JupShores OCT 2025

Commissioner’s Update

Every Dog’s Day: From Shelter Shadows To Forever Homes

By Mayor Maria G. Marino

Palm

Beach

County is home to thousands of loving pets, and at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (PBCACC), the mission is simple yet profound: protecting and advocating for companion animals while supporting the people who care for them.

Since opening its doors in 1969, PBCACC, a Division of Public Safety, has been the only open admission shelter in our county, accepting every animal in need, from dogs and cats to livestock and pocket pets. As part of Palm Beach County Government, our shelter provides services ranging from pet adoptions and animal rescue to microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and even disaster shelters for pets and their families.

This August, I was honored to debut a new initiative in partnership with PBCACC: Doggie Day Out – Ambassador Edition. This program expands on the beloved Doggie Day Out initiative, originally developed by volunteers, which invites county residents to host an adoptable dog for a day of fun, giving them a much-needed break from the shelter and increasing their visibility to potential adopters. With the “Office Edition,” local workplaces can welcome a furry visitor for the day, turning ordinary office hours into moments filled with joy, laughter, and team bonding, all while helping a shelter dog find a forever home.

The Ambassador Edition takes the concept one step further. Each commissioner on the Palm Beach County

Northern Notes

Culverts – Integral Parts Of Stormwater Systems

By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration

Culverts play a crucial role in Florida’s stormwater management system. Often concealed from view, these structures have significantly influenced the state’s landscape, facilitating growth and development. Culverts function similarly to water pipes that supply water to homes. Just as these pipes transport water from a source into your house or garden, culverts channel stormwater

Board of County Commissioners has the opportunity to host an adoptable dog in their office, sometimes even during a commission meeting. These dogs, wearing their bright “Adopt Me” vests or leashes, become true ambassadors for all the wonderful animals waiting at our shelter.

On Aug. 19, District 1 proudly hosted the very first Doggie Ambassador: Tito, an 8-year-old mixed-breed dog who had been surrendered to the shelter following his owners’ divorce. Like so many of our adoptable pets, Tito had been overlooked simply because of his age and size. When we featured him at the Aug. 19 Board of County Commissioners meeting, his gentle spirit and warm personality quickly won everyone over. His day as a Doggie Ambassador ended in the best possible way, with adoption into a loving forever home. The family who adopted Tito first saw him featured on social media and during the BCC meeting, where his calm and affectionate nature shone through. Tito’s story is proof that every shelter pet has the potential to change a life if only given the chance to be seen.

Programs like Doggie Day Out don’t just benefit the animals, they strengthen our community. Each outing helps reduce kennel stress, highlights the individuality of our pets, and provides team-building opportunities for residents and workplaces alike. For dogs, it is a chance to experience new surroundings and showcase their true personalities. For people, it is a reminder of the unconditional love that shelter pets have to give.

I encourage every office, resident, and commissioner to consider participating, whether by hosting a Doggie Day Out guest, volunteering, or adopting. The more exposure we provide, the more lives we save.

Together, we can ensure that dogs like Tito not only leave the shelter but find a home where they can thrive.

For more information about PBCACC, please visit https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare or call (561) 233-1200.

By Bill Thompson

Alas Bill was almost finished with the October newsletter when he stepped away for a few moments. Our muchneeded rain came with thunder and lighting. When I returned, the screen was blank. Recovery did not work. Back to a few notes and abbreviations.

Holidays Of Note

Yom Kippur was October 1. Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’s Day, Oct. 13 United Nations Day. Oct. 24

Other Halloween. Oct. 31

Clusia Plants

My Podocarpus accent and screening plants did not survive the drought despite hand-watering. So, I replaced all of the plants bordering the back pool enclosure with clusia bushes that are not overly thirsty and form a visual barrier for privacy. Naturally the plant, in great demand, is more expensive. Horizon Landscaping does good work at fair prices.

Eye Witness

A reliable homeowner sited two no-noes. A lawn maintenance crew man blowing leaves to a pile that should be bagged, instead deliberately blowing the pile directly into a storm water drain. Another sited a homeowner empty a lawn mower catchment bag into the lake. No one wants storm water runoff to be impeded with flooding results nor unhealthy cuttings thrown into our lakes.

That’s it for now.

Don’t Die With Your Music Still in You.

