JupShores APR 2026

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.

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

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,

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.

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

Deadline for the May Issue is April 14

Mail or email to:

Bill Thompson, 18583 Lake Bend Drive billthompsonsoj@gmail.com

The Shores of Jupiter website:

www.theshoresofjupiter.org

Disclaimer

Copy appearing herewith may not be the viewpoint of The Shores Board of Directors or its newsletter editor. Nor should responsibility be assigned for accuracy or validity or articles contributed by residents or other articles chosen by the publisher or the editor.

Realtime Property Management of South Florida LLC

Alexa Edwards, Property Manager

612 N. Orange Ave., Bldg C-4, Jupiter, FL 33458

The Shores Of Jupiter Homeowners Association Inc.

Board Of Directors, Committee

Board Of Directors:

John Hornyak, President

David Lindley, Vice President

Cynthia Clemente, Secretary

Barry Parker, Treasurer

Sal Greco, Director

Amy Lemelin, Director

Ryan Warren, Director

Architectural Control Committee:

Sal Greco, Chair

John Hornyak

Compliance Committee:

Ryan Warren, Chair

Lakes And Parks Committee:

David Lindley, Chair

Crimewatch Committee: Bill Thompson, Co-Chair

Sal Greco, Co-Chair

Welcoming Committee: Amy Lemelin, Chair

John Hornyak

Infrastructure

David Lindley, Chair

Communications and Newsletter Editor: Bill Thompson, Chair

Events & Social Media Committee: Barry Parker, Co-Chair

Kristi Parker, Co-Chair

Francesca Brown

Tracey Lavoll

Anais Maristany-Diaz

Dena Martin

Webmaster

Kristi Parker

Commissioner’s Update from page 1

scams have become increasingly common and often target individuals through phone calls, text messages, emails, or even mailed documents. Scammers frequently pretend to represent well known organizations that people trust, such as Medicare, Amazon, the Social Security Administration, or utility companies.

In many cases, scammers will claim that there is a problem with one of your accounts and that you must verify personal information immediately. They may ask for sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, banking information, or passwords. Another common tactic involves sending a fake check in the mail and instructing the recipient to deposit it and then send a portion of the money back. Once the check is discovered to be fraudulent, the victim may be responsible for the lost funds.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert and recognize the warning signs of a potential scam. Be cautious of unexpected calls or messages requesting personal information and avoid engaging with unfamiliar numbers or senders. Blocking unwanted calls and text messages can also help reduce the risk of being targeted.

Northern Notes from page 1

relocation permit must be obtained before disturbing burrows and conducting construction activities. Lucas Schaffer, Northern’s environmental manager, has taken courses and is certified as a Gopher Tortoise Authorized Agent. As such, he is allowed by the FWC to survey, trap, transport and relocate tortoises as necessary.

It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises; however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the road in the same direction as it was heading as long as it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to another location or put it in a car, as this constitutes illegal possession. If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, at (561) 575-3399 for assistance. Source: myfwc.org

Fun fact: April 10 is Gopher Tortoise Day! On this day every year we raise awareness and appreciation for the gopher tortoise and all the benefits they provide to the ecosystem. You can help celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day by hosting an event in your community, asking your local city or county commission to formally adopt April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day, and educating others on the importance of protecting gopher tortoises. Or simply admire a gopher tortoise from a distance and observe how amazing these animals are!

NPDES tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.

Additionally, residents can take advantage of the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Property Fraud Alert, a free service that provides an added layer of protection. This service notifies property owners by email or text within 24 hours when a document is recorded in their name, address, or parcel number they have registered to monitor. It helps detect potential fraud, such as criminals forging documents to steal property or take out loans, allowing owners to take quick action.

Through consumer education, mediation services, and scam prevention efforts, Consumer Affairs and the Property Fraud Alert program remain committed to protecting residents. By providing trusted resources and guidance, they help residents make informed decisions, avoid potential fraud, and confidently navigate their interactions with businesses throughout Palm Beach County.

For more information, visit the Palm Beach County Division of Consumer Affairs at www.pbcgov.com/ consumer or call (561) 712-6600.

You can also learn about the Clerk’s Property Fraud Alert program at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/services/ property-fraud-alert.

