Page 12 - Abacoa Community News - February '24

Page 12, Abacoa

goverNMeNt

Commissioner’s Update

County Keeps Watchful Eye is challenging. Because Florida is such a large and diverse preempted local governments from regulating short-term
rentals in local ordinances.
state, lawmakers often have diverse priorities and conflicting
On 2024 Legislative Session agendas. Residents continue to look to their government for
Each year the Board of County Commissioners approves assistance with pocketbook issues, as the cost of living
By Commissioner Palm Beach County’s State Legislative Agenda. The 2024 continues to rise. Homeowners are facing massive property
Maria Marino state legislative agenda includes general government and insurance rate increases and loss of coverage, but legislators
Florida’s legislative environmental and natural resources issues with a focus anticipate that we have only begun to feel the effects of
session stands as a pivotal on items related to economic development, substance the tort reform package passed during the 2023 legislative
period in shaping the use and mental health, affordable housing, homelessness, session and the additional guardrail previously put in place.
state’s policies, laws and protection of county ordinances, transportation and water The costs of insuring vehicles in Florida has also skyrocketed
overall governance. Unlike and environmental restoration. The agenda outlines what the and a series of bills has been filed to repeal and overhaul the
some states with full- county’s legislative affairs and intergovernmental offices, in state’s “no-fault” auto insurance system.
time lawmakers, Florida’s conjunction with the county’s contract state lobbyists, will The decisions made during this legislative session have a
legislature is part-time and advocate for, and work to oppose. profound impact on the social, economic and environmental
convenes for a 60-day regular A significant topic among local officials is home rule. fabric of the state and will ripple through communities,
session each year. This year, Home rule refers to the authority granted to local governments schools, businesses and homes across Florida. As leaders,
the 2024 legislative session began on Jan. 9, and lawmakers to govern themselves within the framework of state laws. it is imperative that we to continue to find ways to relieve
have only 60 days to pass legislation, including the state Striking a balance between local autonomy and state the increased burden placed on our residents and lead with
budget which grew to $118.5 billion in FY 2023/24. oversight has been a serious challenge as lawmakers pass fiscal responsibility. As I have advocated with the County
Over 3,000 pieces of legislation are filed each year and legislation that has statewide ramifications. That balance is Commission to adopt a 5 percent millage rate reduction
lawmakers will only take up and pass a small percentage of essential to ensure communities can effectively address their for FY 2024/25, I am keeping the same watchful eye on
these bills, leaving many untouched. Different types of bills unique challenges. any legislation that could create undue financial burdens
include: appropriations, claims, general, local, memorial, Local governments have a keen eye on bills affecting on our residents. The vigilance and engagement of local
resolution, reviser and trust fund. In order for a bill to become home rule, like HB 267 – Building Regulations, which aims officials during the legislative session is critical to ensure that
law, an identical bill must pass both legislative chambers, the to make a comprehensive update to the residential building outcomes align with the needs and values of the communities
Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives, review process. SB 280 – Vacation Rentals, attempts to we serve.
and be signed by the Governor. With 120 members in the revise regulations within the industry. In 2011, when online As always, if I can be assistance to you, please contact
Florida House and 40 members in the Florida Senate, this rental business wasn’t well known, legislation passed that me at (561) 355-2201.
Northern Notes

Nonnative Species And report sightings of nonnative be a street address or a detailed
The FWC asks that the public
description of the area.
Hunting On Northern Property species. Reporting observations • The date when the animal
helps to manage nonnative was seen
By Katie Roundtree, species. The best reports of You can use the web form at
Director of Finance and nonnative species are credible IveGot1.org to report nonnative
Administration, Northern reports. These are reports that the animals. The form will prompt
Palm Beach County FWC can verify for the species you for the information and has
Improvement District in question, and all necessary a map where you can select the
Northern Palm Beach data is included. Credible reports location if you do not have the
County Improvement contain three elements. GPS coordinates.
District (“Northern”) • A photograph showing NPDES tip: Don’t feed
owns over 2,000 acres of the animal in question that wildlife, especially near ponds,
preserves, approximately is not blurry and has a high lakes, and streams. Attracting a
50 miles of canals, and enough resolution so that it can large amount of wildlife to one
more than 370 water bodies be enlarged to ensure species location can lead to an increase
with associated maintenance areas or easements. An identification in nutrients and bacteria level
abundance of native animals and plant species reside in • The location where the animal from wildlife waste. This can
those areas. Northern’s staff take pride in ensuring their was seen. GPS coordinates are contribute to the pollution of our
continued success. best, but the location can also lakes and streams.
Unfortunately, nonnative species also encroach and
reside in many of the same areas. While some do not cause
problems, others are considered invasive, meaning they DR. RYAN CHIZNER
negatively impact native fish and wildlife, cause extensive
damage, or threaten human health and welfare. HAS JOINED PALM
As discussed last month, wild hogs are one type of
invasive species whose population continues to expand BEACH CARDIOLOGY
as they become used to different climates. Iguanas,
Burmese pythons, tegus, Cuban tree frogs, cane toads, CENTER
Muscovy ducks, and Egyptian geese are other commonly
encountered invasive species in our area. P.B.C.C. is pleased to welcome Dr. Ryan Chizner. Dr. Chizner
Nonnative species are not protected in Florida except completed fellowships in cardiology and interventional
by the anti-cruelty law, Florida Statute § 828.12. They can cardiology for which he is board certified.
be captured and humanely killed on private property at In addition he holds board certification in Internal Medicine,
any time with landowner permission. The Florida Fish and Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology and Vascular
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends Interpretation.
contacting a nuisance wildlife control operator if He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the Honors
concerned about invasive species on their property. A list Program at the University of Florida. He went on to complete
of trappers can be found at MyFWC.com/Trappers. dual degrees with a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine and
A recent incident involving the shooting of Egyptian Master of Public Health from Nova Southeastern University.
geese on the bank of a lake owned by Northern Palm Previously, Dr. Chizner practiced Interventional Cardiology in
Beach County Improvement District was brought to the Central Florida and Georgia.
attention of Northern’s staff and Board of Supervisors. He is the Co-Author of a Bestselling textbook on Cardiac Drugs
During a recent board meeting, the Board members for healthcare providers, which is now in its second edition.
discussed the hunting of invasive species on Northern- He is thrilled to move closer to family in South Florida.
owned property. They asked that all landowners be made
aware of the following.
Please be advised that, while permissible on private
property with permission, hunting an invasive species
is expressly prohibited on real property owned by the 561-775-1061
Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District.
This property includes lakes, canals, parks and preserves
owned by Northern. The only exception is state-licensed
Htwe Sein, M.D.
trappers authorized by Northern to trap and remove wild Edward Mostel, M.D. Cyrus Kavasmaneck, M.D.
Steven Kessel, M.D.
hogs, threatening alligators, or other invasive species.
3365 Burns Rd., Suite 101, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410