Our Village Voice VOL. 35 NO. 10
www.seabreezepublications.com
Town Of Jupiter News By Vice Mayor Malise Sundstrom For decades, Jupiter’s parks and recreational offerings have served residents well and provided countless memories for visitors young and old. Now many of our most cherished facilities, some over 20 years old, are showing signs of age and require upgrades to meet changing trends and expectations here in town. We on the Town Council recognize this need, and last year we promptly prioritized and supported a comprehensive planning effort to breathe new life into our recreational spaces as a strategic item. This plan is now being finalized after a public workshop in March, a resident survey in May, and many other meetings with key stakeholders. To get a head start on implementing plan recommendations, we approved and funded a number of exciting projects in the coming year through our operating budget and capital improvement plan (CIP) that will showcase our commitment to providing top-notch recreational experiences for all Jupiter residents. In fact, through the remainder of this year and into 2025, our CIP calls for an investment of almost $10 million in our parks and facilities. Major Playground Upgrades We’re embarking on an ambitious $3.2 million effort to create a flagship playground at Indian Creek Park and complete significant playground replacements at Maplewood Park, Jupiter Community Park, and Abacoa Community Park by September 2025. These upgrades will feature modern amenities like artificial turf, shade structures, and new equipment to keep our parks safe, appealing, and on par with the best in the region. Over the next five years the town plans to upgrade all 12 public playgrounds. Town Of Jupiter News on page 2
OCTOBER 2024
Bill’s Box By Bill Thompson The Faster I Go, The “Behinder” I Get! The more I do, the to-do list just grows longer. Dawn and I are torn between priorities. After a while, it all is of muck. What to do right now, which complex tasks are the most important. We are absorbing, tossing stuff and donating all discards of value and operational. Nonprofit charitable organization apply donations to needs for hungry, homeless and without shelter. With financial needs met, suitable clothing and training and coaching, many needy people can find jobs and earnings necessary for survival. We have been proud homeowners in The Shores for 35 years. In addition to routine chores, we find ourselves behind on improvements and special maintenance and remodeling. Sure glad I saved my pennies from paper routes, harvesting tobacco and taking up tickets and our small town movie theater. I washed lots of cars on cold winter days. I worked lots of jobs during college days and nights. It is the Scottish DNA. Work, have fun, enjoy beer, graduate college, serve six years in the US Army Reserve, all the while and saving for times like this. Scots like to pay for their last meal. Some of our remodeling is expensive. I am researching and asking friends for guidance to get competent and reliable contractors. I tell you all this so you will understand my much shorter ramble. Our Shores neighbor and friend of Seabreeze Communications is waiting for this piece. Bill’s Box on page 3
Commissioner’s Update Advocacy And Civic Engagement In Government By Vice Mayor Maria G. Marino Advocacy and civic engagement are fundamental to a healthy democracy. These practices allow citizens to influence government policies, hold officials accountable, and actively shape the decisions that impact their communities. When citizens and organizations engage, they can drive government responsiveness, transparency, and effectiveness. Advocacy refers to the efforts of individuals, groups, or organizations to influence public policy and government decisions. These efforts can take various forms, such as lobbying, public campaigns, and grassroots mobilization. It often involves educating decision-makers and the public on specific issues, persuading them to adopt certain policies or actions. Civic engagement is a broader concept that encompasses any activity that allows citizens to be involved in public life. This ranges from voting and participating in town halls to volunteering and joining community boards. Civic engagement emphasizes collective action to address societal issues and fosters a shared responsibility between citizens and their government. A recent example of effective advocacy and civic engagement occurred in Palm Beach County when the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) unveiled its 2024/25 Great Outdoors Initiative. This initiative is aimed to increase public access, recreation and lodging at Florida state parks. However, the proposal to amend the Unit Management Plan of Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP) to develop environmentally sensitive lands into a golf course sparked wide concern.
The Shores Annual Halloween Event Sunday, October 20 3:00-6:00 PM Bud Zisson Park- 6040 Winding Lake Drive
Bounce house, obstacle courses, toddler bounce house, petting zoo, trackless train, DJ, Kona Ice and Little Moirs Food Trucks
Commissioner’s Update 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.