Page 17 - Southern Exposure - January '25

Southern Exposure, Page 17

Commissioner’s Update

Palm Beach County: Driving Innovation, Safety,

And Growth For A Brighter Future

By Mayor Maria G. Marino

It’s truly an honor to What makes Palm Beach County such a desirable Transportation is another cornerstone of our growth
become the mayor of destination for businesses and families? It’s the outstanding strategy. By collaborating with all 39 municipalities, we are
a county that is a driving quality of life, with 110 parks, beaches, and recreational developing a Countywide Transportation Master Plan that
force for economic growth, areas that turn living here into a dream. These spaces are ensures safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility for everyone.
innovation and quality of life. more than just amenities; they are vital investments in our With more than 550 interlocal agreements spanning
Palm Beach County stands shared well-being. Programs like Park Rx, also known as Park public safety, coastal protection, facilities, and broadband,
as a beacon of progress, Prescriptions, is part of a national initiative that encourages we’re fostering a spirit of collaboration that benefits every
built not by chance, but healthcare professionals to prescribe time spent in nature to corner of our county. Our ISS department, using $50M in
through thoughtful planning, improve patients’ health and well-being. federal funds, has installed broadband poles and more than
consistent effort, and This past year, we completed two major restoration 500 miles of fiber optic cabling. Free Internet broadband
unwavering commitment to projects in our estuaries: Sawfish Island and Tarpon Cove. is available in 17 branches of our libraries and 47 county
excellence. These initiatives created critical seagrass, oyster reef, and parks. And by partnering with agencies like the Boys
Palm Beach County thrives on strategic investments that mangrove habitats, supporting wildlife, improving water and Girls Clubs and 86 schools, we are bringing Wi-Fi
yield transformative results. For every dollar invested in quality, and enhancing coastal resilience. Coastal resilience to homes that would otherwise be unable to have this
economic development, we see exponential returns—more is important for maintaining our pristine beaches and natural necessary tool for kids to do their homework. Pair that
businesses, more jobs, and a stronger tax base. We’ve proven habitat. The county spent nearly $6M this past year on dune with many interlocal agreements with our municipalities,
that we act local while thinking global. projects and beach renourishment and over 1.4 million cubic we are delivering broadband at a discounted price which
Public Safety is the foundation of any thriving community. yards of sand was placed on county beaches. That volume is passing a huge savings on to all our residents.
From emergency management during storms to initiatives by would fill 150 Jupiter Lighthouses! Palm Beach County is an award-winning county,
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Education in Palm Beach County is more than Vanderbilt. locally, statewide and nationally. We are rewriting the
Office (PBSO), we are committed to ensuring residents feel In addition to our higher education options, we have three rules of what’s possible. Through precision, patience,
secure. A shining example is our whole blood program, one of technical high schools in our county. College may not be for and strategy, we’re driving excellence and ensuring every
only 121 in the nation, which enables medically trained first everyone, but education is. resident and every business sees the benefits of living,
responders to perform life-saving blood transfusions in the Palm Beach County is buzzing with transformational working, and thriving here. Together, we’re creating
field. Through its safety education, the Drowning Prevention projects designed to meet the needs of yesterday and today a future where innovation meets sustainability, and
Coalition reached nearly 24,000 people, and 2,200 kids ages while anticipating tomorrow. Recent accomplishments prosperity is shared by all.
2 to 12 took free or reduced-cost swim lessons. include the completion of the PBSO District 1 Marine Unit For more information on the latest news and initiatives
Investments in public safety provide tangible returns: Facility, the Supervisor of Elections Production Facility, and in Palm Beach County, please visit: www.pbc.gov.
stronger communities, lower insurance premiums, and the Canyon Branch Library. Upcoming renovations at Roger
enhanced quality of life. When people feel safe, businesses Dean Stadium and expansions to the Animal Care and Control
thrive, families grow, and communities flourish. That’s the Building will further enhance our infrastructure. Solid Waste
kind of return on investment we can all celebrate. Authority has the No. 1 renewable energy facility in America.

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