The Singles Scene Column©

Spring Into A Dating Evolution

By Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli of Revolution Dating

“True love is an infinite resource; instead of depleting with use, giving love multiplies it.”~~ Antoine de SaintExupéry

In 2026, the journey from SINGLE to TAKEN looks wildly different from what it was in the past. If you are reading this article, this is your cue to make an upgrade and multiply your odds. Simply put, you can’t outrun the dating dilemma unless you take action. With unlimited options, dating apps, and overt independence, quality singles have become more intentional about who they invest their time and energy in—and they have chosen to increase the odds of success by using better judgment and making better choices. There is an anecdote. Welcome to your evolution.

Our role is to make the dating process more refined, efficient, enticing, and ultimately more successful. Each journey follows a familiar path: “I’m ready” → dating → relationship → forever. The journey is as organic as being introduced by a friend. For some, the cycle repeats a few times. For others, the timing, alignment, and readiness all click—and “forever” sticks quickly as in the case of some of our couples that were “one and done.” These relationships are built with clarity, compatibility, and timing—all key factors that matter now more than ever. At Revolution Dating, our goal is consistently consistent: to create meaningful, lasting connections and friendships. The goal is not just dates, but alignment. This can happen in one moment IF you position yourself to be in the right place at the right time with the right associations. As you kick off your evolution, it is essential that you maintain an open mind and heart.

If you are TAKEN, do share your love and this article with your single family and friends. Someone needs to hear this good news today. Pass on the love, and it will multiply.

Evolution Stage One: Admit “I’m Ready”

This stage can begin at any age, 25 to 85. The desire for companionship is timeless and ageless. The emotional feeling of being connected to one special person is priceless. When the internal “void” becomes louder, it’s not something to ignore— it’s something to honor. This is your push to get proactive with your dating life, just as you do with your business affairs. No one is going to come knocking at your door, and the dating apps are a roadmap to exhaustion and disappointment.

At this stage, ask yourself:

• What do I truly want?

• What works for my lifestyle?

• What am I no longer willing to tolerate?

• Are my expectations fair? (I.E. Do you know your league or are you blocking yourself?)

Evolution Stage Two: I’m Dating

This stage has evolved the most in recent years. You may be meeting multiple people or focusing on one promising connection. Either way, this stage is about exploration without commitment. There are no labels yet, and expectations should remain realistic. In today’s world, this phase can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The key difference now? People are quicker to assess compatibility (often inaccurately). Time is valuable, and successful singles are not interested in staying in the “gray area” for long. Clarity is the new confidence.

Evolution Stage Three: I’m in a Relationship

This is where things become defined. The conversation happens—whether it’s “I love you” or “let’s be exclusive”— and it’s mutual. In 2026, exclusivity carries more weight. With so many options available, choosing one person is a powerful decision. It reflects judgment, respect, and emotional availability by choice. This is the stage where couples begin to integrate their lives. They show up together, build routines, meet each other’s circles, and begin to envision the future. It’s exciting, energizing, and yes—this is the honeymoon phase. But it’s also where authenticity starts to take over. As real life settles in, this is where true compatibility is revealed.

Evolution Stage Four: Forever

For some, this means marriage. For others, especially those who have already experienced marriage or have families, it may look different—but the commitment is just as meaningful. In today’s dating culture, “forever” is less about

tradition and more about decisiveness. Choosing one person consistently, over time. The most successful relationships we see are not built on perfection—they are built on sincerity, effort, and alignment. The endgame for authentic dating has never changed: finding one person who feels like home. When you reach this stage, the desire to “see what else is out there” disappears. You’ve found your person—and that is the goal. It is time to graduate as a duo.

At Revolution Dating, this remains our mission for every client: not just to date, but to arrive. You have arrived because you are reading this column. Congratulations! Reserve your evolution today by calling our office or visiting our website. Wishing you the best spring holiday season filled with creativity, new opportunities, and community.

XoXo, Kelly & Miranda

#MultiplyYourOdds #TellYourFriends #LoveOffline #FindBliss2026 #MatchmakingRoyalty

Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Leary has 35 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach, Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, The Coastal Pearl, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating clients are pre-screened in person, including background checks and ID verification. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and Miranda also provide feedback from dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an add-on to some memberships.

