Page 26 - Boca ViewPointe - September '24

Page 26, Viewpointe September 2024
Tax Talk

Dear Friends: driver license and ID card numbers must now contain at
Recently, my leadership least four randomly generated digits. This new system
team and I had the pleasure aims to improve security and safeguard individuals’
of reviewing our client identities.
satisfaction surveys like Those applying for a first-time driver license or
we do each and every identification card will be issued a card that meets the
quarter. For the second new statutory numbering requirements. Once you are
quarter (April to June) issued a driver license or identification card with a new
of 2024, our agency sent number that meets the new requirements, the number will
out more than 130,000 not change unless your last name changes.
surveys to clients who
either visited one of our
service centers in person or who reached our Client
Care and Research Center by phone. We are so proud
that 56.6 percent of our clients last quarter rated our The MV Express Kiosks are a convenient way to
service as “Exceptional” and 29.5 percent said our renew and print your motor vehicle registration and
service was “Very Good”! That tells us that more than decal on the spot in a matter of minutes. To renew your
86 percent of our clients rate their interaction with our vehicle registration at one of these kiosks, you will need
office as a very positive experience! We are so proud a registration renewal notice PIN or your plate number
that our agency continues to outpace the national and the date of birth of the first registered owner. We are
average of 62 percent for “like” government offices. fortunate to be able to expand the number of kiosks in
A huge thank you to my dedicated staff who provide Palm Beach County and I encourage you to visit www.
exceptional service to our Palm Beach County residents pbctax.com/kiosks/ for a complete list of kiosk locations.
and to our clients who take the time to respond to our
surveys and provide us with valuable feedback so we Changes To Driver License
can continue to deliver exceptional service. I couldn’t
be prouder! Numbers
Anne M. Gannon,
Constitutional Tax Collector, The next time
Serving Palm Beach County you renew or replace
your driver license or
TCO Gives Back To The identification card in
person or online, you
Community will be issued a new
driver license or ID
Our employees are committed to making a difference number. There is no need to immediately replace your
in the community and we partner with two local charities, current driver license or ID, as you will be issued a new
which are selected by employees. For the past two years number when it is time for you to renew or replace your
we have been supporting the nonprofit Living Hungry and driver license or ID.
recently employees participated in a hygiene kit drive, The change is taking place because, on July 31,
contributing close to 300 kits for kids in need. the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Living Hungry is a Delray Beach charity, dedicated Vehicles (FLHSMV) began implementing legislation
to eliminating food insecurity experienced by homeless which amends Florida Statute 322.14(1)(a), requiring
students in Palm Beach County. The organization supports
875 students in 24 schools throughout the county. Along with
the hygiene kits, our employees contributed more than $8,000 Two Palm Beach Children’s Surgical
to help supply weekly bags of food and basic necessities.
Specialists Pediatric Surgeons Offer

Important Back-To-School Tips To Keep

Children Safe On Campus And Playing Field

As the new school year nears, ensuring students’ or replaced. Children need to be supervised to ensure they
safety on and around campus as well as during sports and use the equipment correctly and to prevent overcrowding,
extracurricular activities is crucial. Back-to-school season which can also lead to accidents.”
means more time spent on fields and playgrounds, so Additionally ,
making safety a priority is key to a successful, injury-free encouraging children to
academic year. practice safe play habits
Pediatric surgeons helps minimize risks.
Anne Fischer, MD, and “Schools can promote
Avraham Schlager, MD, safety through regular drills
two members of the highly and educational sessions,
skilled clinical team at and by having clear safety
Left to right: Jeff Koons, Living Hungry Board Member, Palm Beach Children’s guidelines,” he said.
Gabriela Mariel Alianiello, Sr. Executive Assistant, Kenia Surgical Specialists, The new academic
Ramirez, CCRC Manager, Anne M. Gannon, Tax Collector offered some important year also brings increased
tips to help keep children activity to streets around
“Thank you from the hundreds of homeless students you safe both at school and on schools, making traffic Avraham Schlager, MD
reached,” said Maura Plante, Living Hungry Founder and the playing field. and pedestrian safety a top
CEO. “They know how special you are because you care.” For participants in any priority. “Parents need to
Learn more by visiting www.pbctax.com/aboutus/ sport, wearing the proper Anne Fischer, MD remind children about the importance of using crosswalks
community-involvement/. protective gear is essential and obeying traffic signals, especially if they’re starting
to prevent injuries. “For sports like football, hockey, and at a new school where they may be unfamiliar with
Vehicle Registration Kiosks … lacrosse, helmets, mouthguards, and pads are crucial,” the campus,” said Dr. Fischer. “It’s also important to
said Dr. Fischer. “These items should be well-fitted and emphasize wearing high visibility clothing, particularly
Quick And Convenient regularly inspected for wear and tear. In sports like soccer for younger children who walk or bike to school. And, of
and basketball, shin guards and supportive footwear help course, helmets are a must for any child riding a bicycle.”
We are thrilled to announce the addition of four new MV reduce the risk of injuries. Students should be educated By working together to ensure that playgrounds
Express Registration Kiosks! This puts our total number of on the importance of wearing this gear consistently and are secure and traffic patterns around schools are well-
kiosks in Palm Beach County to nine, which are located in correctly, as even a momentary lapse in protection can lead organized and safe, schools and parents can create a safer
select Publix stores. In addition to our original five kiosks, to serious injuries.” and more enjoyable environment for students, added Dr.
below are the four new MV Express Kiosk locations: Playground safety is another back-to-school concern. Schlager.
• Publix – Chasewood Plaza, 6330 W. Indiantown Playgrounds are a hub of activity, and ensuring they remain For more information on Dr. Anne Fischer and
Road, Jupiter safe is vital. “The surface under playground equipment Dr. Avraham Schlager and Palm Beach Children’s
• Publix – Crestwood Square, 11977 Southern Blvd., should be made of impact-absorbing materials like Surgical Specialists practice and office visit:
Royal Palm Beach mulch or rubber to minimize injuries from falls,” said Dr. palmbeachchildrenssurgicalspecialists.com or call (561)
• Publix – Shoppes at Village of Golf, 11200 S. Military Schlager. “Equipment should be regularly inspected for 295-9100.
Trail, Golf any wear and tear and damaged items promptly repaired
• Publix – Reserve Shopping Center, 9720 Clint Moore
Road, Boca Raton Paid Advertisement