Page 7 - Southern Exposure - June '24

BW
Southern Exposure, Page 7

local govErnmEnt

Tax Talk

Dear Friends: Get Your Hurricane Guide!
Last month, I had the
pleasure of attending June 1 marks the start of another hurricane season.
several community events Hurricanes are part of the reality of living near the coast and
as I do throughout the year. major hurricanes are becoming more and more prevalent.
Frequently, other elected However, the key to navigating hurricane season is to be
officials are also in attendance prepared and have a plan. This year, to help you prepare, the
as we are all committed to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared
the residents of Palm Beach May 5 to 11, as National Hurricane Preparedness week. Visit
County. At many of these noaa.gov/hurricane-prep for more information.
events, we discuss the Preparing Before Hurricane Season
importance of the upcoming Take advantage of the Home Hardening Sales Tax
election in November and how crucial it is that everyone Exemption. The exemption is for the purchase of impact-
eligible to vote does so. The change in Florida Law now resistant doors, windows and garage doors, going on now
requires voters to re-request mail ballots after every general until June 30. For more information, visit floridarevenue.
election cycle. So, if you have requested mail ballots in the We look forward every year to interacting with our com/homehardening.
past and have not yet re-requested mail ballots for the 2024 western community clients and answering questions about Hurricane Guide
elections, I urge you to do so to ensure you receive your ballot the services we provide. Thank you to everyone who came Do you know where the closest grocery store to you that is
and vote. You can visit the Palm Beach County Supervisor by to visit our booth and ask our team questions. powered by a generator is located? Or the closest gas station
of Elections website at www.votepalmbeach.gov/voters/vote- with emergency power transfer switches? These are important
by-mail to check the status of your mail ballot request or to Fun Facts About The TCO! things you should know when preparing for hurricane season.
request a ballot be mailed to you for the upcoming elections Even relatively minor hurricanes can leave you without
and let your voice be heard! You already know that power and water for a few days. Make sure you are prepared
And this month, I want to wish all our fathers a very Happy when you need to pay your by having enough food, water and medical supplies for your
Father’s Day! property taxes, renew your family members and your pets. For a comprehensive list of
Anne M. Gannon, driver’s license, or renew supplies, visit pbctax.com/hurricane-guide-request/ to view
Constitutional Tax Collector, your vehicle registration, and request a copy of our pocket-size hurricane guide.
Serving Palm Beach County you turn to the tax collector’s
office (TCO). But did you
Celebrating Belle Glade’s know these fun facts about
our agency?
Agricultural Heritage • On average, we service more than 3,000 clients each
day in our six service centers. Wait times have gone
When you think of Palm down by more than 36 minutes since before the COVID
Beach County, the first thing pandemic.
that may come to mind is • Last year, our client care and research center answered
beaches; with our 47 miles 237,868 phone calls and received 45,246 email inquiries.
of coastline, it’s easy to see • Each month, we electronically distribute more than
why. But did you know that 40,000 satisfaction surveys to clients who visit our
Palm Beach County leads service centers in person or contact our office by phone.
the state in total agriculture 83.5 percent of survey respondents rated our service as
sales and Belle Glade is a top “exceptional” or “very good.”
supplier of vegetables, fruits, • Typically, 65 percent of property owners pay their
and sugar cane? property taxes during the month of November.
With the motto “Her soil is her fortune,” the city celebrates • The top five states from where newly licensed Florida
its agricultural heritage every year with its Annual Black drivers previously resided are New York, New Jersey,
Gold Jubilee. Earning its name from the city’s rich soil or California, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
“black gold,” the jubilee is a celebration of the soil’s ability • For the 2023 tax year, the top Palm Beach County
to produce bountiful harvests. taxpayer was FPL, paying $133,632,115.20 in property tax.

“Who will clean

up the mess if

you don’t draft

a Will?”

Local Government on page 8

ESTATE & BUSINESS PLANNING
PROBATE, GUARDIANSHIP & TRUST ADMINISTRATION
PROBATE & GUARDIANSHIP FOR PERSONAL INJURY FIRMS
FAMILY LAW • REAL ESTATE Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately
Evening and Saturday Appointments Available owned and managed company.
RiverPlace Professional Center Captain’s is committed to providing
1003 W. Indiantown Road - Suite 210 • Jupiter, FL 33458-6851 dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com