MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER AARONSON

2008 is quickly coming to a close. As I reflect back over the year, I realize that you and I were able to work together to accomplish many things. I would like to take a moment to mention some of the most exciting highlights.

In February, Palm Tran launched “The Link”, a route deviation service that serves residential and gated communities where fixed route service is not available. In October, the new Magenta Link route began service. It runs on Mondays from 9:00am to 6:00pm and travels from Atlantic Avenue and Jog Road to Lyons Road and Yamato Road. It includes service to Kings Point and Century Village. Palm Tran Director Chuck Cohen said that this route is proving very popular so far. For additional information, call 561-649-9848 and select option 5.

We held the Grand Opening of South County Regional Park’s Sunset Cove Amphitheater in March. It was the biggest County celebration I’ve attended since becoming your County Commissioner. Many of you were there and enjoyed the live music, food vendors and fantastic fireworks display. It was truly a community event that brought seniors, adults, teens and families together for a wonderful evening of entertainment. There have been movie nights, concerts, live theater and holiday celebrations held since the opening. You can visit the County’s website, www.pbcgov.com for a calendar of events.

April brought the opening of the Sheriff’s Office Park Vista/District 6 substation. We now have Sheriff’s services available to West Boynton, West Delray and West Boca. I will continue to work with Captain Marty Bechtel, Captain Jeff Calise and Captain Matt Eisenberg to insure that we have the highest quality of life possible. We also celebrated Earth Day and the opening of the Daggerwing Nature Center’s expanded facility at South County Regional Park. This is an amazing Center that particularly appeals to the young people. I highly recommend it for your children or grandchildren.

In May, my eight-year crusade to have cameras installed at intersections to help prevent red-light running came to an end. The County Commission adopted an Ordinance that authorizes the use of unmanned camera/monitoring systems and approved a civil enforcement system with penalties and an appeal process for red light violations. We are currently preparing a bid for companies that are interested in providing camera service to the County. I will keep you informed of the progress.

July also brought new facilities to District 5. An overwhelming number of residents attended the grand opening of the new library on Hagen Ranch Road. Attendance has been outstanding. I’m looking forward to joining with you next month as we open the new library on US 441 in West Boca. Many residents joined me at the “Unleashing Ceremony” of the Canine Cove dog park and the opening of the boundless playground and new picnic facilities at South County Regional Park.

Last month, we opened the new Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station No. 44 on Flavor Pict Road in West Boynton. I am pleased that the County will be able to reduce response times throughout District 5 with the addition of this fire station.

Space prevents me from mentioning everything that happened during this year but I think you will agree that we accomplished a great deal and that together we will accomplish even more in 2009.

Finally, Sheila, my staff - Mary Lou, Vivian and Meaghan, and I would like to wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year. I sincerely hope that the coming year brings only good things to you and your family.

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