Bringing you News that Counts
Bringing you News that Counts
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May 18, 2009 IN THIS ISSUE
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PBC TV Channel 20 Introduces “21st Century Palm Beach County”
Economic stability, international trade, the digital divide and the regeneration of the Glades area in Palm Beach County are some of the topics that are being discussed in the new television series “21st Century Palm Beach County,” which is currently being aired on PBC TV Channel 20.
The 30-minute show highlights Palm Beach County’s effort to transform its economy into a prototype for how communities of the future will grow. The program features the implementation of the county’s award-winning “21st Century Strategic Economic Plan,” including eight public-private partnerships. “In light of the recession, tax and insurance issues, I think local residents and businesses, as well as our own public servants, will want to know what actions are being taking to regenerate the economy,” said Kevin Johns, Director of Economic Development for Palm Beach County.
As the county works to implement its economic goal of generating 30,000 new jobs and $1 billion in tax revenue, the new show aims to gain support from citizens and the private sector by leveraging private investment, attracting stakeholders and forging municipal and county relationships. The
first show of this four-pat series is currently airing on Channel 20 and will
continue to air in June.
Community Services Hosts Florida Association for Community Action’s 29th Annual Training Conference
Community Services hosted the Florida Association for Community Action’s (FACA) 29th annual training conference on May 13. The three-day conference was held at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens.
The FACA is a state organization dedicated to serving Florida’s community action agencies, Head Start programs and other sanctioned programs to raise the health, education, and economic standards of Florida's economically disadvantaged citizens.
Workshops at the event addressed topics such as advocating for ending poverty, legal issues affecting Head Start and successful fund raising.
Limestone Creek Natural Area Now Open
A group of about 25 residents, many from the Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative, joined the commissioners as they explored the 53-acre natural area located at 6570 Church Street in Jupiter that includes a nature trail, hiking trail and fishing pier. ERM maintains the area and organized a massive cleanup effort to restore the site. A 30-minute tour, led by ERM staff, provided information about land management efforts, including prescribed burns, removal of exotic vegetation and monitoring of endangered species.
Light Harbor Park Opens on Intracoastal Waterway
The new park includes three new boat ramps, 72 boat/trailer parking spaces and 20 standard parking spaces. Jim Barry, former Environmental Enhancement & Restoration Division Director for the Environmental Resources and Management Department, was recognized for his significant role in securing the necessary permits so that Light Harbor could be developed for public use and boating access. “I am especially proud of this project and my involvement with it,” he said. “I went after it vigorously due to its geographic location directly across from Peanut Island and across from the Palm Beach Inlet which gives you access to the ocean.” Boaters can now use the new boat ramps in Light Harbor Park, with four fixed boarding docks approximately 55-feet long next to the boat ramps and an additional 250-feet of floating staging docks surrounding the boat ramp basin. Additional amenities include two pavilions, park benches, restrooms, landscaping and site lighting. Initial funding for the development of Light Harbor Park was provided by Palm Beach County impact fees and the 2004 voter-approved Waterfront Access Bond. The remaining funds were provided by partnering agencies. Since 1986, the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) has provided about $24 million in waterway assistance funding to 130 projects in Palm Beach County, including $987,000 for Light Harbor Park. “In addition to keeping the Intracoastal Waterway properly dredged, we partner with local governments and agencies on projects that can enhance public use and access to the Waterway. One of our great partners is Palm Beach County,” said FIND Commissioner Donn R. Colee, Jr. of the Florida Inland Navigation District. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Ron Bergeron presented a check for $500,000 to Light Harbor Park. Riviera Beach Council Chairwoman Dawn Pardo on the Intracoastal Waterway, Council Chair Pro-Tem Judy Davis, and Mayor Thomas Masters were also on hand for the opening day celebration and were acknowledged for their support and partnership. Riviera Beach Maritime Academy students also participated in the dedication with a ceremonial launch of an Academy-built vessel. Light Harbor Park is located at 1800 Broadway in Riviera Beach, approximately half a mile south of Blue Heron Boulevard.
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