Page 6 - Boca ViewPointe - March '25

Page 6, Viewpointe March 2025

From The Desk Of from page 1 community stakeholders at the Canyon Branch Library park. This meeting will be a chance to learn about the
with the goal of vetting this idea for Florida. We shared designs and ask any questions you may have.
also in gathering data to support our county’s business our findings and emphasized the urgent need to address the The event will be held at the South County Civic
community. retirement savings gap within our workforce, highlighting Center (16700 Jog Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446) on April
It is clear the best way to move this process forward is the alarming statistic that 56 million U.S. workers, 2 at 6 p.m.
to begin with the backing of local business and economic representing over 60% of the private sector, lack access
development stakeholders. The second takeaway is the need to employer-sponsored retirement benefits. Recently Approved Agenda
to have this taken up as legislation at the state level. There During this discussion, representatives asked hard
are more than 20 states that have either passed or are in the questions, rigorously dissecting the proposed program to Items
process of implementing legislation for state facilitated plans. understand how it could successfully work for our county.
Much of the hard work has been done and the conference They really dug into the details, showing they’re serious Each month, the Board of County Commissioners
in Nashville proffered the names of a number of individuals about finding a solution that actually works. approves a wide range of important agenda items that
and organizations ready to help us in Florida. Small businesses, which form the backbone of Florida’s impact areas such as engineering, facilities, housing,
As a county commissioner, I do not make policy economy, face unique challenges in providing retirement airports, and more. Here are some key items approved
at the state level. I hosted a meeting with a number of options. Many find it cost prohibitive or too burdensome this month:
• Increase the Agricultural Enhancement Council
to “shop” plans for themselves and their employees. Many (AEC) from 9 to 11 members and remove term limits. New
business owners work as many if not more hours than their
Transponder employees and simply do not have the time to tackle one members will include a representative from small farms
more thing. In fact, 73% of employees in small businesses
(under 50 acres, outside the Everglades Agricultural Area
Trouble? with fewer than 50 employees lack access to retirement and Agricultural Reserve) and one from agri-tourism,
savings plans through their job.
recommended by the Palm Beach County Farm Bureau.

Here in Palm Beach County, we have a total of
• Clerk Joseph Abruzzo reported that the investment
72,146 businesses, with a staggering 97%—or 69,885 earned income was $230 million.
TRANSPONDER FEES businesses—employing fewer than 50 people. These • The following companies by a 6-1 vote to provide
small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, EMS services in Palm Beach County from February 11,
The old style transponders that you use to gain entry employing almost half the workforce. However, a 2025, to June 30, 2027: MCT Express, Inc. (All County
through the gates work off of batteries. The batteries significant portion of these employees, approximately Ambulance), National Health Transport, Inc., Positive
are built into the device and cannot be replaced. At the 305,218 individuals, lack access to retirement plans. Mobility Inc. (Elite Medical Response), and E-Care
end of their life, the entire device must be replaced. The state-facilitated programs, often utilizing an Ambulance, Inc., Palms West Hospital (HCA Florida
Most of our devices have been in use for over five Auto-IRA model, allow businesses to automatically enroll Palms West) is limited to transporting patients between
years now and are beginning to fail. If your device employees in retirement savings accounts, with minimal the hospital and other facilities.
is no longer working properly, it may be time for administrative burden and no direct cost to employers
you to purchase a new one. Replacement devices are beyond payroll deductions. Employees retain the flexibility Nonprofit Spotlight
sold at the discounted price of $75. Driver’s license to opt out at any time. The plan is also extremely portable
and vehicle registration required. We are now using in that it easily follows the employee if they change jobs The Hands and Feet is a local nonprofit that serves as
windshield devices.  within the state. a vital resource for children and families navigating the
I am encouraging our business community to actively complexities of the child welfare system.
$100.00 - New transponder advocate for a state-facilitated retirement savings program Acting as a sort of “DoorDash for foster care,” they
$75.00 - Replacement transponder in Tallahassee. The benefits are clear and compelling. By swiftly deliver essential items, from clothing and diapers
establishing such a program, we can significantly improve to car seats and comfort items, addressing immediate
**Homeowners, tenants and club members will be the financial security of our workforce, reduce reliance on needs and offering crucial support.
issued a transponder to the village they reside in and public assistance, and alleviate pressure on programs like More than just providing tangible goods, The Hands
into the Boca Pointe Club if they are a member** Social Security. and Feet extends a lifeline of hope and community,
This is a strategic investment that will benefit employers, ensuring that vulnerable children and families know they
employees, and taxpayers alike. If you’d like to learn more are not alone.
about this or offer your help, please contact us. It’s time to Their dedication to filling the gaps and providing for
ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PAYMENT get some traction in Tallahassee on this important issue. those in crisis makes a tangible difference in the lives of
CHECK or MONEY ORDER ONLY many within our community.
NO REFUNDS ARE ISSUED Milani Park Community For more information, visit www.thehandsandfeet.org.
If you require assistance, please contact our office
Meeting at 561-355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org. 

