Our Village Voice VOL. 37 NO. 4
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Commissioner’s Update Protecting Palm Beach County Consumers By Commissioner Maria G. Marino Public Safety Division of Consumer Affairs is a department within Palm Beach County that plays an important role in protecting residents and helping them make informed decisions when doing business. The division works to educate consumers, mediate complaints, and enforce regulations that protect residents from unfair or illegal business practices. For Palm Beach County residents, it is reassuring to know there is a local resource available to help when problems arise with a business. The Division of Consumer Affairs serves as an advocate for consumers by investigating complaints and working with businesses to resolve disputes. Their goal is to create fair outcomes while ensuring businesses follow the laws and regulations designed to protect the public.
One of the most valuable services the division offers is its free informal mediation program. This program allows residents to file complaints regarding issues they may have experienced with a business. Once a complaint is submitted, the division reviews the matter and works to mediate between the consumer and the business involved. This process often helps resolve concerns without the need for lengthy or costly legal action. Many residents find that mediation provides a practical and efficient way to address disputes and reach a fair solution. In addition to helping resolve complaints, the Division of Consumer Affairs helps residents make informed decisions before hiring or purchasing services from a business. If you are considering working with a particular company but are unsure whether to move forward, the division offers a business information report through its online Business Lookup tool. This report provides up to three years of complaint history associated with a registered business that consumers have reported in the past. By reviewing this information, consumers can better understand a company’s track record and make more confident choices. Another important focus of the division is helping residents recognize and avoid scams. Unfortunately,
APRIL 2026
Bill’s Box By Bill Thompson Bill has a lot on his plate with multiple home maintenance issues. He reluctantly must postpone his Box to May 2026. He wishes well to all friends and homeowners in our special village—The Shores of Jupiter.
April 22
Commissioner’s Update on page 2
Northern Notes Gopher Tortoises By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District Gopher tortoises are one of five North American tortoise species and one of the oldest living species on the planet. They are the only tortoise found naturally east of the Mississippi River. It is a state-designated threatened species in Florida and is found in parts of all 67 Florida counties. The gopher tortoise is about 9 to 11 inches long when fully grown and is a tan, brown or gray color. Juveniles tend to be lighter brown and yellow-orange. Once they reach adulthood, they can live almost 90 years! They are identifiable by their stumpy, elephant-like hind feet and flattened, shovellike forearms covered in thick scales. These shovel-like forearms are used to dig extensive burrows for homes. As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost 80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average about 15 feet long and about 6 1/2 feet deep. Gopher tortoises are ectotherms which depend on their environment to maintain their body temperature. Their burrows help maintain a stable temperature and protect them from extreme
temperatures and fire. Here in South Florida, they are active all year round. In contrast, in colder parts of Florida, they remain in their burrows during cold winter months. Gopher tortoises are keystone species because their burrows provide shelter and provide refuge for more than 350 other species, such as burrowing owls, mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, opossums, foxes, gopher frogs and invertebrates.
Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer welldrained, sandy soils in habitats such as longleaf pine sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and coastal dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as many of their natural habitats have been developed by humans. A habitat with well-drained soil, abundant plants to forage, and open sunny areas is ideal for gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are herbivorous and feed on low-growing plants. They may drink water pooled after rainstorms, but most of their water needs are supplied from the plants they eat. Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa and Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails within them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise. Northern’s environmental team works hard to maintain these pristine natural lands so that native animals and plants can thrive for years to come. As you enjoy the preserves, please keep in mind that fences and gates are there to prevent unwanted animals from entering, as well as tortoises from leaving and potentially being harmed. Please keep all gates closed after entering or leaving the preserves and report any damaged gates or fences to your HOA or Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District. Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is illegal unless conducted under a valid permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). An FWC Northern Notes on page 2
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY TO THE JUPITER POLICE DEPARTMENT
(561) 799-4445
Use 911 for emergencies only. Lock car doors. Do not leave valuables in the car.