Our Village Voice VOL. 36 NO. 6
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Commissioner’s Update Hurricane Season In Palm Beach County: Prepare Now To Stay Safe By Mayor Maria G. Marino Palm Beach County has a long history of severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning storms, flooding, droughts, and wildfires. Frances, Jeanne, Wilma, Fay, Matthew, Irma, and more recently, Helene and Milton, have all left their mark on our community. These events underscore the importance of being ready and resilient. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. While we all hope South Florida will be spared, it’s essential that every resident takes time to prepare—by reviewing evacuation plans, securing their homes, and gathering necessary supplies. Familiarity with severe weather is part of life in Palm Beach County, but preparation can reduce disruptions and speed up recovery. The Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management provides a range of resources to help you get ready. One of the best tools is the Official Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide, available at https:// discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf. It includes checklists, evacuation zone information, shelter options, and guidance on home preparation. If you need a printed copy, call the Emergency Information Center at (561) 712-6400 or contact our office. Start by building an emergency supply kit. Stock several days’ worth of nonperishable food and water, first-aid items, hygiene products, prescription medications (including a way
to keep refrigerated medications cold, such as ice packs or a cooler), paper goods, flashlights with extra batteries, tools, cleaning supplies, and a waterproof container for important documents. Use tap water in reusable containers instead of buying bottled water—this is both cost-effective and environmentally-friendly. Don’t forget your pets; they need supplies too. If you have a generator, test it now and ensure you have fuel. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout the season in case of evacuation orders. Electric vehicle owners should maintain battery levels between 50 and 80 percent, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is also the right time to trim trees and manage yard debris. Once a storm watch is issued, collection isn’t guaranteed. Yard waste pickup is limited to one pile of up to 6 cubic yards weekly. If you’re disposing of expired storm supplies like fuel, propane tanks, or batteries, use the Solid Waste Authority’s Home Chemical and Recycling Centers. A convenient site is the North County Transfer Station at 14185 North Military Trail in Jupiter. Visit swa.org or call (561) 697-2700 or (866) SWA-INFO for more details. Stay informed by signing up for AlertPBC, the county’s emergency notification system, at https://discover.pbcgov. org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Alert-PBC.aspx. You’ll receive alerts by phone, text, or email about local hazards and emergencies. Your information is protected and used only for public safety. You can also download the Disaster Awareness and Recovery Tool (DART) app to check evacuation zones, shelter openings, and storm updates on your phone. More information can be found at: https://discover.pbcgov.org/ publicsafety/dem/Pages/dart.aspx. Check in with your neighbors—especially seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who may be new to the area. Remember, we are a community first. A small gesture can make a big difference during an emergency. Stay safe and take action now. Preparedness truly makes all the difference. If I can assist you, contact me at (561) 355-2201 or email mmarino@pbc.gov.
JUNE 2025
Bill’s Box By Bill Thompson Hero My neighbor and g o o d f r i e n d Ry a n Warren was promoted to head the PBI airport air traffic control operation based on high qualifications. He has now been chosen to spend a year in Washington, D.C., to help restore critical air safety problems due in large part to an acute shortage of air traffic controllers throughout the country. My take: An excellent choice was made. A U.S. Navy veteran, Ryan is an honorable patriot and is willing to make the yearlong commitment separated from his wife Karen and two fine sons, Tyler and Colton. Karen has double duty to keep the home fires burning alone, which is a sacrifice, that she accepts for the good Ryan will do. It is a tight family. The many friends on Lake Bend Drive will be ready to assist in any way needed. Storm Water Drainage System The Town of Jupiter contracted Nu Pipes Company to recondition The Shores’ drainage system. The large specialized company was well staffed for the job with impressive work crews whom I got to watch over Bill’s Box on page 4
Northern Notes Prepare For Storm Season Now By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District As much as we dislike talking about it, hurricane season officially started on June 1. Hurricane season isn’t a race. No bells chime to begin the onslaught of storms forming in the oceans surrounding North America. June 1 marks the beginning of the period when most tropical storms and hurricanes typically form. The six-month period from
June 1 to Nov. 30 accounts for about 97 percent of all Atlantic tropical cyclone activity. While storms can and do occur outside of this period, the peak of the season is typically between mid-August and mid-October, with the most activity happening then. Last year’s storms proved that storms do not always resemble “typical” hurricanes. While there was plenty of high wind and rain, we also experienced huge rain events and tornadoes hundreds of miles away from the storms’ centers. Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of northern Florida. It traveled northeast through Georgia, North and South Carolina, and even into Tennessee and Virginia. It dumped over 30 inches of rain in the mountains of North Carolina, 20 inches in Greenville, South Carolina, and 15 inches in parts of Northern Notes on page 2
June 15
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.