Deadline for the November Issue is October 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:

David Lindley, President

John Hornyak, 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

Northern Notes from page 1

away from houses and roads to a receiving body of water. Culverts facilitate the underground movement of stormwater from one location to another, such as moving water between connecting lakes or directing road drainage to a lake. If the pipes become clogged, water may back up and pool in the areas that should be draining. Culverts help move water away from homes and businesses, ensuring safe travel along roadways and preventing flooding of homes and businesses.

Today, a variety of culvert types are in use, each with its unique features and benefits. These include box culverts, arch culverts, and bridge culverts. However, the most commonly used type is the pipe culvert. These tunnel-like structures, buried alongside or beneath roadways, come in various materials such as metal, concrete, and plastic, and in different lengths and diameters. Some are as wide as 6 feet, offering a wide range of options for different drainage needs.

In the past, most drainage systems relied on CMP (corrugated metal pipe). Unfortunately, these pipes often corroded due to fluctuating water levels and exposure to air. To address this problem, CMP pipes are now frequently replaced with HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipes, which are designed to be more resistant, or with RCP (reinforced concrete pipes) that offer better load-bearing capacity, especially under heavy traffic roads.

Culverts, designed to last between 30 and 100 years, require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and functionality. Factors such as environmental conditions and increased usage can lead to their failure, resulting in contamination, leaks, or even sinkholes. This is why regular maintenance is not just necessary, but essential. At Northern, we work diligently to provide regular inspections and maintenance for our drainage systems. Inspections are conducted using advanced tools such as cameras mounted on remote operated vehicles (ROVs) or by trained divers. If an issue affecting the lifespan

and operation of the culvert is identified, we can address it through cleaning or repairs, ensuring the continued effectiveness of our stormwater management system. Homeowners and business owners planning construction work near Northern culverts are required to obtain the necessary permits. This requirement ensures that construction activities do not compromise the integrity of the culverts. Drilling holes in these culverts can have serious adverse effects on both the structure itself and the surrounding stormwater management system. Creating a hole compromises the strength of the culvert, which can lead to potential structural weaknesses and may even result in collapse or failure. This disruption can hinder the proper flow of stormwater, causing backups and flooding in areas that are designed to drain efficiently. Additionally, drilling can introduce pollutants into the waterway, harming local ecosystems and degrading water quality. Furthermore, failure to obtain the necessary permits can result in fines, legal action, and the need for costly repairs, which can impact the entire community.

To help our culvert systems work effectively, we can all take some necessary steps. One practical action is to keep storm drains clear of debris, such as leaves and trash, which can obstruct water flow. Do not dump dirt, debris, chemicals or leaves into storm drains, as this can hurt both the environment and block water flow. Additionally, if any areas require attention or repair, it is essential to report them to the district. By working together and looking out for one another, we can ensure that our stormwater infrastructure remains in excellent condition for years to come.

NPDES tip: Storms occur all year round. Make sure your yards and trees are trimmed neatly to avoid flying debris during a storm. Dispose of your trimmings and clippings properly—do not put them into storm drains or lakes!

The Singles Scene Column©

Find Your Perfect Fit

Special Edition Hot Tips

By: Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli

“’Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man” – ZZ Top

As October begins, witness wardrobe changes and cooler weather, signaling the best time of the year has arrived (and so have you). Sweaters, boots, and extra cuddles resurface as requirements of Fall, while summer trends and flings fade away. In fashion, as in love, certain things never go out of style—they evolve, adapt, or return new and improved. Today, we will draw a relatable comparison between the pursuit of romantic happiness and the ideal wardrobe that will create your best date night look. You want a good “fit”–right? The Rules.

As always, if you are TAKEN, do share these words of hope with your single, divorced, and widowed family and friends. We are sure you would be thrilled to see your favorite single people smile brighter this holiday season. No one wants to be the fifth or seventh wheel at the dinner party this season. The last quarter of the year can and will be epic. Believe it and own your role in it. This is not a one-man job. Acquire a connector in the know. Just The Facts.

With the holidays being the biggest trigger for singles, you may catch yourself reminiscing about past loves and daydreaming about what it was like to be a “dynamic duo” during the most wonderful time of the year. You are likely to be yearning for traditional courtship of days gone by. This does still exist–and we enjoy reminding people of this long-forgotten dating norm. We believe in it. Some singles may feel uncomfortable in our modern tech era (like a fish out of water). This means It’s time to ask for help… privately…and not online. It’s time to get set up by a trusted friend (i.e. your matchmakers). If you are already working with a matchmaker, it’s time to ask and accept their advice.

