Page 10 - Boca Club News - August '24

Page 10, Boca Club News
Mayor’s Update: The Big Picture

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor of beaches and low tax rates, Boca Raton certainly sells itself. As we look to redevelop our downtown government
Boca Raton and was re-elected As business executives across the nation grappled with campus that houses facilities which have long exceeded
in 2023. A South Florida native, the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising crime rates and their lifespans, we will aim to leverage development
attorney and small business owner, skyrocketing housing costs that plagued their cities, it wasn’t opportunities that may arise.
Scott and his wife Bella live in Broken a shock that many found our slice of paradise in Boca Raton. While our 1960s-era government campus has helped
Sound with their two children. You Even with a robust spate of top-notch amenities and us reach 2024, we need to look at what our needs will be
may also want to stay in touch on qualities that make Boca Raton so attractive, there is more in the years and decades to come.
social media at @scottsingerusa. As that can be done to make sure we remain the No. 1 place in By addressing the infrastructure needs we will also be
always, please reach out by email to which businesses want to have a presence. paying attention to the service needs of our residents. As
ssinger@myboca.us with any thoughts or requests. Honored Efforts to improve the perception of doing business in we look to create a place that our employees are proud
to serve you! Boca Raton are already underway. I am pleased to report that to work out of, we will be taking a broader approach to
With an unparalleled quality of life Boca Raton residents we have completed over a dozen substantive streamlining determining how to make Boca Raton the premiere place
already know that the city is the best place to live and raise a efforts to our complex land development code. We were also businesses want to come to.
family. But, like any strong and responsible organization, the in the forefront of implementing electronic permitting and We will examine what other places are offering
city doesn’t rest on its laurels and is dedicated to enhancing plan review, which has slashed the time for issuing permits. the business community and dive into what amenities
its reputation. Our work won’t stop here. We are working to ensure businesses are most attracted to. The ultimate goal:
With a focus on both short-term and long-term goals, the predictability in our process and timelines, so companies continue to bring the next generation of companies and
city recently held its 2024 strategic planning sessions where have a clear glide path if they want to open in Boca Raton. professionals to Boca Raton.
the Mayor and City Council, senior management, department We are also looking to add concierge-style services to attract This type of goal setting won’t take place in the coming
heads and the public all weighed in on key goal areas. larger investments in our city. By planning now, we will be months or even year. The goal is to check off the boxes
One common theme that repeatedly resonated throughout ready to act quickly and diligently when key moments arise. that get us to that big-picture goal.
the multi-day sessions was continuing to ensure that the city It took hustle to bring the high-speed rail Brightline station As the city inches toward its Centennial in 2025 we
is not only the best place to live and raise a family but is also to Boca Raton, but thanks to our willingness to overcome will be striving to lead the way to a new century for Boca
the best place to conduct business. challenges we have a station that has provided residents with Raton. We will pave the path now for success that will
It isn’t surprising that Boca Raton is already home to half a new mode of transportation. It has also played a role in continue to make our city the best place to live, work,
of Palm Beach County’s corporate headquarters. With safe swaying professionals to move to the city and continues to learn and play.
neighborhoods, well-performing schools, pristine parks and be viewed as a game changer.
From the Desk of Commissioner

