Page 8 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - February '24

Page 8, Jupiter Ocean Mile
Commissioner’s Update
County Keeps Watchful Eye
On 2024 Legislative Session
By Commissioner Maria
Marino
Florida’s legislative
session stands as a pivotal
period in shaping the
state’s policies, laws and
overall governance. Unlike
some states with full-
time lawmakers, Florida’s
legislature is part-time and
convenes for a 60-day regular
session each year. This year,
the 2024 legislative session began on Jan. 9, and lawmakers
have only 60 days to pass legislation, including the state
budget which grew to $118.5 billion in FY 2023/24.
Library’s annual BookMania!
set to take place March 2
The Martin County Library System is excited
to announce that the 2024 BookMania! annual
event, sponsored by The Library Foundation
of Martin County and Florida Humanities, will
take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the
Jensen Beach High School Performing Arts
Center, 2875 NW Goldenrod Road in Jensen
Beach, starting at 9:00 a.m.
BookMania! is free and open to the public.
Authors will participate in one of multiple
panel discussions featuring emerging and
prominent writers. The auditorium can get
chilly, so please bring a sweater. Titles by
guest authors are available through the
library’s collections. Lunch from the Martin
County Sheriff's Office BBQ team will be
available for cash-only at the event. Barnes
& Noble Booksellers will be onsite offering
purchased coffee and light refreshments in
addition to facilitating book sales.
Sea Stories - Fact & Fiction
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Moderator: Peggy Chittum
Kevin Sites: The Ocean Above Me
Earl Swift: Chesapeake Requiem - a year with
the Watermen of vanishing Tangier Island
Thriller & Suspense
10:30 am - 11:45 pm
SIGNING 11:45 am - 12:15 pm
Moderator: Amanda Brack
Darby Kane: The Engagement Party
Armando Lucas Correa: The Silence in her
Eyes
Megan Collins: Thicker Than Water
LUNCH 11:45 am - 12:45 pm -
signing and lunch
Love, Friendship, and Ever After's
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
SIGNING 1:45 pm - 2:15 pm
Moderator: Linda Weiksnar
Kristy Woodson Harvey: The Summer of
Songbirds
Melissa Rivero: Flores and Miss Paula
Historical Fiction
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
SIGNING 3:15 pm - 3:45 pm
Moderator: Paula Hundt
Talia Carner: The Boy with the Star Tattoo
Patti Callahan Henry: The Secret Book of
Flora Lea
Katherine Reay: The Berlin Letters
This popular program has received national
recognition for its stellar authors, record
attendance, and impressive Barnes &
Noble book sales. For more information,
visit www.library.martin.fl.us and search for
“BookMania!” or call 772-288-5702.
Funding for this program was provided
through a grant from Florida Humanities
with funds from the National Endowment
for the Humanities. Any views, findings,
conclusions or recommendations expressed
in this program do not necessarily represent
those of Florida Humanities or the National
Endowment for the Humanities.
Over 3,000 pieces of legislation are filed each year and aims to make a comprehensive update to the residential
lawmakers will only take up and pass a small percentage
building review process. SB 280 – Vacation Rentals,
of these bills, leaving many untouched. Different types attempts to revise regulations within the industry. In 2011,
of bills include: appropriations, claims, general, local, when online rental business wasn’t well known, legislation
memorial, resolution, reviser and trust fund. In order passed that preempted local governments from regulating
for a bill to become law, an identical bill must pass both short-term rentals in local ordinances.
legislative chambers, the Florida Senate and the Florida Residents continue to look to their government for
House of Representatives, and be signed by the Governor. assistance with pocketbook issues, as the cost of living
With 120 members in the Florida House and 40 members continues to rise. Homeowners are facing massive
in the Florida Senate, this is challenging. Because Florida property insurance rate increases and loss of coverage,
is such a large and diverse state, lawmakers often have but legislators anticipate that we have only begun to
diverse priorities and conflicting agendas. feel the effects of the tort reform package passed during
Each year the Board of County Commissioners approves the 2023 legislative session and the additional guardrail
Palm Beach County’s State Legislative Agenda. The 2024 previously put in place. The costs of insuring vehicles
state legislative agenda includes general government and in Florida has also skyrocketed and a series of bills has
environmental and natural resources issues with a focus been filed to repeal and overhaul the state’s “no-fault”
on items related to economic development, substance auto insurance system.
use and mental health, affordable housing, homelessness, The decisions made during this legislative session
protection of county ordinances, transportation and water have a profound impact on the social, economic and
and environmental restoration. The agenda outlines what environmental fabric of the state and will ripple through
the county’s legislative affairs and intergovernmental communities, schools, businesses and homes across
Florida. As leaders, it is imperative that we to continue
offices, in conjunction with the county’s contract state
lobbyists, will advocate for, and work to oppose. to find ways to relieve the increased burden placed on
A significant topic among local officials is home our residents and lead with fiscal responsibility. As I
rule. Home rule refers to the authority granted to local have advocated with the County Commission to adopt
governments to govern themselves within the framework of a 5 percent millage rate reduction for FY 2024/25, I am
state laws. Striking a balance between local autonomy and keeping the same watchful eye on any legislation that
state oversight has been a serious challenge as lawmakers could create undue financial burdens on our residents.
pass legislation that has statewide ramifications. That The vigilance and engagement of local officials during the
balance is essential to ensure communities can effectively legislative session is critical to ensure that outcomes align
address their unique challenges. with the needs and values of the communities we serve.
Local governments have a keen eye on bills affecting As always, if I can be assistance to you, please contact
home rule, like HB 267 – Building Regulations, which me at (561) 355-2201.
Town Of Jupiter News
By Malise Sundstrom, click on Residents, then Town Times Newsletter to read a
Councilor, Town of Jupiter digital copy. Council meeting agendas and minutes can be
As 2024 begins to take accessed via the home page (scroll to the bottom), and the
shape, some residents may town’s social media links are also listed on the website.
resolve to get more involved These resources offer valuable insights into ongoing
in town affairs. Becoming projects, discussions, and decisions and take just a few
an active participant in minutes to read.
Jupiter’s governance is easy Connect, Collaborate, Contribute
and is a great way to make Town staff, leadership, and volunteers take the time to
a positive impact. There get to know one another and form a welcoming community
are many opportunities for those who enjoy public service. Attending a Town
for residents to learn more Council meeting, a Connect with Council event or other
about the town, share their thoughts, or volunteer. community event is always an excellent way to get to
Stay Informed For Effective Participation know and interact with local leaders.
Staying informed is helpful for meaningful engagement. Jupiter U is another way to get connected and is a free
To follow current events, consider reading the Town Times program to help residents learn about the services offered
newsletter issued quarterly and mailed with the utility
bill, or visit the town’s website at www.jupiter.fl.us and Town Of Jupiter News on page 9
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