Be open to change and adventure or you will go nowhere. Everything will stay the same and you will feel the same way on December 31st. Open your heart. The Hunt.

The pursuit of love is much like the hunt for the perfect date night wardrobe. This can take time, experimentation, and timing. You are in luck because we, as matchmakers, are much like the stylists at a fabulous custom boutique, ready to take on the challenge with and for you. Dating is similar to browsing the fashion racks, and both require patience, a little adventure, and the confidence to know when something fits just right. You may be struggling to find your Plus One but that is normal when you know you are in the right place. Bar none, matchmaking is a solid ticket to a happy ending in 2025. The pond is continually restocked, just like any popular boutique.

Try It On.

Have you ever walked into a store and tried on an outfit, but nothing seemed to feel right? Or maybe you’ve found yourself in a fitting room with something that looked perfect on the hanger, but once you put it on, you realize it’s not for you. Dating can feel the same. You may meet someone who checks all the right boxes on paper but doesn’t feel quite right when you’re together. Next, please.

Don’t get stuck on one look. Every date won’t lead to the perfect match–but you must elevate the odds and let someone else do the vetting and setting up for you. You can adjust your expectations on your search and learn more about yourself. Also, don’t forget to work on yourself–this is a bonus for you and your future partner. If you find yourself striking out again and again–ask for help. Don’t be closed minded and blame the date or anyone else. It takes two and consider each encounter as a learning experience to help you become the best version of yourself. Regardless of your age, we should all be able to grow and learn and adapt. That is attractive.

The Perfect Fit.

Patience is a virtue. We recently had a success story of two CEOs in the club. It took the gentleman four months to find his “perfect” fit, and the woman was one and done in her first month! Finding someone you connect with will not always happen overnight. However, the wait will be worth it.

Love can appear unexpectedly (love at first sight). Just don’t settle for a relationship that doesn’t fit your needs and values long-term. A perfect fit is more than just superficial–it also requires the possibility of longevity. Will it stand the test of time? Look for someone emotionally, financially, and physically aligned with you and your dreams for your future.

Trust Your Stylist (aka Matchmaker).

You may feel like you can do it alone, but you can’t. You have a job, and you are not The Pro. You would not do your own doctoring or lawyering, right? Bonding with your matchmaker, being honest, and trusting the constructive advice they may give you will exponentially increase your chances of finding your perfect match that fits like a glove. Hire the best in the business. Be a smart person and connect to the right people at the right time with the right mindset (looking for a true match).

On that note, thank you to our new applicants who have PRE-BOOKED their First Interview in advance. Clients who get started in October have a higher chance of meeting an ideal dating partner before the holidays and the turn of the New Year 2026 for the most important kiss of the year. Make the last three months of this year count. Your future self will thank you later.

We can’t wait to meet you in our gorgeous office on PGA Boulevard–where we have been for ten successful years and counting! Make the last quarter of the year the best part of the year and end with a powerful and life-changing win!

Xoxo, Kelly & Miranda

#FALLinLove #End2025Strong #MatchmakingRoyalty #LeaveYourComfortZone #TellYourFriends

Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating

The Singles Scene Column© on page 4

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 nonmembers or as an add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area. Do call the central hotline at 561-630-9696 (XOXO) to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just date!

Fall Into Romance

Upscale single, divorced, and widowed clientele are ready to live and love offline and the demand for quality matchmakers is soaring. It’s cuffing season, so do tell your friends and family who are still single. Revolution Dating specializes in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades. Take a look at the love overflowing out of the Revolution Dating Corporate Headquarters of Love in PGA Commons where they have been established for eleven successful years and counting. He who hesitates is lost, so get “unstuck” and book your first interview today. October is the perfect time to REV-up your love life. #TellYourFriends #FallInLove

Financial Focus®

Let A Financial Advisor Help Plan For Life’s Curveballs

By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones

No matter what stage of your life you’re in—caring for children, working toward retirement or planning your legacy—unforeseen events like a job loss, a major illness or even a stock market drop could derail what you’re working so hard to achieve financially.

