Page 6 - Abacoa Community News - December '21
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Page 6, Abacoa
goverNmeNt
Tax Talk
Dear Friends, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake; days later it was battered by
It goes without saying Tropical Storm Grace. After hearing the news our team was
that 2021 was another eager to help. We are proud that our team raised $1,685 to
challenging year as we help those impacted by these events. This money was given to
continued to deal with the the nonprofit Hope for Haiti to aid in the relief and restoration
COVID-19 pandemic. With efforts for the people of Haiti.
the availability of vaccines Employees hold fundraising activities throughout the
and more and more people year, with the most recent being a Pumpkin Decorating
getting vaccinated, we are Contest. The proceeds of the contest went to our charitable
hopefully seeing the results as partner, Making Every Day Count, who are committed to
fewer cases, hospitalizations, raising funds so Palm Beach County Family and Delinquency
and deaths are reported. I am How about animal encounters on land? With visits to Drug Courts can give youth and families affected by
hopeful that 2022 will continue this trend and COVID-19 will Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach and Gumbo addiction a second chance.
not be the driving force of how we live our lives. Through it Limbo in Boca Raton you can learn more about the sea life Stay tuned, in the coming weeks employees will be
all, my focus has been and will remain the health and safety that calls Palm Beach County home. To see Florida’s state participating in a sock drive to donate to our community
of my employees and our clients. marine mammal, take a trip to Manatee Lagoon in Rivera partner Living Hungry to ensure that homeless children have
As we round out 2021, I want to wish you a very happy Beach which features hands-on exhibits and an observation access to clean socks. Living Hungry works to eliminate food
and healthy holiday season and hope this year, you are able deck to spot manatees. Don’t want to get out of your car? insecurity experienced by local homeless schoolchildren.
to enjoy the season with family and friends. Loxahatchee’s Lion Country Safari, Florida’s only drive-
Sincerely, through safari park, allows you to see lions, giraffes, rhinos Important Dates And
Anne M. Gannon, and more without ever leaving your car.
Constitutional Tax Collector, Our outdoor parks and recreation sites aren’t the only Deadlines
Serving Palm Beach County place you’ll find trees. Visit the only 35-foot-tall, 700-ton
holiday sand tree, Sandi, at the Waterfront in Downtown West Dec. 24 and 27
Plan Ahead: Save Time And Palm Beach! Ever seen a 100-foot Christmas tree? Just take Dec. 31*
Winter holiday – Offices closed
a trip to Delray Beach to see one of Palm Beach County’s
Money largest holiday displays that has been illuminating downtown Deadline for Property Tax 3
for the past 27 years. percent discount
During the upcoming holiday season, we know that our Dec. 31*
clients are busy. Special recipes to prepare and gifts to shop Our Charitable Giving Deadline to make IPP Installment
for, there’s so much to do before the end of the year. Clients Payment No. 3
can still save time and money by paying their property ’Tis the season for giving and helping others. Every two Dec. 31
taxes early. A 3 percent discount is available if you pay years our agency selects two local nonprofit organizations New Year’s Eve – Offices Closed
your property tax by Dec. 31. The discount offer decreases to support through our Community Involvement Partner * Florida Statute extends discount/payment deadlines falling
by one percent each month, before expiring Feb. 28, 2022. program. This program is driven by employees and all on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday to the next business day.
All property tax payments must be received by March 31 to items donated and funds raised generously come from them. Payment(s) must be received in our office by 5 p.m. or online
avoid delinquency. Currently, we have partnered with Making Every Day Count by 11:59 p.m., EST, on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.
Pay online quickly and securely at pbctax.com by and Living Hungry.
eCheck, credit or debit card. eCheck, or electronic check, is Our dedication to serving others sometimes goes beyond
a free service allowing you to pay directly from your bank national borders. Back in early August, Haiti was struck by
account, using your bank’s routing number and your checking
or savings account number, so have those handy before
MasterCard, American Express and Discover. A 2.4 percent Oxbridge Academy on the Move
you log on. If using a credit or debit card, we accept Visa,
processing fee will be collected by the card processing
vendor, and not retained by our office. For online payments, What does an acclaimed co-educational, independent newly appointed athletic director Stan Ross, also the
bank processing times average between one to three business school – known for instilling values, building boys’ lacrosse coach. “Oxbridge paused the football
days, depending on your financial institution. For details character, emphasizing diversity, and creating a program in 2018 with some safety concerns with some
about these payment methods, and other options, such as curriculum suited for individual choice – do when of the games on the schedule and other reorganization
wire transfers, visit pbctax.com/payment-options. it reaches its 10-year milestone? In the case of decisions.” Ross adds. “COVID-19 delayed our plans
*Keep in mind that processing times noted in the chart Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach it adds a a little, however we feel we are ready for the return of
are in addition to mail handling or delivery times through
the United States Postal Service or your courier of choice. middle school for grades seven and eight and brings football as a junior varsity sport next fall and varsity
Payments are not accepted by phone. back one of its signature athletic programs, football competition in the years to come.”
along with a return of its cheerleading team. The
Oxbridge Academy Middle School opened its doors The athletic program also includes baseball,
in August and football is set to return to campus in basketball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse,
the fall of 2022. sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, track & field,
tennis, girls volleyball, and girls flag football. Over
“When we began planning for our 10-year anniversary the years, many Oxbridge student-athletes have
and identified ways to build on our strong foundation, received scholarships to play at the next level in
a middle school and bringing back our football college.
program were a big part of the conversation,”
explained Oxbridge Head of School Ralph Maurer. Academically, Oxbridge boasts an average class
The school’s 10-year milestone also coincided with size of 14, a 9:1 student/faculty ratio, and a faculty
several other important factors: more families moving of which 77% have advanced degrees, including
into the area and an increasing demand for private 13% with doctorates. Oxbridge is also proud of its
school education. The timing is right, and so is the unique, signature programs: Artificial Intelligence
mission. (AI), Aviation, Cambridge (England) Scholars, and
Independent Research. The school’s Model U.N. and
“Adding middle school grades means preparing debate teams and its theater students consistently
students at a younger age to be world citizens receive statewide awards and recognition. The
and future leaders who are caring, confident, number of extra-curricular options grows as students
compassionate, critical thinkers,” Maurer continues. are encouraged to bring new ideas for clubs. Oxbridge
See Palm Beach County This “It gives younger students from all walks of life the also emphasizes community service, which includes
opportunity to benefit from a culture that nurtures tutoring students, clothing and toy drives, and beach
Holiday Season and instills values such as integrity, honesty, respect, clean ups.
and gratitude. It will help them develop character and
With kids out of school and family visiting, now is the discover their passions at an earlier age and prepare It’s your turn to discover Oxbridge.
perfect time to get out enjoy the Florida “winter” and visit them for a seamless transition to our high school.”
one of Palm Beach County’s many outdoor recreational spots. For more information about Oxbridge Academy,
Looking for the perfect beach? With 47 miles of coastline, “Bringing back our football program adds another e-mail admission@oapb.org or call (561) 972-9826.
you’ll find the beach that is right for you! Did you know Palm fantastic athletic program and enhances opportunities
Beach County has the third-largest barrier reef system in the for our student body and school spirit,” explains
world? Take a snorkeling or diving trip at Phil Foster Park,
Peanut Island or Coral Cove Park and be on the lookout for Paid Advertisement
sea turtles and tropical fish!