Page 13 - Boca Exposure - January '25

Boca Exposure, Page 13
From The Desk Of Commissioner

Marci Woodward: A Message From Marci

Commissioner Woodward, Protecting agriculture in Palm Beach County remains from Boca Raton to my office in West Palm Beach quickly made
a 20-year resident of Boca a challenge due to the development pressure we face, but this a priority. I joined the Tri-Rail and Transportation Planning
Raton, was elected in denying the Ag Reserve land swap was, for me, a significant Agency boards immediately and began exploring ways to help.
November 2022 as Palm step in the right direction. We will continue to have projects It has been a steep learning curve to understand the multi-
Beach County District 4 brought to us as farmers seek to sell to developers and will jurisdictional nature of our system, the long timelines for road
Commissioner. She serves remain challenged to make the right decisions. Our recent projects, the restrictive nature of our funding sources, the limited
on the following board of vote to enter into agreements with a third-party conservation options when approving developments and the complex land use
directors as a representative group to protect our environmentally sensitive lands gives and comprehensive changes that have shaped our current system.
of the county commission: me cause to celebrate the county’s commitment to protecting I am thrilled to announce that our board unanimously
Palm Beach Transportation publicly owned lands as much as possible. approved the issuance of an RFP (Request for Proposal) on
Planning Agency; We’ve held several meetings and workshops to discuss Dec. 12, 2024, for a consultant to help us form a countywide
South Florida Regional the role of code enforcement in the county. These meetings Transportation Master Plan. I cannot possibly name all those
Transportation Authority (TriRail); Treasure Coast Regional are usually contentious as there are always two sides to who helped us get here. Both elected officials and staff from
Planning Council; CareerSource Palm Beach County; Palm every story. While striking a balance between personal the 39 municipalities within PBC, county commissioners and
Beach Cultural Council, and Value Adjustment Board. Ms. and property rights is difficult this board has tackled a few staff, the school board and those in private industry all worked
Woodward graduated from the University of South Carolina- disputes with a willingness to listen to all sides and strive collaboratively to reach this point.
Aiken with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. for peaceful resolutions. We renamed code enforcement to I naively thought it would be easy. It was not. But is anything
I visited family over the Thanksgiving break and saw my “code compliance” and are preparing for our officers to wear worth doing ever easy? The RFP is open until Feb. 25, 2025, and
campaign mailer still hanging on my mother’s refrigerator. It got body cameras while on calls to enhance transparency. although I cannot predict what to expect from the applicants,
me thinking about what I initially wanted to accomplish in this Our labor force has been and remains a top priority. I hope we see an innovative, creative and comprehensive
position and the new priorities I’ve discovered along the way. I joined the CareerSource board as soon as possible and approach to understanding how people currently move
The budget is still a major task and it has continued have met with business and economic leaders to address throughout our area and all the ways we can improve it for
to grow. Although I wouldn’t necessarily call it an the issues. Our most recent unemployment numbers for our citizens. This is a tall order but necessary for the future
accomplishment, we as a board have moved several capital Palm Beach County are 3.5%. We have fewer than 28,000 of our county. Quality of life is at stake. Affordability and
projects forward that were either postponed, deferred or people unemployed and at least 33,000 posted jobs available, expanded opportunities are on the horizon.
delayed for several years. One such project I am most pleased with nearly 800,000 people employed. There is no industry I, for one, can’t wait to see what the New Year brings!
to push forward is our Animal Care & Control facility. If without a shortage of available workers. We are working From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy
you’ve visited you know we have work to do in renovation diligently not only to attract talent to our area but also to keep Holidays! Wishing you blessings in the New Year!
and expansion, including facility-wide air conditioning. our homegrown talent here locally. Expanding the horizons PBC, Delray Beach, and FDOT Team Up! One of my
We also have planned expansions and renovations for the of our young people to see career opportunities that do not top priorities upon taking office has been to bridge the gap
Governmental Center, South County Complex, Green Cay, require a four-year degree is also gaining traction. between our municipalities and key organizations, fostering
Concourse B and the Consolidated Rental Car Facility at One of my new top priorities, which emerged after I took collaboration to get things done and make meaningful progress
Palm Beach International Airport. office, is transportation. I have to admit that my regular commute for our community.
Recently, I had the opportunity to bring together
representatives from Palm Beach County, Delray Beach and the
Florida Department of Transportation for a productive discussion
on improving Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach. Our
goal is to enhance safety for both vehicles and pedestrians while
ensuring that traffic continues to flow efficiently.
The conversations were incredibly positive and we left the
meeting with clear next steps and a shared commitment to finding
practical solutions. I’m excited to see where this collaboration
leads and am optimistic about the positive changes we can make
together for our roads and residents.
Boca Raton Bowl. Boca Raton was buzzing with excitement
Servicing PETS of Boca Raton as we kicked off the festivities for the Boca Bowl. From the
for over 20 years spirited pep rally at Mizner Park to the warm welcome of
“Caring is our Specialty” the James Madison University Dukes and Western Kentucky
University Hilltoppers, the community came together to celebrate
Complete medical, Surgical and Dental the big event. Local council members were also in attendance,
Facility SPA Bath & Grooming showing their support for the teams and the city’s vibrant spirit.
I had the pleasure of chatting with some of the passionate
game-goers at the Fan Fest, capturing all the energy for an
exclusive feature on Channel 20, which will air next month. It
Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center was clear from the excitement in the air that this year’s Boca
Bowl was one for the books.
On game day we saw an incredible turnout from both
locals and out-of-town visitors, with a positive economic
impact on our hotels, restaurants and shops in District 4. And,
of course, our very own local university, Florida Atlantic
University (FAU), enjoyed a well-deserved spotlight on ESPN,
showcasing Boca Raton’s pride on a national stage!
Despite a few rainy days leading up to the event the
Be a part of Boca Raton’s Original skies cleared just in time, giving us perfect weather for the
celebrations. Congratulations to James Madison University
Jewish Film Festival for their impressive victory. Once again, Palm Beach County

presented by the Levis JCC is proud to have hosted the Boca Bowl, and we hope everyone
enjoyed the thrilling game and festivities.
Nonprofit Spotlight. I recently toured the Hanley Center,
February 8 - 22, 2025 a local nonprofit that many may not know is located right
here in West Palm Beach that offers comprehensive addiction
Featuring more than 30 Israeli and Jewish-themed feature films, treatment services.
The county recently awarded the organization $250,000
shorts, documentaries and comedies from around the world. Enjoy to enhance security, including heightened infant security
entertaining, inspiring and thought-provoking stories, connect with measures. I was happy to see these funds being used during
our community, and learn from filmmakers, producers, actors and my tour, guided by Rachel Docekal, Corey Saban, Turner
directors at screenings and special events throughout the year. Benoit, and Chip James, who also shared the incredible work
they do in our community.
Movies of Delray • Levis JCC The center has an expert team, including physicians,
therapists, wellness specialists and a dedicated culinary team,
who deliver exceptional care across a spectrum of services,
561-464-3086 • bocajff.org from medical detox to ongoing support. I had the pleasure of
meeting their chef, who emphasized the crucial role of proper
nutrition in the recovery process.
I look forward to continuing to support the important
work they do to make a difference in so many lives. For more
information, visit hanleyfoundation.org.
Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center • Toby & Leon Cooperman Campus • 21050 95th Avenue S., Boca Raton, FL 33428 If you require assistance, please contact our office at
(561) 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.