*All inquiries are confidential

*Specializing in representing jetsetting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area or Mountain Country. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) to hold your place in the club. Why wait?

Just date!

The Singles Scene Column© on page 4

Financial Focus®

Local Business Owners: Don’t Overlook Retirement Plans

By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones

If you’re a local business owner, you’re juggling many priorities: growing revenue, managing expenses, supporting your team and planning for your own future. What if one tool could help with all these goals?

A workplace retirement plan might be that solution and can, directly or indirectly, offer benefits that extend beyond simple savings.

Double the tax advantages. Starting a retirement plan can deliver immediate tax advantages. For the business, employer contributions are tax-deductible. And as a participant in your company plan, your pretax salary deferrals are excluded from income taxes; your investments within the plan are tax-deferred until distributed. Many plans now offer Roth options that allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Local businesses may also qualify for federal tax credits that help offset startup costs, employee education expenses and plan administration fees. Additional credits may be available for auto-enrollment features and employer contributions made during the plan’s first five years.

A competitive edge in hiring. In today’s labor market, offering a retirement plan can differentiate your business from competitors and help improve employee retention.

Many plans also provide access to financial education tools and resources, helping your employees make informed decisions about saving, investing and planning for retirement. This support can lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity, contributing to a positive work environment for your business.

More flexible than state-sponsored options. If you live in a state requiring an employee retirement program, you might be considering a state-sponsored plan. While these programs can provide a starting point, they typically offer fewer investment options, lower contribution limits and limited design flexibility.

Establishing your own workplace retirement plan lets you customize features for your business needs to control administrative costs, set contribution limits and offer employees a wide range of investment options. This added control in plan design can lead to better outcomes for your business and your employees.

Reducing a hidden risk in your own retirement planning. Business owners often have as much as 80 percent of their net worth tied up in their businesses, according to the Exit Planning Institute. While that demonstrates commitment to success, it also creates significant financial risk to the owner.

Relying solely on a future business sale to fund your retirement can be precarious. Market shifts, timing challenges or limited buyer interest could derail those plans. By building personal assets through your employersponsored retirement plan, you can gain financial flexibility and reduce the risk of having your retirement lifestyle depend entirely on one event.

Getting started. With various retirement plan options available, determining which one fits your business best can feel overwhelming.

A qualified financial advisor can help you navigate these decisions, explaining the trade-offs between different plan types and identifying which option best suits your unique situation. They can also help you understand eligibility requirements and ensure the plan you choose aligns with your business goals and personal financial objectives.

Starting a workplace retirement plan represents an investment in your future, your employees and the longterm success of your business.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

The Singles Scene Column© from page 3

Luxury Matchmakers: Palm Beach to the Northeast!

Successful, single, divorced, and widowed clientele are increasingly choosing to live—and love—offline In a world that feels more digital than ever, the desire for real connection has never been stronger. Revolution Dating is a full-service matchmaking firm specializing in the discreet screening and representation of clients from up and down the coast of the USA. With decades of combined experience, our reach continues to grow alongside our clients’ lifestyles. Corporate brick-andmortar office located right here in the exclusive PGA Commons, Palm Beach Gardens remains our home base, but love knows no boundaries!

Confidentiality is our practice, and love is our language. Have an amazing April and remember to Find Bliss in 2026.

#TellYourFriends #SpringIntoLove

Doctor Joins the

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Stahl, CFP, ChFC, AAMS, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.

Benefits Of Advocating For An IEP

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist

Many parents sense that their child is struggling in school long before a formal plan is put in place. You may notice difficulties with reading, writing, attention, or anxiety, yet feel uncertain about how to navigate the complex special education process. In these moments, testing your child to give additional understanding can make a meaningful difference.

School neuropsychological testing provides answers to your intuitions. Testing reveals your child’s strengths but also provides needed data to explain your child’s hidden weaknesses and how those are interfering with

learning. Once schools have unbiased data and the report with recommendations, they can move forward with an individualized education plan (IEP).

For many families, the experience can be transformative. As one parent shared, “With your testing report and the advocate, our son qualified and received an IEP for specialized instruction. We were greatly relieved and encouraged that he would now receive the additional support needed for him to thrive.”

