Economic Plan Earns International Award

 

Acknowledging Palm Beach County for its globalization initiative, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest economic development association, presented the county with a 2009 Award of Excellence on October 6 at the IEDC’s annual conference in Reno, Nevada.

 

“As the consequences of the widespread economic turmoil have taken hold, we have seen our members become even more ardent proponents of economic development,” said Ian Bromley, IEDC chair. “We proudly present this award to Palm Beach County for its superior work during these difficult times.”

 

Competing in the category of Responding to Globalization by organizations serving areas with populations exceeding 200,000, Palm Beach County’s 21st Century Strategic Economic Plan was a clear standout. The plan involves a system of 36 public-private partnerships designed to attract global interest, trade and investments to Palm Beach County, and serves as a prototype for communities of the future.

 

Highlights of the plan include the developing biotech cluster in northern Palm Beach County, an Intracoastal Waterway master plan modeled on the Thames Gateway project, creation of an inland port linked to expansion of the Panama Canal, European trade MOU agreements signed, and establishment of a global capital market group to harness international wealth for Palm Beach.

 

“The 21st Century Strategic Plan serves as a point of reference for local discussions on economic, social and related issues taking place,” said Economic Development Director Kevin Johns, who accepted the award. “One of our international economic goals is to transform our boutique community into America’s financial Monaco.”

 

To discuss global capital and financial issues, the next annual conference meeting of the Global Capital Market Advisory Group is scheduled for Feb. 19, 2010, at Northwood University in West Palm Beach.

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Boat Trailer Parking Permit to be Required

Starting Jan. 1, 2010, boat trailer parking permits will be required at county saltwater boat ramps.  Annual and daily permits will be available for purchase beginning Nov. 2

The annual permit costs $35 (valid for the calendar year), and the daily fee is $10.  The new boat trailer parking permit will be required at the following saltwater boat ramp facilities:

• Bert Winters Park, 13425 Ellison Wilson Road, Juno Beach
• Burt Reynolds Park, 805 N. US Highway 1, Jupiter
• Juno Park, 2090 Juno Road, Juno Beach
• Jim Barry Light Harbor Park, 1800 Broadway, Riviera Beach
• Phil Foster Park, 900 E. Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach

Permits will be available for purchase online at www.pbcparks.com, by calling 966-6620, or in person at the following locations:

• West Jupiter Recreation Center, 6401 Indiantown Road, Jupiter, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• John Prince Park, 2700 6th Avenue South, Lake Worth, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.         

Permits will not be available for purchase on-site at boat ramp locations.

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Upcoming Halloween Events

The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department offers fun activities for the whole family year round.  Fall events begin before Halloween! 

The following are some upcoming events at county facilities. For a full listing, visit www.pbcparks.com.

Halloween “Boo”ardwalk
When:	Friday, Oct. 30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where:	Daggerwing Nature Center, South County Regional Park, 11200 Park Access Rd., Boca Raton, (561) 629-8760
What:	walk through a swamp in your costume, Halloween activities and crafts, learn about spooky creatures of the night; free
Full Moon Bike Ride
When:	Friday, Oct. 30, 7:30 to 9:30 p .m.
Where:	Riverbend Park, 9060 Indiantown Rd., Jupiter, (561) 966-6686
What:	guided bicycle ride under the light of the full moon, bicycles available for rent from Canoe Outfitters - (561)746-7053; reservations recommended, $5/person
Haunted Pool Party
When:	Saturday, Oct. 31, 5:30 to 7:30 p .m.
Where:	Aqua Crest Pool, 2503 Seacrest Blvd., Delray Beach, (561) 278-7104
What:	family event with trick or treating, costume contest, scary movie trivia, pumpkin toss, pin the mouth on the ghost, open swim from 7 to 7:30 p.m.; $2/participant, no registration required

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Consumer Trap & Tip:  How Do I Cancel a Contract?

