchildcounseling.org/celebratebabies.
Why
Science clearly confirms what our experience already knows—what happens early in life impacts everything. For better or worse, we carry our early events with us for the rest of our lives, and into our future families and communities.
Society is grappling with big, complex issues: a youth mental health crisis, crime and overflowing jails, uncontrollable addiction, and generational cycles of abuse and trauma left on repeat. These dilemmas are often the result of unbuffered, untreated trauma experienced early in life.
But there are solutions we’ve been building for more than 20 years, so we have reason to celebrate! Our babies can be better from birth—for the rest of their lives.
Dr. Burke Harris is the woman who thrust the subject of adverse childhood experiences into our national
consciousness and dialogue. Our understanding of ACEs today is due to her insights and work in revealing how early adverse events affect lifelong health and well-being—for individuals, families, and communities.
When Tuesday, October 22, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (in-person registration begins at 12 p.m.)
Where
The Breakers Palm Beach (by special invitation only)
1 South County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Online registration is $25 and open to the public: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mcg5krt/ lp/26e63720-0d0f-43f2-a9cf-cd1c2baa7d71
About Nadine Burke Harris, M.D.
Nadine Burke Harris, M.D., MH, FAAP, is an internationally renowned pediatrician, public health advocate, and author—best known for her pioneering work in the field of ACEs and toxic stress.
Dr. Burke Harris is the founder and former CEO of the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco, an organization dedicated to improving the health of children exposed to
ACEs. Dr. Burke Harris served as California’s first Surgeon General, where she focused on addressing the root causes of health disparities and promoting early interventions for childhood trauma. Her influential book, The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity has brought widespread attention to the impact of early adversity on long-term health and well-being. Celebrate Babies’ Donors And Corporate Partners
Donors and corporate sponsors who are making this important conversation possible include: Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, The Children’s Movement of Florida, The Breakers Palm Beach, Stephens & Stevens Marital & Family Law, Valley Bank, Sunshine Health, and Jane Robinson.
CFCC’s Fighting ACEs initiative to build traumainformed communities is made possible with the generous support of Quantum Foundation, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and private donors.
THE ½ PENNY PLAN
This November, Palm Beach County voters will have the opportunity to invest in our children, our schools, and our future with the ½ penny sales tax for education.
This dedicated funding is a continuation of an existing ½ penny that has ensured Palm Beach County is fostering strong schools and strong communities.
SAFEGUARDS TO PROTECT TAXPAYERS
Dedicated funding for our schools
Independent oversight committee Expires in 2035 and cannot be renewed without voter approval
½ PENNY KEEPS OUR SCHOOLS STRONG
ENHANCES school security and safety
IMPROVES classroom technology and equipment
REINVESTS in schools and facilities
FUNDS capital and maintenance projects
UPGRADES the school bus fleet
THE ½ PENNY is a continuation of an existing sales tax rate for schools in Palm Beach County and will not raise taxes $
Look for the ½ penny for schools on your November ballot
SCHOOLS, STRONG COMMUNITIES ELECTION DAY: NOVEMBER 5TH
Financial Focus®
Vote For Solid Investment Strategies
By Sally Sima Stahl
With the presidential election just a few weeks away, the public is naturally interested in not just the outcome but what the results will mean for issues of national importance. As a citizen, you likely share these concerns—but how about as an investor? After the votes are counted—or even before—should you make some moves in anticipation of possible changes in policy?
Let’s look at the big picture first, through the lens of history. The financial markets have performed well—and at times, not so well—under Democratic and Republican presidents alike. And the same is true about which party controlled Congress.
While it might be an overstatement to say that decisions made in Washington have no effect on the markets, it’s not always so easy to draw a direct line between what happens there and how the markets perform. For one thing, political candidates often make promises that are not fulfilled, or, if they are, have different results than intended. Also, other institutions can have a significant impact on the markets. For example, the Federal Reserve, which controls short-term interest rates, can certainly affect many market sectors. And there will always be external events, such as foreign conflicts and even natural disasters, that can make short-term impacts on the investment world.
So, rather than making changes to your portfolio in anticipation of what might happen if certain candidates get elected, or even in response to actual policy changes, look to other factors to drive your investment decisions.
These factors should include the following:
• Your goals – You probably have short- and longterm goals you’d like to achieve. For your short-term goals, such as a wedding, a down payment on a house or a long vacation, you may want to invest in instruments that provide stability of principal. For your long-term goals, most important of which may be a comfortable retirement, you’ll need to own a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments.
• Your risk tolerance – When you build and maintain your investment portfolio, you’ll need to accommodate your individual risk tolerance. All investments carry some type of risk, but you need to be comfortable with the overall risk level of your investments.