Testing combined with advocacy gets results. A special education advocate is a professional who understands the laws, procedures, and language of the educational system and helps you work collaboratively with schools to secure appropriate services for your child. If you feel overwhelmed by acronyms, eligibility criteria, and evaluation data, an advocate provides clarity and guidance.

Advocates also help you prepare for school meetings. Eligibility meetings, IEP meetings, and school conferences

can feel intimidating. An advocate helps you organize concerns, develop key questions, and ensure that the conversation remains focused on your child’s needs. Their presence often helps create a more balanced discussion and ensures that important points are not overlooked.

Another key role of an advocate is helping ensure that children receive appropriate supports and services. This might include specialized instruction, accommodations, or related services. Advocates understand how to align evaluation data with educational eligibility categories and service recommendations.

An advocate is on your side. By helping you understand the process, interpret data, and communicate effectively, advocates ensure that your child receives the educational support necessary to reach their full potential.

Call (561) 625-4125 to discuss your child and dyslexia, learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com.

Tax Collector Employees Donate More Than $16,000 In 2025

Donations Support Homeless Students In Palm Beach County

Constitutional Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon is proud to announce that employees of the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s organization donated $16,043.66 in 2025 to benefit Living Hungry , a local nonprofit dedicated to ending food insecurity for homeless students in Palm Beach County schools.

A formal check presentation took place on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Tax Collector’s Administrative Office in Downtown West Palm Beach. “Through our Community Involvement program employees are committed to making a positive change to the community,” said Gannon. “I am proud of their charitable spirit and their commitment to ensure our local homeless students receive support.”

A hallmark of the organization’s Community Involvement program is that every dollar and item donated comes directly from the staff. No public tax dollars are

used. Funds are generated through the “Dress Down for Charity” program, where employees contribute to dress down on designated days, as well as other internal fundraising activities throughout the year.

In addition to the financial contribution, employees collected more than 2,500 items for “good time packs” to support children during the summer months. These good time packs included books, journals, travel games, and snack food for the students.

“I continue to be impressed by the compassion shown by the Tax Collector’s team,” said Maura Plante, Founder of Living Hungry. “Our local homeless children are so deserving of this support. These contributions will directly nourish the potential of students who need it most.”

Read more about the Tax Collector’s community involvement at: https://www.pbctax.gov/aboutus/#community.

Tax Talk

Dear Friends:

This month, I, along with our employees, say a fond farewell to a true pillar of our organization, Pat Bradley, our chief of Tax Services. After an incredible 42 years of service, Pat is ready to enjoy a welldeserved retirement.

It is a bittersweet time, as for more than four decades, Pat has been the steady hand guiding our tax operations. He has seen this office evolve from manual processes to the digital age and all the while his commitment to accuracy, integrity, and unparalleled service never wavered. His legacy is not just in the thousands of complex tax matters he resolved, but the leadership and mentorship he provided to countless staff and the trust he built with the taxpayers of our county.

For me personally, it has been an honor and pleasure working alongside Pat and gaining the vast knowledge that he harnesses after such an amazing career. His deep-rooted expertise, presence and sense of humor will be deeply missed. I wish him the very best in retirement.

Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County

Pat Bradley’s Retirement: 42 Years In The Making

This month, our Chief of Tax Services, Pat Bradley, is retiring after 42 years with our organization. I sat down with him to get his perspective on his career, his tips for his successor, and a glimpse at what his future holds.

Over the course of his tenure with the TCO, Pat says that one of the accomplishments that makes him most proud is, “feeling like I made doing business with the tax collector convenient for the taxpayers.” He worked to streamline processes for our staff and gave them the knowledge and the confidence to work to the best of their abilities.

As you might imagine, a lot has changed about the way we conduct our operations in the past four decades. Pat notes that the TCO is an “ever-changing and growing environment.” He has seen the progression from “the early days of manual posting of payments to advanced technology and equipment.”

Looking ahead, Pat notes that, “The roadmap will continue to change in the near future with technology advances and legislation.”

Pat says that his role as chief of Tax Services has been “a rewarding experience collecting tax dollars efficiently with many deadlines and meetings.” His advice for his successor is great advice for anyone leading a group of employees: “You can’t do it alone; rely on your staff to bring it all together as a team.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and give back to a community, and build many relationships professionally and personally,” says Pat.