With your future at stake, you may want to get guidance from a financial professional who can develop a personalized financial strategy to help you navigate life’s curveballs.

Here are specific ways a financial advisor can help.

• Create a customized long-term strategy. This is the first step to weather unforeseen events. You may have several longterm investing goals—your retirement, your child’s education or perhaps a dream vacation. A financial advisor can help you build a strategy specific to your goals and risk tolerance. This will include prioritizing those goals, building a path toward each and pivoting your strategy as markets shift and needs change.

• Set realistic expectations. Successful investing requires discipline and patience—most individual investors make their money over time, not overnight. Start by setting realistic timelines to reach each of your goals. And don’t be surprised if you need to make trade-offs, like working an extra year to help fund your retirement dream home. It’s realistic to expect you’ll hit some bumps in the road. Perhaps the markets will drop and the value of your portfolio may follow. (It’s also realistic to expect they will rebound, as they have historically. Of course, past performance of the markets is no guarantee of what will happen in the future.) A financial advisor can help you keep your emotions in check no matter what comes your way and stay focused on the long term, knowing you have a customized strategy in place.

• Diversify your investments. The foundation for your portfolio is your asset allocation, or how you divide your assets among stocks, bonds, cash and other investments.

Different investments behave differently in various market conditions, so maintaining a good mix can help better weather market fluctuations than putting “all your eggs in one basket.” Finding the right diversification mix, and keeping it balanced despite what the market does, can get complicated, but it’s almost second nature for a good financial advisor. All investments do carry risk, and asset allocation doesn’t ensure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

• Keep a long-term outlook. It’s easy to become distracted by the latest headline, expert prediction or market swing. However, if these events don’t change your long-term outlook, there probably isn’t a reason to make changes to your strategy. In fact, these declines often present good opportunities if you’re a long-term investor, so use them to your advantage—your financial advisor can show you how.

• Keep your emergency savings well-funded. This is your “rainy day” fund, and an unexpected event may constitute a rainy day. For most people, maintaining three to six months of total expenses in emergency savings is appropriate. The specific amount depends on factors like your risk of unexpected expenses or temporary loss of income, and how much you value being confident that you can weather financial emergencies. A financial advisor can help you determine what your emergency savings should look like.

Unexpected events are part of life. You can’t predict them, but you can prepare for them. No matter what is going on around you, having a professional by your side can help set you up to navigate them confidently.

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

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 Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.

The College Admissions Rollercoaster

By Peggy Forgan, Class 101 Owner/College Advisor

I recently worked with a student who experienced the unpredictability of college admissions first-hand. She was a top student with excellent grades, high SAT scores, leadership experience, and a strong resume. She applied to several schools in Florida, including the University of Florida and the University of Miami, but was rejected from both. Understandably, she felt discouraged. However, because she had built a thoughtful college list, she still had many strong applications. To her surprise and delight, one of her acceptance letters came from Yale University—a school she initially thought would be far more difficult to get into than her in-state choices.

Her story illustrates an important truth: College admissions are not always predictable. A student can have stellar academics, impressive extracurriculars, and glowing recommendation letters—and still face rejection. That’s because admissions decisions are influenced by more than just achievement. Colleges are building entire classes, balancing

majors, geographic diversity, activities, and institutional needs. Sometimes, despite a student’s qualifications, the decision comes down to factors beyond their control.

This is why it is so important for students to cast a wide net when applying to colleges. By creating a balanced list that includes “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools, students give themselves the best chance of having multiple options when acceptance letters arrive. Applying broadly reduces stress and disappointment, while increasing the likelihood that students will find a college that is both a great fit and excited to welcome them. Now more than ever, it’s also critical to research a variety of options—because even some schools once considered “safeties” have become far more competitive in recent years.

At Class 101 North Palm Beach, we guide students through the process of researching schools and setting clear expectations. We help them build strong, balanced college lists so they don’t put all their hopes on just one or two choices. We begin working with students as early as ninth grade to help them plan, build strong applications, and increase their chances of finding the right match—sometimes in places they least expect.

For more information, call Peggy Forgan at (561) 4187897, email pforgan@class101.com, or visit www.class101. com/northpalmbeachfl.

