Page 11 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - February '20

Jupiter Ocean Mile, Page 11
Commissioner’s Update

Palm Beach County’s 2020 county affecting our water resources and ecosystems that • Short-Term Vacation Rentals
tie into those efforts. We are asking for the legislature’s We strongly support legislation to repeal the state
Legislative Agenda continued support and funding for projects to restore and preemption of the regulation of short-term/vacation
maintain Lake Okeechobee, the Loxahatchee River, and the rental properties to allow local governments to regulate
By Commissioner Hal Lake Worth Lagoon. Additionally, we are seeking policy these properties to protect the health and welfare of
Valeche changes and a recurring $50M appropriation benefiting residents, visitors and businesses. Unfortunately, a bill
Palm Beach County, along beach management, funding for Glades Region infrastructure (SB 1128) has been proposed which could unravel any
with the School District, improvements, funding to help residents convert from septic form of local vacation rental oversight and regulation.
the League of Cities, and to sewer systems, and legislation to enhance the development This bill, if passed, would have the effect of preempting
the Economic Council has of alternate water supply sources. inspection, licensing and occupancy limits to the state.
developed a joint legislative • Hurricane Response And Preparedness This is particularly concerning, as it pertains to commercial
agenda for this year’s Palm Beach County supports a public records exemption uses in residential neighborhoods. Several constituents in
State legislative session in that protects residents from vendors seeking their information District 1 have complained to me about the operation of
Tallahassee. These entities, in the aftermath of a storm. short-term rentals in their communities that have created
supported by our lobbying • Transportation/Glades Regional Initiatives nuisances, including excessive traffic, parking concerns,
teams, work to protect the We support funding to provide much needed improvements noise, and possible criminal activity. Some short-term
interests of our local communities. in the Glades, including road resurfacing, workforce rental operators are suspected of illegally converting
Of paramount importance is defending home rule and career training, water facilities, rail transportation, single-family homes into multi-family units. We think
authority. This is to ensure that preemptions are not passed ecotourism, and development of an inland port – all of which local regulation is essential to protecting the integrity of
that can prevent local governments from responding to contribute to the economic growth of the region. our established neighborhoods and preserving our quality
constituents needs. We seek to support sound legislation • Criminal Justice of life.
while blocking shortsighted bills that can result in unfunded We support diversion programs, re-entry efforts, and I urge you to make your opinions known to your State
mandates to city and county governments. This is essential to alternatives to detention for juvenile offenders. This requires Representative and Senator on these and other statewide
being able to maintain current levels of service to the public. upgrades to juvenile detention centers and Department of issues of importance to you. Your voter registration card
Here is a summary of the issues and initiatives we have Children and Families facilities. will indicate in which Florida House and Senate districts
identified as priorities for the 2020 session: • PreK-12 Education you reside. Here are the State elected officials representing
• Affordable Housing/Homelessness We support an increase in the base student allocation to North County:
Homeless programs require a dedicated revenue stream. provide meaningful salary increases to all PreK-12 teachers
The Sadowski Housing Trust Fund should be restricted to and support staff; expansion of Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Representative Rick Roth, Delegation Chair
appropriations for affordable and workforce-housing projects, programs; enhancement of career and technical education District 85, (561) 625-5176; rick.roth@myfloridahouse.gov
as was the intent of the fund. programs; creation of a dedicated revenue stream for safety
• Substance Abuse/Sober Homes/Mental Health and mental health reforms mandated by the Marjory Stoneman Representative Mike Caruso
Based on the recommendations of the Sober Homes Douglas Act; and, the requirement for accountability and District 89, (561) 750-2396; mike.caruso@myfloridahouse.gov
Task Force, we urge the legislature to support programs standards for all schools, including school hardening, safety
for life saving interventions, medically assisted detox, and and security. Senator Gayle Harrell
diversions from the criminal justice system for those suffering • Palm Beach State College And Florida Atlantic District 25, (772) 221-4019; Harrell.gayle.web@flsenate.gov
10.25" x 8"
Honda - 2020 Honda Classic – General Promotion
from opioid addiction. Additionally, we are requesting the University
File Name: 01270-T_HondaClassic_10.25x8 Live: 10.25” x 8” Mech released: 12/16/19 Production Artist: Tina
legislature to provide additional beds for mental health Increase operational funding and capital outlays to Senator Bobby Powell
treatment, with a focus on youth services. complete medical and life science facilities. District 30, (561) 650-6880; Powell.bobby.web@flsenate.gov
• Water And Natural Resources • Economic Development
The federally funded Comprehensive Everglades Fund incentive programs that support economic growth, As always, you are welcome to contact me at (561) 355-
Restoration Plan is the most critical, long-term environmental workforce housing and financial stability for regional 2201, or by email at hvaleche@pbcgov.org. My staff and I
project in Florida, and there are significant projects in our businesses. are happy to assist you.

WHO

WILL

TAME FEB 24—MAR 1

THE At The Honda Classic, the best golfers in

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the world must face a windy, water-locked,
BEAR three-hole stretch known as The Bear Trap.

Who will have the skill—and the guts—to
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on the PGA TOUR?

TRAP? ©2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
PGA National Resort & Spa
Palm Beach Gardens, FL

01270-T_HondaClassic_10.25x8.indd 1 RPA 12/16/19 7:56 PM
HRM CAR A01270-T
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
10.25 x 8”,4/C, Non-Bleed
Seabreeze