Our Village Voice VOL. 36 NO. 9
Check out our BRAND NEW website at: shores.seabreezecommunications.com!
Northern Notes Preserving The Preserves By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District Northern owns and maintains approximately 2,000 acres of preserves throughout the 128-squaremile district. It is an integral part of many of our residential communities
and a pristine area of native Florida that we strive to protect. Since these areas sometimes lie behind residents’ houses, we receive many calls to trim back trees or remove trees that are not aesthetically pleasing. If it is warranted or threatening personal property, we will trim back or
remove vegetation, but in most cases, trees should be left in their native state. Why is this? Why can’t we make the preserve areas look like parks? First and foremost, we are required by permit with the South Florida Water Management District not to remove or kill any native trees or plants in the preserve. These native trees and vegetation, such as cabbage palms, provide many benefits to wildlife. They are not just trees, but homes for many animals, such as squirrels, raccoons, frogs, lizards and others. Small rodents, lizards, insects and even rare plant species rely on the uncut “boots” of a palm for a home. Squirrels and birds will use the palm thatch as nesting material and will often nest in the palm. One time, preserve crews removed three cabbage palms from behind a resident’s home. When one of the palms dropped to the ground, seven newborn squirrels fell out of it. Staff had to build a temporary “home” for the babies close to the tree, hoping the mother would return to find them. Many bird nests are also lost due to trimming plants and trees. A 2019 study in South Florida found that cavity nesters, native woodpeckers specifically, favored palm snags, which are dead palm trees, over pine trees or maples in urbanized tropical regions: even more of a reason to keep standing snags in the preserve. We received a request from a resident to remove a maple snag located behind their home. It wasn’t threatening any property; it was just a bit of an eyesore. Northern staff went to investigate, and as soon as they got close to the tree, a woodpecker flew towards them and into a small cavity it had built in the tree. Not only was there a nest, but there were several baby chicks inside that the woodpecker was feeding. Even more importantly, many of these birds and their nests/eggs are protected by federal law (The Migratory Bird Treaty Act). Northern Notes on page 2
Commissioner’s Update Welcoming Joseph Abruzzo As County Administrator By Maria G. Marino On behalf of the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, I am pleased to share that on July 24, 2025, the Board unanimously approved a contract appointing Joseph “Joe” Abruzzo as our next county administrator. Abruzzo will officially assume the role on August 19, 2025, under a five-year contract with renewal provisions. This moment marks a pivotal transition in our county’s leadership. Following the retirement of Verdenia Baker on May 31, 2025, after nearly four decades of extraordinary
public service, including 10 years as county administrator, Palm Beach County enters a new chapter. In the interim, Todd Bonlarron, former assistant county administrator, stepped up to serve as interim county administrator. Todd’s steady and capable leadership during this transitional period has ensured continuity in our day-to-day operations, and the Board is deeply grateful for his dedication to public service. The county administrator’s role is one of immense responsibility, overseeing a $9 billion budget and more than 7,000 employees who serve the 1.6 million residents of Palm Beach County. After a comprehensive process that drew 240 applicants, Abruzzo was selected from a field of four outstanding finalists. His background in both financial management and administration, coupled with his understanding of county operations, made him the clear choice. Abruzzo has served as Palm Beach County’s clerk of the circuit court and comptroller since his election in 2020, where he has led approximately 650 employees, managed a $70 million budget, and has safeguarded nearly 6 billion annually in public assets. His experience as the county’s chief financial officer, treasurer, auditor, and clerk to both the Board and the circuit court has given him a rare and valuable perspective on the inner workings of our government. Prior to his current role, Abruzzo also Commissioner’s Update on page 2
SEPTEMBER 2025
Bill’s Box By Bill Thompson Now, what to write about that won’t appear to be “past news.” That invites general observations and good will. As of this day, August 10, I am putting my mind to subjects still pertinent in early September when your newsletter hits your mailboxes. So far, I am stuck on a frequently spoken phrase by my erstwhile irrigation guy when he doesn’t how to fix something. “Oh well.” Observations Some of us could do a better job returning trash containers to “out of sight” after trash/garbage pickup, including me. If you are home and you know your friends and neighbors are not, it is a nice gesture to take the containers to the garage door. My good friend John does that for me even if I am home but may be still in bed or a state of blissful unawareness. On the rare day I am out early, I’ve been known to do that for neighbors whom have jobs outside the home. To pat my back, I did three homes just the morning. Yesterday, I met Reggie and Alison who are scheduled to move into The Shores this September 1, 2025. They will get a welcoming visit and gifts delivered by Amy Lemelin, HOA board member and chair of our Welcoming Committee. Our new neighbors will be living on the south section of Lake Bend Dr. Not to be “poor pitiful Pearl,” Dawn and I are exhausted from a painful and tedious procedure to declutter after 36 years in our home. Selecting endless stacks of paper to file or toss. Some must be shredded to protect sensitive ID information. Our targets include the stuffed garage, much of which is business files and loads of tools, unused but useable, hoarded for 40-plus years. Sound familiar? Bill’s Box on page 4
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.