The Pet Cottage Post

Keeping The Promise: Marlee, Miles And Maks

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

If you were at our Gratitude Luncheon earlier this month, you felt it: the hum of belonging that happens when a community shows up for pets and the people who love them. That same spirit is carrying us into fall—and it’s written all over the second chapters of three beautiful Golden Retrievers you met in our July issue: Marlee, Miles and Maks.

They didn’t arrive as a neat story. They arrived from a family in crisis—loved deeply, yet needing help. Because of the Pawsitively Perry Fund (generously funded by the Peter H. Kamin Family Foundation), we were able to welcome the Goldens into our Lifelong Guardianship Program and move swiftly to give each dog what every soul deserves: a safe, loving home.

Marlee found her people in Nancy and John, a calm home where belly rubs are a daily ritual and porch time is sacred. Soon after joining our program, Marlee began battling chronic ear infections. Support from the Grey Muzzle Foundation is helping cover her ongoing treatment— vet visits, medications and monitoring—so she stays comfortable and infection free.

Miles—sunny, sensitive, and a champion snuggler— was paired with the Myers family. Recently he developed a seizure disorder, and with guidance from Dr. Vinoski’s team, they’re learning what to watch for—tracking possible episodes, adjusting routines to avoid triggers, and keeping him comfortable and thriving.

Maks, the youngest of the trio and part of the Myers family too, recently developed bladder stones and transitioned to a prescription diet to prevent recurrence. He’s back to supervising kitchen prep with great enthusiasm.

This is the promise in action. The Pawsitively Perry Fund makes it possible for pets like Marlee, Miles and Maks to enter our program with the costs of rehoming and

stabilization covered. The Grey Muzzle Foundation—along with the Cathleen McFarlane Foundation—helps ensure we can provide ongoing veterinary care seniors so often need: surgeries, medications and special diets included. Day-today, Dr. Vinoski and his compassionate team support our Guardians with practical, accessible care in the community. Behind the funds and checklists is something simple and sacred: home. It’s Nancy and John moving a dog bed to catch the afternoon sun. It’s the Myers family learning what to watch for with Miles—while Maks gets his special meals. It’s people choosing—again and again—to be keepers of the promise.

Step into the story with us: Join Happy Tails (monthly giving). Choose a simple monthly amount—$10, $25, or what feels right—and help keep vet doors open and the sanctuary lights on so seniors and their people never walk alone. Open your home as a Guardian. Welcome a pet who has lost their person. We provide veterinary care, supplies, training support and a caring community, so you’re never on your own. Email to learn more and start the conversation. Event Spotlight—There’s No Place Like Home: A Celebration Of Care Fundraiser

When: Saturday, November 15, 4 to 7:30 p.m. (sunset) Where: Blue Ridge Farms

Honoring: Dr. Vinoski and team

You’ll enjoy appetizers, a bar, live music, and heart-warming stories that show how care becomes home. Learn about The Pet Cottage, our Guardian program, and simple ways to get involved.

Claim your spot: Email events@thepetcottage.org or call (561) 818-5025.

When we stand together, crisis becomes care, and care becomes home. Thank you for helping us write these second chapters for Marlee, Miles, and Maks—and for all of the pets and people currently in our care.

Tickets and details at events@thepetcottage.org or (561) 818-5025.

Monthly giving: Ask about joining Happy Tails. Become a Guardian: thepetcottage@hotmail.com Programs and placements: thepetcottage.org

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office

Dear Taxpayer, Hello, October! As the weather begins to cool and we head into the final months of the year, our office is preparing to certify the 2025 ad valorem tax roll to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office. As always, the tax collector will mail the 2025 property tax bills on November 1.

It is also petition season. Property owners who disagree with their property assessment or were denied an exemption and filed a petition will soon have hearings scheduled by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB), led by the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Each year, petitions typically account for less than 1% of the total parcels in Palm Beach County, but we encourage you to learn more about the process if you filed one. Information is available

Jupiter Senior Softball News

The Jupiter Senior Softball Association has opened registration for the 2026 season and persons 55 and over are invited to sign up.

There is no upper age limit, and the league’s three-division format accommodates players of all skill levels, from recreational play to competitive “and everything in between.”

Those who register now can play in pickup games through the remainder of the year as well as through 2026, including the January-March winter league. Games are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Jupiter Community Park, 1201 Island Way, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with batting practice.

