Page 1 - The Shores of Jupiter - May '24

Our Village Voice

VOL. 35 NO. 5 www.seabreezepublications.com MAY 2024

Northern Notes Bill’s Box

Lightning Safety
Bill’s Box has
By Katie Roundtree, been delayed and will
Director of Finance and resume in June.
Administration, Northern *Reminder the
Palm Beach County
Improvement District deadline for the June
Lightning, with its Issue is May 13.
unpredictable and lethal
power, is one of the most
underrated weather hazards
in the United States. Despite Tree struck by lightning in preserve next to a house in PGA
the common perception that National. Source: Sam Payson, Northern Biologist
it only poses a threat during
intense storms, the truth is far more sobering. Lightning can strike the same place twice, but iconic structures like the
strike individuals even when the center of a thunderstorm is Empire State Building prove otherwise. Similarly, the idea
miles away, with clear skies overhead. This lack of awareness that one is safe from lightning if there are no clouds overhead
contributes to the startling statistics surrounding lightning- is shattered by the reality of “bolts from the blue,” which can
related injuries and fatalities. strike several miles away from the storm’s center.
Florida, aptly known as the lightning capital of the United When it comes to safety, knowledge is power. Addressing
States, experiences around 100 stormy days each year, a stark misconceptions regarding safety measures is equally crucial.
contrast to California’s mere five. Its geographical position While seeking refuge under a tree may seem intuitive, it’s the
nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, second leading cause of lightning casualties. The safest action is
combined with its high heat and humidity, creates an ideal to seek shelter in fully enclosed buildings or vehicles with solid
environment for thunderstorms and lightning. The most metal roofs. Additionally, unplugging appliances and avoiding
dangerous area stretches from St. Augustine in the north to Lake electronics during storms can mitigate the risk of electrical surges.
Okeechobee in the south, and from east to west, making it vital Ultimately, the mantra “when thunder roars, go indoors”
for residents and visitors to stay alert during storm season. sums up the essence of lightning safety. Vigilance, coupled
The numbers tell us a lot: Florida tops the charts in with knowledge and preparedness, can save lives in the face
lightning-related deaths, with a staggering 94 percent of nature’s electrifying fury.
occurring between late May and the end of September. NPDES tip: Your neighborhood drainage system is not a
Nationally, an average of 100 lives are claimed by lightning garbage disposal — please don’t treat it like one. Encourage May 12
strikes annually, with Florida accounting for 10 to 13 of those residents to take responsibility and to not dump chemicals,
fatalities and nearly 600 injuries, 30 of which occur within the fertilizer, paint, oil, etc., in inlets or pipes. Discourage sweeping
state. Surprisingly, lightning takes more lives in the United of lawn clippings and dirt into street drains and disposing of
States than hurricanes and tornadoes combined, emphasizing lawn clippings and other debris (wood, concrete blocks, trees,
the need for heightened awareness and preparedness. etc.) directly into retention lakes. Keep drainage facilities
Dispelling the misconceptions about lightning is crucial for clear of vegetation, trash, improperly and illegally discarded
everyone’s safety. It’s a common belief that lightning doesn’t appliances, shopping carts, tires, cars, garbage bags, etc.
Commissioner’s Update

Celebrating Volunteer Month explore various avenues for volunteering across Palm Beach
County, highlighting departments, initiatives and events
By Vice Mayor Maria G. where your time and effort can make a difference.
Marino Animal Care And Control (ACC)
W i t h i t s vi bra nt Daily volunteer opportunities include dog walker, dog
communities and diverse playgroup, dog puptography, dog paw spa, event dog handler,
opportunities, Palm Beach doggie day out, kennel care assistants, dog and feline adoption
County offers a multitude counselor, feline friends, feline purrtography, cattery care
of ways for individuals to assistants and community event volunteers. May 27
make a meaningful impact. ACC volunteer opportunities are available here: bit.
Whether you’re passionate ly/3wa56CO – then click on Animal Care and Control.
a bout e nvi ronm e nt a l ACC Volunteer Coordinator Holly Yoder can be contacted
conservation, community at HYoder@pbc.gov or (561) 233-1200. REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIV-
outreach, or helping those Environmental Resource Management (ERM)
in need, there’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you. In ERM regularly offers various volunteer opportunities each ITY IMMEDIATELY
celebration of National Volunteer Month, this article will month. Please note that there are restrictions on the number
of volunteers attending each TO THE JUPITER POLICE
event, and a waitlist is set up
when an event becomes full. DEPARTMENT
ERM volunteer opportunities
are also available here: bit. (561) 799-4445
ly/3wa56CO – then click on
Environmental Resources Use 911 for emergencies only.
Management.
Lock car doors. Do not leave
Commissioner’s Update valuables in the car.
on page 2