And what does the future hold?

“I’m looking forward to being able to take my time and enjoy whatever life has in store without a set time schedule,” says Pat. “As a member of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary, I can give more time to our volunteer organization and continue to serve people.”

Enjoy your retirement, Pat!

It Is A Jubilee State Of Mind

The 2026 Jupiter Jubilee was another event to remember! On Saturday, February 7, the Town of Jupiter invited the community to its Municipal Complex for a day of family fun including live music, a kid’s fun zone, police and fire demonstrations, and food trucks.

We were delighted to participate in the Jubilee’s Civic Fair. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our North County neighbors and provide insights into the various services we offer. Our volunteers stayed busy fielding a wide range of questions, from local property tax reform to the ease of doing business in our state. The highlight of the day? One attendee stopped by the booth only to realize she

was speaking with the same client care representative who had helped her over the phone! It was a wonderful moment of personal connection that truly brought our services to life.

A sincere thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to say hello. We also want to extend our gratitude to our dedicated staff, Tanner, Thao, Amy, Monika, TerriAnn, Lisandra and Michele, who volunteered their time and expertise to support our North County neighbors.

Providing outreach to North County is a highlight of our year, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon!

If you were unable to connect with us at the Jubilee, we invite you to visit our booth at one of these upcoming community events:

• Palm Beach Pride, March 28 and 29 at Bryant Park in Downtown Lake Worth

• Black Gold Jubilee, April 18 at Torrey Island Campground in Belle Glade

Shift To English Only: The New Rule Of The Road

I want to share an important statewide policy update from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) regarding how driver’s license tests will be handled.

Whether you are a first-time driver or renewing your license, I want to ensure you are prepared for your visit. Per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), all driver’s license exams are transitioning to a statewide English-only standard.

Here is the timeline for testing:

• Now through March 31: Exams are available in English and Spanish for all residents.

• Beginning April 1: Exams will only be available in English.

Please note: Language translation devices and interpreters are no longer permitted during any portion of the testing process.

To ensure you get the service you need when you need it, we highly recommend booking your reservation at pbctax. gov/reservations as early as possible.

Because demand is high, please keep these average reservation wait times in mind when scheduling:

Service Type-Average Lead Time Needed

Driver License/ID Card: 20–30 Business Days

Written Test: 15–25 Business Days

Road Test: 7–14 Business Days

For those of you who are preparing to take the written and/ or road test, you can take free online practice tests for both the written and road portions of the test by visiting drivingtests.org/florida. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Safe driving!

Budget Like A Pro: Installment Payment Plan

Ready to make your property tax payment more manageable? Our Installment Payment Plan (IPP) is for you!

Our budget-friendly IPP allows you to make four smaller property or tangible property tax payments throughout the year instead of paying one lump sum.

To sign up:

Your estimated property tax must total more than $100. You must complete an application during the Nov. 1 to April 30 enrollment period.

If your first payment (due June/July) is not received, you will be removed from the installment payment plan (IPP).

Once you are enrolled in the IPP, there is no need to reapply, just pay your first installment payment by the deadline to remain in the installment payment plan.

Apply online at www.pbctax.gov/ipp. Deadline to enroll for the 2026 property tax season is April 30. You will receive your first installment bill in June and enrollment is complete when your first installment payment is received during the month of June or July.

Below is the schedule for when IPP payments are due throughout the year:

Payment 1 of 4 –

• Pay by June 30 – you will be billed approximately 1/4 of your estimated property taxes, with a 6% discount applied or

• Pay by July 31 – if you choose to pay after the June 30 payment date and by the July 31 deadline, you will be billed approximately 1/4 of your estimated property taxes and you will not receive any discount.

Failure to make the first installment by the July 31 deadline will result in being removed from the Payment Plan.

Payment 2 of 4 – Pay by September 30, 2026. Amount billed is 1/4 of the total estimated taxes discounted 4.5%

Payment 3 of 4 – Pay by December 31, 2026. Amount billed is 1/4 of the total estimated taxes plus half of any adjustment due to 2026 Property Taxes, discounted 3%.

