Page 5 - PGA Community News - March '20

March 2020
From The Desk Of Jimmy Patronis
Floridians,
Sound financial
planning, including
budge t ing, sa vings,
planning for retirement, and
good credit management,
plays a vital role in your
family’s financial well-
being.
Alarming reports show
that 46 percent of Floridians
lack a rainy-day fund and
I’m encouraging individuals and businesses to review
your financial plan today and make sure it aligns with
your savings goals. During Financial Literacy Month, take
Your pre-loved
treasures could
help start someone’s
Home for Good!
Please consider donating:
Clothing • Accessories
Housewares • Furniture
To donate, visit any of our locations,
or contact: 561-537-4666
Donate@TheLordsPlace.org
www.JoshuaThrift.org
Proceeds benefit the life-changing programs www.Ebay/JoshuaTreasures01
and services of The Lord’s Place.
March 2020 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 5
time to establish and maintain a strong personal financial planning and long-term financial wellness for all
plan to ensure sustained financial success. Floridians.
Recently, I also recognized Florida Thrift Week by *****
highlighting the importance of saving money. Florida’s Last month I had the honor of recognizing members
economy is thriving due in large part to good fiscal of Florida’s firefighting community for their outstanding
stewardship and strong asset management. That is why accomplishments in the fire service industry during the 2020
I partnered with the James Madison Institute (JMI) to Fire Service Awards. Day after day these dedicated men and
highlight Thrift Week and encourage individuals, families, women run towards danger. But it’s not just the firefighters
and businesses across our state to save and spend wisely. that keep our communities safe—it’s the educators,
Florida Thrift Week is made possible by a long-lasting inspectors, investigators, instructors, volunteers and training
partnership with JMI and was highlighted by the governor centers that ensure we’re protected. I cannot thank these fire
and cabinet in a resolution presented to JMI President and service professionals enough for their outstanding service
CEO Dr. Bob McClure. to their communities and our great state.
Just as our nation’s forefather Benjamin Franklin I was joined by Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney
taught, thrift and savings are vital to effective financial General Ashley Moody and Agriculture Commissioner
Nikki Fried during the “Ringing of the Bell” Ceremony to
honor Florida’s 200 fallen firefighters who have lost their
lives in the line of duty. It was a humbling reminder of the
sacrifices made every day by Florida’s brave firefighters
and dedicated first responders.
Words cannot express the great appreciation we
have for the selfless service of these courageous men
and women. We will never forget their commitment and
dedication to the safety of our communities and protecting
the state of Florida.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Patronis,
Community Supporting Community Chief Financial Officer,
Help The Lord’s Place break the cycle of homelessness for more State of Florida
than 1,900 men, women, and children in Palm Beach County.
Shop at one of Joshua Thrift Stores three locations
and discover pre-loved treasures of all kinds!
Clothing • Accessories • Housewares • Furniture Letter To
SHOP DONATE VOLUNTEER
Joshua Thrift Stores now has three locations! The Editor
Open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm • Saturday 10am-5pm
Thank you for the recent articles highlighting the
7600 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 importance of bicycle safety in PGA National. The
905 US Hwy 1, Suite A, Lake Park, FL 33403 information pertaining to Florida law was timely, given
DISCOUNT SUPERSTORE the annual increase in cyclist and pedestrian fatalities over
the previous years. Unfortunately, the articles appeared to
750 S. Military Trail, Suite A, West Palm Beach, FL 33415 have left the impression that the problem - and solution
- lies solely with cyclists. In my many years of cycling
Enroll in our Loyalty Program on throughout the world, and more recently here in PGA, I’d
your first visit and receive bonus points! like to share observations from the perspective of a cyclist.
I have a bell and use it frequently. I also often call
out “on your left, or “on your right” while overtaking
Also visit our ebay store! pedestrians. However, many pedestrians enjoy their stroll
TheLordsPlace.org with earbuds or headphones while listening to music, or
engaged in telephone conversations, while not paying
attention to others around them. No form of warning seems
to work with this group who are “in their own world,” but
then react surprised and startled when passed.
It is unfortunate that unlike a majority of Palm Beach
Gardens, the roadways within PGA were not designed
nor built with shoulders that would improve safety by
providing more room for motorists to pass cyclists.
Fortunately, the path along Ryder Cup is wide enough
to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists (although it
terminates at PGA National Park without connecting to
Northlake Boulevard). Avenue of the Masters poses a
greater danger with a narrower sidewalk, and the usable
width is further diminished by bushes growing in the path,
forcing many cyclists onto the roadway.
It is important to remind motorists of Florida law
316.083 “...The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle
or other non-motorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or
other non-motorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less
than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other
non-motorized vehicle”. Many cyclists will agree that
this law is largely ignored by motorists. As a cyclist, it
is frightening when an impatient motorist following too
closely blasts their horn, or their mirror brushes against
your handlebar because they can’t wait patiently for a safe
moment to pass.
Yes, cyclists must obey state statutes for behavior and
bicycle equipment. They should also always exercise
courtesy to all sidewalk and roadway users. Pedestrians
should be aware of their surroundings, and remember that
cyclists have the same right to the sidewalk. Drivers must
obey the 3-foot passing law, and be aware of the dangers
of distracted driving – particularly when it comes to the
use of cell phones in their vehicle.
Being courteous and patient is a good rule for all
sidewalk and roadway users.
Scott Chapman,
Canterbury