Marci Woodward: A Message from Marci

Commissioner Woodward, a 20-year million in funding from the Army Corps of Engineers, we’re shaping the OIG’s audit plan. It takes just a few minutes to
resident of Boca Raton, was elected building several islands and oyster beds to help calm and complete and closes on August 15th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
in November 2022 as Palm Beach clean the Intracoastal Waterway at the southern end of the To take the survey, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/
County District 4 Commissioner. Lake Worth Lagoon. 1FAIpQLSfPFBWYjr8CrHCMRZVbAC2qEvaUjNsyfPLrV
She serves on the following board At the early stages of the project we received concerns from mcLU7tHUPSJRQ/viewform.
of directors as a representative of Hypoluxo Island residents about the new islands blocking their Nonprofit Spotlight. Horses Healing Hearts (HHH), is a
the county commission: Palm Beach navigational channel. Although this channel was well-known local nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children
Transportation Planning Agency; locally, it was not marked on official maps. This oversight was facing adversity through the healing power of horses.
South Florida Regional Transportation brought to light by the residents, leading to a series of meetings The non-profit provides a unique blend of equine-assisted
Authority (TriRail); Treasure Coast Regional Planning where we realized the need for a solution. learning and therapy to help children navigate the challenges
Council; CareerSource Palm Beach County; Palm Beach We’ve been working diligently with the U.S. Army Corps of trauma, loss and other significant life difficulties. Their
Cultural Council, and Value Adjustment Board. Ms. Woodward of Engineers to address these concerns. Recent discussions innovative programs are designed to build confidence,
graduated from the University of South Carolina-Aiken with confirmed that the Corps is finalizing a design modification to resilience and emotional well-being in young individuals who
a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. preserve the traditional navigational route. While adjustments have faced or are facing difficult circumstances.
I am pleased to update you on the Bonefish Cove with federal processes can be time-consuming, our county For more information about HHH, including how you can
Restoration Project, located just south of the Lake Worth departments are committed to keeping you informed and support their mission or get involved, visit their website. For
Avenue Bridge. This project, a joint effort involving county, finding a workable solution. We’ve been providing monthly more information, visit horseshealingheartsusa.org.
state and federal agencies, has been years in the making. updates to stakeholders, including Hypoluxo Island residents Did you Know? Did you know Federal Emergency
Until a few months ago my involvement was limited as and local representatives. Management Agency (FEMA) has updated its flood maps,
it falls within Commissioner Bernard’s district. With $10 On July 8th, 2024, the contractor began transporting sand and these changes are set to place thousands more Palm Beach
from Peanut Island’s dredge areas and two barges of sand are County residents in high-risk flood zones?
delivered daily. Sand is now visible above the water’s surface at Many homeowners who were previously exempt from
the northernmost island’s location. Once formed, the intertidal federal flood insurance will now be required to purchase it
islands will be stabilized with limestone rock breakwaters. by December 20th. The updated FEMA flood maps, which
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing Yellow turbidity curtains are in place to minimize you can view on the county’s Planning, Zoning and Building
Palm Beach County and is a privately environmental impact, with daily monitoring ensuring safety. (PZB) website, reveal significant changes in flood risk areas.
owned and managed company. Construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday Also included is a tool that allows you to check your address
Captain’s is committed to providing through Saturday, with a completion target of summer 2025. and see if your flood zone has been altered.
dependable, reliable and professional Palm Beach County challenged FEMA’s preliminary maps
ground transportation to and from all Bonefish Cove will provide essential habitats for shorebirds
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212 and mangroves and improve water quality. due to technical issues and sought an independent review
To reserve your vehicle: Your feedback has been crucial in shaping this project, through a designated panel. Unfortunately, the final decision
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com and together we’re making significant progress. We hope to did not support our appeal, as the panel determined that the
invite you to join us in planting mangroves at Bonefish Cove appeal criteria were not fully met.
in the spring of 2025. Despite this setback we continue to advocate for an
Southern Exposure Technologies Celebrating Rob Sweeten Day. Often, the incredible work independent review to ensure accurate flood risk assessments
Computer Install/Setup/Repair of our teachers goes unnoticed, so I was thrilled to present Mr. for our community. Our Planning and Zoning officials are
recommending detailed remapping to persuade FEMA to
Sweeten with a proclamation declaring July 2nd, 2024, as Rob
(561) 315-0144 Sweeten Day. reconsider some zones and to improve our Community Rating
getsetgo.annie@gmail.com For 31 years Mr. Sweeten has dedicated himself to System (CRS) score. The CRS is a voluntary program that
* DSL, Broadband,Wireless Install educating, inspiring and mentoring students at Boca Raton rewards communities for exceeding minimum floodplain
* Networking, Troubleshooting High School. Fun fact: Commissioner Barnett was even one management requirements. In recognition of these efforts, the
* Instruction of his students in his very first year of teaching! National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers discounts on
* Hardware/Software Installation Sixteen years ago, Mr. Sweeten made a remarkable career flood insurance premiums.
* Virus/Spyware/Adware Fix Palm Beach County has participated in the CRS since 1991
* Cleanup/Maintenance/Backup shift, transitioning to teaching photography. I’ve had the
* Business Consult/Startup/Move pleasure of displaying some of his students’ work in my office, and currently holds a score of 5 out of 10, which provides a 25%
* Website Design/Maintenance bringing joy, sparking curiosity and offering a glimpse into the discount on federal insurance premiums. Enhancing our CRS
Call S.E.T. to install your “new computer, printer talent Mr. Sweeten helps cultivate. score and remapping could cost over $9 million in the coming
and wireless network”! Here’s to Mr. Sweeten--educator, artist and all-around years, and commissioners are carefully evaluating these options.
GET S.E.T. GO! awesome person! If your property is or will be within a high-risk zone, we
REASONABLE HOURLY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY RATES Office of the Inspector General Survey. The Office of encourage you to contact your insurance agent to discuss flood
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES FOR AS LOW AS $50.00 AN HOUR, the Inspector General (OIG) works to ensure the government insurance options. Premiums vary based on individual flood
WITH A MINIMUM OF 6 HOURS A MONTH, risk. Stay informed by visiting the PZB website for flood risk
OR 2 HOURS A WEEK, OR ON AN AS-NEEDED operates effectively, holds itself accountable and uses taxpayer
BASIS RATE OF $75.00 P/HOUR. dollars responsibly. They achieve this by conducting audits of maps and additional information, or reach out to your insurance
START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH SECURE BACKUPS, organizational processes. agent for a personalized quote.
QUALITY MAINTENANCE, ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND To prioritize its audits for the upcoming fiscal year (FY For more information, visit discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/Pages/
PERSONABLE ON-SITE SUPPORT! default.aspx.
(561) 315-0144 2025), the OIG is conducting a risk assessment. This process
CALL S.E.T. TODAY FOR YOUR COMPUTER NEEDS! helps them identify areas most susceptible to fraud, waste If you require assistance, please contact our office at (561)
or inefficiency. Your anonymous feedback will be crucial in 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.