Trap

Jennifer asked a friend if she knew someone who could do some remodeling at her Lake Park home. Mike came highly recommended, and Jennifer’s friend said she never had any problems. However, after signing the contract and paying a $1,000 deposit, Jennifer did some checking and found the “contractor” was not properly licensed to do the work. Worried, she called the contractor to cancel the job, but he told her he already purchased the materials! She considered contacting a lawyer but couldn’t afford the cost. How could Jennifer have protected herself?

Tips

Here are some important tips to consider before signing on the dotted line:

·  Never sign a contract before reading and understanding it. If you feel pressured, ask for a copy to review when you have the time, or just walk away.

·  If the contract contains a cancellation clause or refund policy, follow the terms exactly. Usually, cancellation notices are required to be sent by certified mail. Ask for a return receipt to verify delivery, and keep a copy for your file.

·  The Federal Trade Commission has a “Cooling-Off Rule” but it doesn’t cover everything. Generally, if you buy an item in your home or at a location that is not the seller’s place of business, you may have the option to cancel three days after the sale. Check http://www.ftc.gov for details.

·  Businesses must be properly licensed or certified to do the job. Verify their contractor’s license status with the State Department of Business and Professional Regulation at http://www.myfloridalicense.com.

·  And never believe anyone who says it’s OK to cancel by telephone.

Check for consumer complaints, and get more information about contracts at the Consumer Affairs Web site, http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer, or call 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362) for more information.

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Consumer Trap & Tip:  Nonmedical Transportation Services

Trap

Mike is wheelchair-dependent, and due to his condition he requires many visits to doctors and other medical facilities. He tries to schedule appointments around activities of friends and family, but sometimes this is very difficult. He was starting to feel trapped and less independent because he thought he had no other alternative.

While on the way to his doctor’s office, Mike saw a van advertising wheelchair and stretcher service. He quickly made note of the telephone number and made plans to call. But who are they? Mike had lots of questions and was very interested in receiving more information.

Tips

Nonmedical, wheelchair and stretcher transportation services are licensed and regulated in Palm Beach County. Here is some important information to consider:

·  Palm Beach County Palm Tran Connection provides prearranged, shared-ride, door to door transportation. Services are provided under the following: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), PBC Division of Senior Services (DOSS) and Transportation Disadvantaged (TD).

·  Nonmedical transportation providers are required to be licensed and insured. Permitted vehicles are inspected and are specially equipped to safely transport passengers who are wheelchair or stretcher-bound.

·  Drivers must pass a criminal background check and driver history review before being issued a special Consumer Affairs Driver ID Badge.  Drivers are not authorized to provide medical assistance to riders who need medical assistance while in transit. 

·  Taximeters are not used, and most fares are determined by a flat rate.

Check out licensed nonmedical, wheelchair and stretcher transportation companies at the Consumer Affairs Web site: http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer or call 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362) for more information.

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Landscaping Tip:  Colorful Bromeliads are Easy to Grow

 

Many home gardeners have discovered that bromeliads, with their exotic colored leaves and gorgeous flowers, are very easy to grow. 

Most bromeliads are epiphytes (air plants), and Spanish moss and pineapples are actually bromeliads. 

 

Bromeliads grow attached to trees and rocks in their native tropical habitat where they gather moisture and nutrients from rainfall.  They are popular garden perennials in South Florida.  You can plant them straight into mulch from the pot, and water the top of the plant and they will do fine.  You can purchase bromeliads that do well in sunny spots or in the shade.  Remember that brown areas on the leaves usually indicate sunburn.  If you have this problem, transplant your bromeliad into a shadier location. 

 

Bromeliads produce offsets called pups, and as the pups mature the parent bromeliad dies away.  The pups continue to grow, and the bromeliad again multiplies. Bromeliads can grow to become a colorful ground cover.

 

If you really like bromeliads, check out the Boca Raton Bromeliad Society.  They meet at the Mounts Building on the third Thursday each month at 7 p.m.  To contact the Bromeliad Society, call 561-310-6866. 

 

If you have any questions about bromeliads, or you would like advice, bring your problem plant to the Master Gardeners’ office (531 N. Military Tr., West Palm Beach) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call the Master Gardener Hotline at 561-233-1750.

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