Our Village Voice VOL. 37 NO. 1
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Commissioner’s Update
Loggerhead award – Jennifer Cirillo, Andy Dehart, Maria G. Marino Guests can observe rehabilitating sea turtles up close, each with its own story and path to recovery. Interpretive displays and knowledgeable volunteers help guests understand not only the veterinary care provided at the facility, but also the broader environmental challenges facing marine life. For students, the experience can be transformative. The center offers field trips, outreach programs, camps, and hands on learning opportunities that ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong connection to marine conservation. Commissioner’s Update on page 2
Northern Notes Florida’s Endangered And Threatened Species By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District South Florida is renowned for its rich biodiversity, with unique ecosystems such as the Everglades, wetlands, coral reefs, and coastal habitats. However, our environment is facing numerous threats, resulting in the decline of various species that call this region home. Understanding these endangered and threatened species is crucial for conservation efforts and the overall health of ecosystems. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), plant and animal species may be listed as either endangered or threatened. “Endangered” means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. “Threatened” means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. States have their own ESA-type laws, so species can have different Threatened/Endangered statuses at the federal and state levels. “Imperiled,” “Species of Special Concern,” or “at risk” are not legal terms under ESA, but more biological terms. Generally speaking, they are animals and plants that are declining and may be at risk of extinction. Those terms can
JANUARY 2026
Bill’s Box
Nationally Recognized, Locally Loved: The Loggerhead Marinelife Center Experience
By Commissioner Maria G. Marino Among Palm Beach County’s many opportunities for free recreation, one attraction stands out as a true community treasure: the award-winning Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach. This world-renowned nonprofit organization provides one of the most meaningful and memorable free experiences available to residents and visitors alike. Recognized as USA Today’s Best Free Attraction for the second year in a row, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is dedicated to the protection of endangered sea turtles and the conservation of ocean ecosystems. Its presence in northern Palm Beach County adds an extraordinary dimension to the region’s recreational and educational landscape, drawing more than 300,000 visitors each year to explore its immersive exhibits and witness the remarkable work taking place in its outdoor sea turtle hospital.
include species with low populations and near-threatened risk that are not legally protected under the ESA. In our area, we have several endangered and threatened species, both federally and state-designated. Some species come to mind easily, such as the West Indian manatee and the Florida panther. However, there are some other species in our area that you may not have considered. The gopher tortoise is listed as state threatened due to habitat loss. These small brown tortoises with their stumpy legs are also a keystone species. A keystone species is one that many other animals, including the threatened Eastern
By Bill Thompson A New Year. Christmas came and went. A new beginning is here. Time to deal with a continued but time to do the things we meant to do last year. Such as: Rid ourselves of clutter: • Clothes not worn in a long time • Expired makeup and skin care • Broken gadgets • Extra cables • Books we will never read again • Kitchen gadgets • Out of date magazines • Outdated décor • Purge email inbox • Duplicate or blurry photos • Subscriptions not needed • No longer needed records • More I am trying. ’Tain’t easy Mcgee. I hit the ball but don’t leave home plate. However, we are planning a new roof this month pending HOA approval. Then, there is the house painting job to handle. Gutters have been replaced. Pool to be resurfaced. And there is always more. Plantings and maintenance are always with each of us privileged to live in Our Village. Bill’s Box on page 4
Northern Notes on page 4
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