We’re excited to invite the public to the Milani Park
Community Meeting, where the design team, Brooks +
Scarpa, and county staff will present their plans for the

PBCFR Yellow Dot Program

Have you ever wondered, provide them with vital medical information, the Yellow
what would happen if you Dot is your tool to provide personalized information on
got into a car crash and you your behalf!
were unconscious? Have you This is how it works…just follow three steps.
thought to yourself…how 1- Fill out the form on the Yellow Dot pamphlet.
would anyone know what 2- Put the Yellow Dot pamphlet form in your glove
my medical history is; or compartment box.
how would they know about 3- Place the sticker on the back/rear windshield in
the medications I am taking; or the the lower left hand corner so emergency responders
medicines I’m allergic to; or better can see it quickly and easily when approaching from
yet, how would they know what behind.
hospital that I want to go to…? *Important Tips*
Who would call my family * Keep the Yellow Dot pamphlet updated as
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC and let them know I’ve been information changes.
** How many do you need??? (i.e. One Yellow
WHY CHOOSE US?? hurt? How would they even Dot sticker per vehicle & One Yellow Dot pamphlet
know how to get in touch with
u ONE ON ONE PERSONALIZED CARE my family? for each person.)
u EXPERIENCED THERAPISTS, The good news is that you don’t have to wonder or You can stop in to any Palm Beach County Fire
COMMITTED TO YOUR PROGRESS worry about that anymore. Palm Beach County Fire Station to pick up Yellow Dot pamphlets and stickers for
Rescue supports a new Program called the Yellow
your household. For quantities more than that, please
u CONVENIENT LOCATION – BOCA Dot. The Yellow Dot gets important information into call our Community Education Office at 561-616-7033.
WHARFSIDE – the hands of emergency responders quickly and it can If your club or organization would like a presentation
u INSURANCE FRIENDLY save your life! about the Yellow Dot, to learn more about additional
6909 SW 18th Street, If you are involved in a car accident and can’t resources available, and to have an opportunity to
Ste A114 communicate, first responders can look in your glove ask questions, please call 561-616-7051. Yellow
Boca Raton Fl 33433 compartment box for the “Yellow Dot” pamphlet where Dot Sticker/Pamphlet sets will be brought to the
561-955-9384 you have written essential medical information about presentation for audience attendees. Quantities can be
discussed when presentations are booked.
yourself.
Gillespietherapy@gmail.com This information can help rescue crews decide the Making Your Safety My Priority,
best approach to your emergency treatment. This is Elyse Weintraub Brown,
CALL US TODAY TO RECLAIM YOUR STRENGTH especially important after a car accident where you Community Education Specialist, South County,
AND MOBILITY may be unconscious, in shock, or simply unable to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
JOSEPH E. GILLESPIE, MSPT communicate clearly. 561-616-7051
DEANA HICKS PTA When you can’t talk to Emergency Responders to ewbrown@pbcgov.org 