League Commissioner Paul Storch said interested persons are encouraged to sign up even though it may have been years since they played. He noted that a number of current players who are in their 50s, 60s and 80s hadn’t played in years “and when they come out, they love it. Age is meaningless,” he said.

Players often cite the camaraderie of playing a game they love with others as among reasons for signing up. That sentiment was expressed by Andrew Kushner, 55, who began playing last April. He had retired as CFO of a renewable energy company in January and when he turned 55 in February, he set his sights on playing softball.

“It’s really a lot of fun and great camaraderie,” said Kushner, whose favorite position is short stop. “What better time can you have three days a week playing with a great bunch of guys?” he said.

The senior softball program is sponsored by the nonprofit Jupiter Senior Softball Association in cooperation with Jupiter’s Parks and Recreation Department. Registration can be made online at www.leaguelineup.com/jssa. For more information contact Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791.

on the VAB website (Value Adjustment Board (VAB) / Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County).

In this month’s newsletter, a brief overview of “Maximizing Your Property Tax Savings,” and an explanation of the Recapture Provision. I hope you find this information helpful. Stay Connected

For questions, visit www.pbcgov.org/PAPA, call us at (561) 355-3230, or email PAO@pbcgov.org.

Respectfully, Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

Maximize Your Property Tax Savings

As we enter the final months of the year, this is the perfect time to review your homestead exemption status and see whether you qualify for additional property tax savings.

• Limited Income Senior Exemption – For property owners 65 or older with an adjusted gross income below the 2025 income limit (to be announced by the Florida Department of Revenue early next year. This year’s limit was $37,694). Several municipalities also offer additional exemptions.

• Widow/Widower Exemption – Provides tax relief to surviving spouses who have not remarried.

• Living Quarters for Parents or Grandparents Exemption (“Granny Flat”) – Reduces the assessed value for new living quarters added to a homesteaded property for a parent or grandparent.

• Disability Exemptions – Available for individuals with qualifying disabilities, with full or partial relief depending on circumstances.

A full list of exemptions, income limits, and qualifying municipalities is available on our Do You Qualify page (www.pbcpao.gov/do-you-qualify.htm).

2025 Updates And Highlights: Understanding “Recapture”

This year, many property owners are noticing something unusual: Even though market values for some properties have flattened or even declined, their assessed value still increased.

The reason is a state law known as the Recapture Provision, which is part of Florida’s Save Our Homes (SOH) Amendment and related constitutional caps.

• For homesteaded properties, the SOH amendment limits annual increases in assessed value to 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.

• For non-homesteaded residential and commercial properties, a constitutional amendment approved in 2008 limits annual increases to 10%.

These caps protect property owners from big jumps when market values rise sharply. But when values level off or decline, the recapture provision requires assessed values to keep increasing each year by up to the cap amount (3% or 10%) until they catch up with market values. As a result, more than 20% of Palm Beach County properties were affected this year, including homes, condos, and commercial properties.

For a clear explanation, watch our short video on recapture here: Rising Tax Bills in a Flattening Market – YouTube.

Holiday Schedule

Our office will remain open on Columbus Day, Oct. 13, this year. We look forward to serving you during our regular business hours.

New School Year, Same Learning Challenges?

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

As your student returns for another school year, there’s a familiar feeling in the air: a mix of excitement, hope, and, for many, quiet frustration. While a new academic year often brings fresh supplies, new teachers, and a clean slate, it doesn’t always erase the persistent learning or social challenges your child faced in the past. One mom wrote, “I wish this year would be different and that he could understand social issues so he could respond appropriately as sometimes I think people take advantage of him.”

From difficulty grasping math or reading, to managing time, navigating social interactions, or focusing throughout a taxing school day, many students have the same obstacles year after year. While teachers work hard to support students, their class load is high, and the root causes of your child’s struggles often go deeper than a lack of effort. It’s not about “trying harder” or “just apply yourself.”

Learning differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or social anxiety, can remain undiagnosed or unsupported, leaving students, and you, feeling stuck. Others may continue to struggle which creates a gap that widens with each passing year. In some cases, students just manage to get by on their end of year assessments to get promoted. If you are ready for change, a first step is recognizing that repeated learning challenges are a signal that something isn’t working for your child. My school neuropsychological testing can identify the specific struggles and help you respond with targeted support. That could mean an Individualized Education Plan, accommodation plan, specialized tutoring, counseling, or more.

