Page 14 - Boca Exposure - August '24

Page 14, Boca Exposure
From The Desk Of Commissioner

Marci Woodward: A Message From Marci

Commissioner Woodward, Sixteen years ago, Mr. Sweeten made a remarkable Many homeowners who were previously exempt from
a 20-year resident of Boca career shift, transitioning to teaching photography. I’ve federal flood insurance will now be required to purchase
Raton, was elected in had the pleasure of displaying some of his students’ work it by Dec. 20. The updated FEMA flood maps, which you
November 2022 as Palm in my office, bringing joy, sparking curiosity and offering can view on the county’s Planning, Zoning and Building
Beach County District a glimpse into the talent Mr. Sweeten helps cultivate. (PZB) website, reveal significant changes in flood risk
4 Commissioner. She Here’s to Mr. Sweeten–educator, artist and all- areas. Also included is a tool that allows you to check
serves on the following around awesome person! your address and see if your flood zone has been altered.
board of directors as a Office of the Inspector General Survey. The Office Palm Beach County challenged FEMA’s preliminary
representative of the county of the Inspector General (OIG) works to ensure the maps due to technical issues and sought an independent
commission: Palm Beach government operates effectively, holds itself accountable review through a designated panel. Unfortunately, the
Transportation Planning and uses taxpayer dollars responsibly. They achieve this final decision did not support our appeal, as the panel
Agency; South Florida by conducting audits of organizational processes. determined that the appeal criteria were not fully met.
Regional Transportation Authority (TriRail); Treasure To prioritize its audits for the upcoming fiscal year Despite this setback we continue to advocate for
Coast Regional Planning Council; CareerSource Palm (FY 2025), the OIG is conducting a risk assessment. This an independent review to ensure accurate flood risk
Beach County; Palm Beach Cultural Council, and Value process helps them identify areas most susceptible to assessments for our community. Our Planning and
Adjustment Board. Ms. Woodward graduated from the fraud, waste or inefficiency. Your anonymous feedback Zoning officials are recommending detailed remapping
University of South Carolina-Aiken with a Bachelor’s will be crucial in shaping the OIG’s audit plan. It takes to persuade FEMA to reconsider some zones and to
Degree in Fine Arts. just a few minutes to complete and closes on Aug. 15, improve our Community Rating System (CRS) score. The
I am pleased to update you on the Bonefish Cove 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CRS is a voluntary program that rewards communities
Restoration Project, located just south of the Lake Worth To take the survey, visit https://docs.google.com/ for exceeding minimum floodplain management
Avenue Bridge. This project, a joint effort involving county, forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPFBWYjr8CrHCMRZVbAC2qE requirements. In recognition of these efforts, the National
state and federal agencies, has been years in the making. vaUjNsyfPLrVmcLU7tHUPSJRQ/viewform. Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers discounts on
Until a few months ago my involvement was limited Nonprofit Spotlight. Horses Healing Hearts (HHH) flood insurance premiums.
as it falls within Commissioner Bernard’s district. With is a local nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives Palm Beach County has participated in the CRS since
$10 million in funding from the Army Corps of Engineers, of children facing adversity through the healing power 1991 and currently holds a score of 5 out of 10, which
we’re building several islands and oyster beds to help of horses. provides a 25 percent discount on federal insurance
calm and clean the Intracoastal Waterway at the southern The non-profit provides a unique blend of equine- premiums. Enhancing our CRS score and remapping
end of the Lake Worth Lagoon. assisted learning and therapy to help children navigate could cost over $9 million in the coming years, and
At the early stages of the project we received concerns the challenges of trauma, loss and other significant life commissioners are carefully evaluating these options.
from Hypoluxo Island residents about the new islands difficulties. Their innovative programs are designed to If your property is or will be within a high-risk zone, we
blocking their navigational channel. Although this build confidence, resilience and emotional well-being in encourage you to contact your insurance agent to discuss
channel was well-known locally, it was not marked on young individuals who have faced or are facing difficult flood insurance options. Premiums vary based on individual
official maps. This oversight was brought to light by circumstances. flood risk. Stay informed by visiting the PZB website for
the residents, leading to a series of meetings where we For more information about HHH, including how you flood risk maps and additional information, or reach out
realized the need for a solution. can support their mission or get involved, visit their website. to your insurance agent for a personalized quote.
We’ve been working diligently with the U.S. Army For more information, visit horseshealingheartsusa.org. For more information, visit discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/
Corps of Engineers to address these concerns. Recent Did you Know? Did you know Federal Emergency Pages/default.aspx.
discussions confirmed that the Corps is finalizing a design Management Agency (FEMA) has updated its flood maps, If you require assistance, please contact our office
modification to preserve the traditional navigational and these changes are set to place thousands more Palm at (561) 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.
route. While adjustments with federal processes can be Beach County residents in high-risk flood zones?
time-consuming, our county departments are committed
to keeping you informed and finding a workable
solution. We’ve been providing monthly updates to
stakeholders, including Hypoluxo Island residents and
local representatives.
On July 8, 2024, the contractor began transporting
sand from Peanut Island’s dredge areas and two barges
of sand are delivered daily. Sand is now visible above
the water’s surface at the northernmost island’s location.
Once formed, the intertidal islands will be stabilized with
limestone rock breakwaters.
Yellow turbidity curtains are in place to minimize
environmental impact, with daily monitoring ensuring
safety. Construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Monday through Saturday, with a completion target of
summer 2025. Bonefish Cove will provide essential habitats
for shorebirds and mangroves and improve water quality.
Your feedback has been crucial in shaping this project,
and together we’re making significant progress. We hope
to invite you to join us in planting mangroves at Bonefish
Cove in the spring of 2025.
Celebrating Rob Sweeten Day. Often, the incredible
work of our teachers goes unnoticed, so I was thrilled to
present Mr. Sweeten with a proclamation declaring July
2, 2024, as Rob Sweeten Day.
For 31 years Mr. Sweeten has dedicated himself to
educating, inspiring and mentoring students at Boca
Raton High School. Fun fact: Commissioner Barnett was
even one of his students in his very first year of teaching!

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