• Your time horizon – Where you are in life is an important consideration when investing. When you are young and just starting out in your career, you may be able to focus more on growth, as you have time to overcome the inevitable short-term market downturns. But as you near retirement, you may want to consolidate any gains you may have achieved, and lower your risk level, by moving your portfolio toward a somewhat more conservative approach. Even in retirement, though, you will need some growth potential to stay ahead of inflation.
• Your needs for liquidity – As you invest, you’ll need to maintain an adequate amount of cash and cash equivalents in your holdings. Without this liquidity, you might be forced to sell long-term investments in case you have unexpected expenses.
In any case, when it comes to investing, you may want to pay less attention to what names are on the ballot—and instead “vote” for the longer-term strategies that reflect your needs and goals.
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.
Northern Notes
Gopher Tortoises
By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District
Gopher tortoises are one of five North American tortoise species and one of the oldest living species on the planet. They are the only tortoise found naturally east of the Mississippi River. It is a state-designated threatened species in Florida and is found in parts of all 67 Florida counties. The gopher tortoise is about nine to eleven inches long when fully grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles tend to be lighter brown and yellow-orange. Once they reach adulthood, they can live almost 90 years! They are identifiable by their stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forearms covered in thick scales. These shovel-like forearms are used to dig extensive burrows for homes.
As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost 80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average about 15 feet long and about 6 1/2 feet deep. Gopher tortoises are ectotherms which depend on their environment to maintain their body temperature. Their burrows help maintain a stable temperature and protect them from extreme temperatures and fire. Here in South Florida, they are active all year round. In contrast, in colder parts of Florida, they remain in their burrows during cold winter months. Gopher tortoises are keystone species because their burrows provide shelter and provide refuge for more than 350 other species, such as burrowing owls, mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, opossums, foxes, gopher frogs and invertebrates.
Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer well-drained, sandy soils in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as many of their natural habitats have been developed by humans. A habitat with well-drained soil, abundant plants to forage, and open sunny areas is ideal for gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are herbivorous and feed on low-growing plants. They may drink water pooled after rainstorms, but most of their water needs are supplied from the plants they eat.
Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within
them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise. Northern’s environmental team works hard to maintain these pristine natural lands so that native animals and plants can thrive for years to come.
Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is illegal unless conducted under a valid permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). An FWC relocation permit must be obtained before disturbing burrows and conducting construction activities. Lucas Schaffer, Northern’s environmental manager, has taken courses and is certified as a Gopher Tortoise Authorized Agent. As such, he is allowed by the FWC to survey, trap, transport and relocate tortoises as necessary.
It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises; however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the road in the same direction as it was heading as long as it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to another location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal possession. If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, at (561) 5753399 for assistance. Source: myfwc.org.
Fun fact: April 10 is Gopher Tortoise Day! On this day every year we raise awareness and appreciation for the gopher tortoise and all the benefits they provide to the ecosystem. You can help celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day by hosting an event in your community, asking your local city or county commission to formally adopt April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day, and educating others on the importance of protecting gopher tortoises. Or simply admire a gopher tortoise from a distance and observe how they get around!
NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
Photos by Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID
Palm Beach County Votes 2024
GENERAL ELECTION
3 EASY WAYS TO VOTE
VOTE-BY-MAIL
REQUEST IT
Visit VotePalmBeach.gov, call (561) 656-6208, or email votebymail@votepalmbeach.gov
See ballot drop off locations at VotePalmBeach.GOV
RETURN IT
Deadline to request aVote-by-Mail ballot is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Vote-by-Mail ballot pickup is not available at our offices from October 26th through November 5th unless, due to an emergency, the voter is unable to go to a designated early voting site or to his or her assigned polling place on Election Day (See F.S. §101.62(3)(d)(5)).
Please have your Florida Driver License, Florida ID card, or the last 4 digits ofyour Social Security number available when making your request.
Mail your Vote-by-Mail ballot using pre-paid postage, or drop it off inside any of our four offices during business hours. You may also drop it off at designated drop off locations across the county starting October 21, 2024.
TRACK IT
Voters can sign up for BallotTrax at VotePalmBeach.gov or by scanning this QR code to get alerts via email, text (SMS), and/or voice message with updates about the status of their ballot or if there is an issue so that it can be corrected right away.
EARLY VOTING
See Early Voting locations at VotePalmBeach.gov
Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, through Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Registered voters in Palm Beach County can vote at any of the 26 Early Voting locations conveniently located county wide. Visit VotePalmBeach.gov for Early Voting locations, directions, wait times, or to make an appointment. You can also check our website to see when pet adoptions will be available at Early Voting locations!
ELECTION DAY
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On Election Day, you must vote at the polling place that is assigned to your precinct. Polling places may change! Visit VotePalmBeach.gov to confirm your polling place before you go vote.