The new school year may come with the same challenges, but it also brings another chance to work with us to give you fresh perspective and better tools. Change doesn’t always come in a big leap. Sometimes, it begins by recognizing the challenge and deciding to face it differently this time.

Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www. JimForgan.com.

Tax Talk

Dear Friends:

I recently had the honor of accepting a Certificate of Merit from the Florida Tax Collector’s Association, as Palm Beach County was recognized for achieving a perfect audit for last year’s fiscal year. This honor would not be possible without the diligence and hard work of our Finance and Budget team, led by my Chief Financial Officer, Carmen C. Richardson (pictured here). Carmen and her team continue to provide exceptional financial support for my office and the residents of Palm Beach County as they single-handedly manage the collection and disbursement of more than 5 billion dollars plus the dayto-day operational expenses that keep our office running.

A huge thank you to Carmen and her outstanding team: Alahia Staniszewski, Lisa Materdomini, Terri-Ann Fabinger, Danie Bouvier, Victoria Wilson, Andres Martin, Karen Wagner, Ann Rothermel, Tina Davis, Angela Goyco and Adriana Garcia.

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

Charity Partner – Living Hungry

Imagine if you were a child going to school – classes, backpacks, homework, uniforms, – all while enduring the experience of homelessness. For more than 4,500 students

in Palm Beach County schools, this is their reality. School attendance suffers, academics suffer and health suffers. Helping students overcome these obstacles is where the Delray based charity, Living Hungry, steps in, providing children with what they need to succeed. From hygiene kits to food packs, these important items make sure students experiencing homelessness can thrive.

Our employees are honored to support Living Hungry as a Community Involvement Partner since 2019. Our employees raise funds by participating in our Dress Down for Charity Program and we also conduct fundraising activities throughout the year. “A little light, a bit of joy, and knowing someone out there cares about you – through colorful socks, brand new shower essentials, a card game kit, a note of encouragement – all these gifts shift how you feel about life, yourself and others,” says Living Hungry Founder and CEO Maura Plante. “That is the difference the Palm Beach County Tax Collector employees make.” To learn more about Living Hungry, visit www.livinghungry.org.

And Three Makes 13!

We are pleased to announce the addition of three new MV Express kiosks! Located at Promenade Shopping Plaza (9900 Alternate A1A, Palm Beach Gardens), Woods Walk Plaza (9855 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth) and Sunshine Square (501 SE 18th Ave., Boynton Beach), these self-service kiosks offer a quick and convenient way to renew your vehicle registration.

The kiosks, found inside select Publix supermarkets, are designed to save you time. They allow you to print a new vehicle registration and decal on the spot! It is easy to use the kiosk, all you need is your renewal notice PIN or your license plate number and the date of birth of the vehicle owner. Payment can be made with a credit or debit card*, and ta-da, you just renewed your vehicle registration and got your new decal!

This expansion is part of our ongoing effort to provide convenient access to motor vehicle registration renewal services. For more information about the MV Express Kiosks, such as locations, visit www.pbctax.gov/kiosks/.

*Convenience fee applies

New DL/ID Numbers And Your Voter Registration Record

On July 31, 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) began issuing new driver’s license (DL) and ID numbers to anyone getting a new driver’s license or Florida ID as well as replacement and renewed driver’s licenses/IDs. So, if you renewed or replaced your DL or ID since then, you may need to update your voter record. FLHSMV is not replacing all driver’s licenses/ID numbers, it is updated only when your license is due for renewal or if it needs to be replaced.

If you are a registered voter in Palm Beach County, it is important that your voter record is updated with your new driver’s license/ID number so that it can be used to verify a vote-by-mail ballot request or a petition signature. Voting in-person is not affected by this change.

Here is what you need to do if you are registered to vote:

• If you replaced or renewed your Florida driver’s license or ID since July 31, 2024, and did not request to update your voter registration at that time, you need to visit www. RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov to update your new driver’s license/ID number to sync it up with the elections office.

• If you plan to replace or renew your Florida driver’s license or ID in the future, you must choose to update your voter registration at the time of your in-person transaction at the tax collector’s office. Our staff has been advised to remind individuals to do so at the time of their transaction.

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