Page 14 - The Islander - March '24

Page 14, The Islander

Commissioner’s Update

Beach Restoration Efforts In Palm Beach County

By Vice Mayor Maria Marino
Palm Beach County’s 47- that have deeply-penetrating, extensive root systems. As the protecting county construction accesses and publicly
mile coastline is a playground plants become buried, new roots develop on the recently accessible beach areas. Coral Cove Emergency Dune
for millions of residents buried stems while new stems emerge from the sand. Dunes Restoration will immediately follow completion of Singer
and tourists each year. Our help minimize erosion and protect coastal infrastructure Island and will focus on recovery of dune areas within
beaches serve as one of the from storm damage. the county park and adjacent public access areas. Coastal
best defenses against wave Recently you may have observed shoreline erosion. Resources Program staff are also working with local
damage caused by winter Our beaches sustained moderate additional damage to Inlet Management District, municipal, state, and federal
storms and hurricanes. a number of previously identified “hot spot” areas of partners to facilitate restoration of affected major beach
However, the constant erosion through the end of 2023 as a result of repeated nourishment projects areas where appropriate.
erosion of our beaches is strong frontal storm systems and their associated onshore The county’s dune restoration efforts are funded by a
an undeniable reality and winds. Despite additional erosion to these localized areas, portion of Tourist Development Council bed taxes which
maintaining the quality and we have observed natural recovery and sand accumulation are used as a local match for state and federal grant dollars
sustainability of beaches is of the highest importance. over the past month as conditions have begun to that are contingent on providing public access to the sandy
The Palm Beach County Department of Environmental normalize. These limited periods of recovery are more beach area. The intent of our efforts are to maintain a
Resources Management, through its Shoreline Enhancement typical to the county’s winter beach season and a number beach and dune system using public dollars on a regional
and Restoration Program, builds environmentally-sensitive, of positive indicators, such as seaward accumulation of scale where historic development has impacted the natural
cost-effective projects to protect and restore the natural beach sand and significant nearshore sandbar formation, system’s ability to respond to erosion.
function of beaches and dunes. The department encourages are good indicators that sand perceivably lost to erosion We hope and expect that recent observations of natural
improved sand management practices at inlets and promotes in recent months is still present in the coastal system and recovery will continue as conditions normalize and the
the removal of non-native vegetation from sand dunes. Since will continue to facilitate natural recovery. significant amount of sand within nearshore coastal waters
1989, Palm Beach County has participated in or constructed The worst-hit dune-only county project areas have finds its way back onto dry beach areas.
over 22 miles of beach and dune restoration projects for the emergency construction contracts in place to facilitate Your input on areas of concern is very helpful. As always,
benefit of tourists, residents and coastal property owners. restoration of engineered dune systems where natural please contact me if I can be of assistance at (561) 355-2201
Dunes are accumulations of wind-blown sand abutting recovery is not possible. The Singer Island Emergency or by email at MMarino@pbc.gov.
the beach. They are stabilized by salt tolerant native plants Dune Restoration is 50 percent complete, focusing on

BUsiness spotliGht Good Works

PBI Has Busiest Hanley Foundation Hosts 25th

Year Ever Annual Golf Classic

2023 was a fantastic year for Palm Beach International On Monday, April 15, Hanley Foundation will host its and lives will be saved,” said Rachel Docekal, Hanley
Airport (PBI) with record-breaking passenger numbers, 25th Annual Golf Classic at North Palm Beach Country Foundation’s CEO.
national awards and continued growth. Club. More than 100 supporters are expected to “putt Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9
More than 7.76 million passengers were served last for scholarships” in this annual benefit. Golf aficionado a.m. The tournament is a shamble format with 18 holes of
year, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 when Johnny Pickett will serve as the honorary chair. competitive play. Refreshments and activities will be offered
6.89 million passengers passed through the terminal. The Longtime supporter and Hanley Foundation Board on the course, and a luncheon, silent auction and awards
year-end passenger total for PBI was 12.6 percent higher member Marguerite Connelly will serve as event presentation will follow tournament play. To acknowledge
than 2019 and 16.8 percent higher than 2022. chairperson. Marguerite authored a heartfelt memoir, his longstanding support of Hanley Foundation’s prevention
“The record-breaking number of passengers is a Addicted to the Addicted: A Mother’s Tale of Going from programs and the Palm Beach Sheriff Office’s ongoing
testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff Heartbreak to Hopeful, documenting her experience commitment to Hanley’s mission of eliminating addiction, the
who ensure we provide the easy, convenient experience dealing with her son’s ongoing drug addiction. foundation will be presenting Sheriff Ric Bradshaw with the
that customers have come to expect from PBI,” said “Like so many others, I’ve had firsthand knowledge Inaugural Community Champion Award during their luncheon.
Gary Sypek, senior deputy director of airports. “2024 is of the pain and tragedy addiction has on families,” said Sponsors include Hanley Family Foundation and Palm
shaping up to be an even greater year for PBI with the Connelly. “I am fiercely committed to bringing a message Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Tickets, sponsorship, and
continued and growing support from our airline partners of hope and awareness to those who are suffering, and underwriting opportunities are still available.
to the Palm Beaches.” I am honored to serve Hanley Foundation to help raise Visit https://hanleyfoundation.org/
PBI continues to bolster its airline roster with Silver funds for its critical programs.” events/golf-classic/, call (561)
Airways coming on board and providing service to five The tournament will benefit Hanley’s Lifesaver 268-2355, or email events@
new exciting destinations launching with daily flights Scholarship Program, which provides financial hanleyfoundation.org for
to Tampa and Nassau beginning March 5; Tallahassee scholarships for individuals with substance use disorders more information on tickets
service three times a week beginning March 6; Pensacola who would not otherwise be able to afford quality or sponsorship. Tickets are
service two times a week beginning March 7; and service treatment. More than 500 individuals received Lifesaver $1,000 per player, $4,000 per
to Marsh Harbour three times a week beginning March 5. Scholarships from Hanley Foundation in 2023. foursome, and $750 for juniors
Frontier Airlines has announced new nonstop service “With continued support of our Lifesaver Scholarship (age 40 and under).
from PBI to San Juan, Puerto Rico three times a week Program, hope will be restored, families will be reunited,
beginning June 2. In addition, PBI continues to offer daily
flights to Los Angeles, Calif., on JetBlue and Toronto,
Canada on Air Canada until April 30.
American Airlines will offer extended nonstop service
to Chicago O’Hare throughout the summer.
In addition, PBI has some exciting routes for sports
enthusiasts with Delta Airlines providing nonstop
service to Augusta, Ga., for the Masters Tournament and
Southwest Airlines offering nonstop service to St. Louis
during Spring Training.
Visit www.pbia.org to find out more and book your
flight today.