Our Village Voice VOL. 36 NO. 10
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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
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.
Northern Notes
OCTOBER 2025
Bill’s Box 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.
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 t h e s t a t e ’s l a n d s c a p e , 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
Northern Notes 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.