Payment 4 of 4 – Pay by March 31, 2027. The remaining balance after June, September, and December payments are applied plus half of any adjustment due to 2026 property taxes, no discount applied. If you miss the September payment, that payment will be due with the December payment. If you miss the December payment, it will be due with the March payment. Any amount remaining unpaid on April 1 becomes delinquent.

What High School Juniors Should Be Doing Now To Prepare For College Applications

By Peggy Forgan, M. Ed., Class 101 Owner/ College Advisor

For high school juniors, college application season may seem far away, but in reality, it is only about six months away. The work students do during the spring of junior year can significantly affect how smooth and successful the application process will be when senior year begins. One of the most important steps juniors should take now is building a thoughtful college list. Students should research colleges that match their academic profile,

interests, and goals. A balanced list typically includes reach schools, match schools, and likely schools. Considering factors such as size, location, academic programs, campus culture, and cost helps students identify schools that are the right fit both academically and personally.

Standardized testing should also be part of the plan. Students should develop a clear strategy for both the SAT and ACT, including determining which test may be the better fit, identifying testing dates, and creating a preparation plan. Having a testing strategy in place now allows students to focus their preparation and work toward improving scores before applications are due.

Juniors should also continue strengthening their extracurricular involvement. Colleges value students who show commitment, leadership, and growth over time. Rather than trying to add many new activities, students

The Pet Cottage Post

We’re Home.

A Sanctuary. A Promise. And The Deed To Prove It.

By Wendy Derhak, Founder and Executive Director, The Pet Cottage

On February 11, 2026, I held a piece of paper in my hands that I have visualized, worked toward, and told the story of for years. It was the deed to 17049 Thunder Road, the property that has been home to The Pet Cottage’s sanctuary. And for the first time, it had our name on it.

I paused, looked up, and said a resounding thank you to all the powers that be who came together to bring this miracle to life. Yes. We. Did. It.

For a nonprofit that began with a promise made to a dying friend and three senior cats, owning the ground beneath our paws is nothing short of transformational. No lease to renew. No landlord to answer to. Just a Forever Home for every animal in our care, rooted in land that belongs to this mission.

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should focus on deepening their involvement in the clubs, sports, jobs, or volunteer work that are most meaningful to them.

Another important step is beginning to think about potential essay topics. The personal statement allows students to show who they are beyond grades and test scores. Students who begin reflecting on meaningful experiences early often write stronger and more authentic essays.

For many families, working with a college planner can make this process far more manageable. A college planner helps students develop a clear strategy, stay organized with the many deadlines involved in the college application process, and navigate each step.

To find out how I can help your student get prepared, contact Peggy Forgan for a free consultation at pforgan@ class101.com or call (561) 418-7897

We currently care for approximately 17 animals on-site and over 50 pets in Forever Guardian homes throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties with more than 60 seniors experiencing the daily joy of pet companionship through our program. We are not a shelter or a rescue. Every pet who enters our Circle of Protection stays forever. And now, “forever” has a permanent address.

• • • I want to be honest with you, because you are our pack, and you deserve the truth. Closing on this property was a miracle made possible by this community. But the deed in my hands also means the real work has just begun. We have a mortgage on this sanctuary, and paying it off is the next

Owning this land unlocks possibilities we couldn’t reach before: expanded cottages, more bonded pairs, more large dogs, more complex medical cases, the animals other organizations simply cannot take. It positions us for major

grants and legacy gifts that require permanent facilities. It is the foundation of everything we build next.

• • •

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something that will outlast all of us, a sanctuary still welcoming grief-stricken pets and giving lonely seniors a reason to get up in the morning long after we are gone, this is your moment. Donate at thepetcottage. org, become a Forever Guardian, or simply share our story with

I founded The Pet Cottage on March 11, 2012, the day my dear friend Joan McCabe passed away because I believed with every fiber of my being that the pets who love us so willingly, so completely, and without question deserve a champion. Losing their person should never mean losing everything. Fourteen years later, we have a deed, a team, a community, and a future. Joan, I think you would be proud.

With so much gratitude, Wendy Derhak, Founder and Executive Director, The Pet Cottage thepetcottage.org • 561-818-5025 • @thepetcottage 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478