Par 3 Pleasure RESIDENT SURVEY RESULTS
Films on the Field
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Public Communications Department Birds Eye View by Gretchen Cocuzza
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ki Ki Hobbs Candice Temple David L. Williams II
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Candice Temple David L. Williams II CONTACT US
signaturecity@pbgfl.com Signature City Questions: 561.799.4152 Main City Line: 561.799.4100 Signature City magazine is a free publication produced quarterly by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Public Communications Department. Signature City is mailed to every household in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as distributed at city facilities.
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Get Social! Follow us on your favorite social media sites
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@CityofPBG @CityofPalmBeachGardensRecreation @SandhillCraneGolf
F A L L
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F E A T U R E S
@GardensGreenMarket @CityofPBG @PBGardensFire @PBGPD @CityPBG @CityofPBG
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Tree Lighting & Concert
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
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City Briefs
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Par 3 Pleasure at The Nest
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Top 10 Code Violations
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Around Town - Project Update
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Calendar of Events
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Featured Art - Leaping Gazelle
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Films on the Field/BRCC Closure
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Charting the Course - Resident Opinion Survey
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The Gardens Trailblazer 5K
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City Social
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Community Concert Series
flickr.com/cityofpalmbeachgardens Find us on Spotify for a playlist inspired by this issue! Visit www.spotify.com or download the app & search “City of Palm Beach Gardens.”
ON THE COVER: The City’s latest Signature Facility is “The Nest”, a par-3 golf course with companion clubhouse and driving range.
“A unique place to live, learn, work and play” FA L L 2023
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O C TO B E R I S N AT IO N A L
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a public health crisis that strikes over 350,000 Americans each year. Bystander intervention is key when it comes to saving victims of SCA. Only 1 in 10 victims currently survive SCA, but with immediate CPR and use of an AED, 5 in 10 victims could survive. With the new HEARTSafe initiative Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue is striving to educate Palm Beach Gardens residents on the lifesaving interventions critical to increasing these survival rates. In addition to offering free monthly CPR classes, the city hasplaced public access AEDs in all city parks. These AEDs can be accessed by anyone 24/7 by calling 9-1-1 to obtain the access code. Once the AED is accessed the person simply turns on the AED and follows the prompts to provide lifesaving care.
YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO SAVE LIVES WITH THESE SIMPLE STEPS: Learn CPR. PBGFR offers a free hands-only CPR class every month. Call 911 and follow dispatcher instructions if someone experiences SCA. Start CPR. Push hard and fast on the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute Use the nearest AED as quickly as possible to restart the heart.
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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CITY BRIEFS
Vote-by-Mail
The Florida Legislature has limited Vote-by-Mail ballot requests to just one election cycle. Voters who want to Vote-by-Mail in 2024 must complete a new ballot request with the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. You may contact them at 561-656-6200 or complete the request at www.VotePalmBeach.gov.
Florida City Government Week The City of Palm Beach Gardens will be joining cities throughout the state to recognize and raise awareness about the importance of municipal government. Cities provide a higher level of service than most governments and play a big role in enhancing the quality of life in communities. Join us for the following free, public events during Florida City Government Week:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17
Coffee & Conversation with the Mayor 9:00 a.m. at City Hall Lobby | 10500 N. Military Trail Join Mayor Chelsea Reed for a candid conversation over coffee! Mayor Reed will share her thoughts on the current state of the City, followed by a Q&A session. Coffee & light refreshments will be served. Proudly sponsored by Lingonberry Roastery & Bakery
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
Resident Photo Contest Reception 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Lobby | 10500 N. Military Trail Talent resides in Palm Beach Gardens! Winning photographs from this year’s contest will be announced at a special reception at City Hall. The Resident Photography Contest winners will be on exhibit on display as part of a special exhibition in City Hall from October 16 to December 7, 2023.
(l to r) Councilmembers Robert Premuroso, Dana Middleton, Vice Mayor Carl Woods, Mayor Chelsea Reed & Councilmember Marcie Tinsley.
UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Thursday, October 5, 2023 Thursday, November 2, 2023 Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Thursday, January 11, 2023
City Council meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, first floor, City Hall, 10500 N. Military Trail, unless otherwise scheduled.
OTHER WAYS TO WATCH Our City Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website. Can’t make it to the meeting in person? Stay informed from the comfort of your own home! LiveStream: www.pbgfl.com/LiveStream Archives: www.youtube.com/citypbg
FA L L 2023
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Par 3 Pleasure Written by K i K i Hobbs Photographed by David L. Williams II
AT THE NEST
THIS SUMMER, PALM BEACH GARDENS’ NEWEST GOLF FACILITY OPENED ITS DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME, LETTING GOLFERS TEST THEIR SHORT GAME SKILLS ON THE CITY’S NEW, PUBLIC PAR-3 COURSE. The Nest, situated next to the City’s other public course, Sandhill Crane Golf Club, boasts a 30,000 square foot putting green, two bars, retail, and casual dining, but the amenity that appears to be generating the most buzz is its two-story driving range, which includes 18 covered hitting bays. The bays are split between two levels of The Nest’s clubhouse with nine downstairs and nine upstairs. Each one is equipped with Trackman technology, a ball tracking system similar to what’s used at popular entertainment venues like Drive Shack and Top Golf. In the bays, golfers can use the Trackman to play fun games like Closest to the Pin, Capture the Flag, and Bullseye. They can also play a virtual round of golf on Trackman’s courses of the month, which include a rotating selection of some of the country’s most iconic golf courses like California’s Pebble Beach Golf Links. 6
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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“Basically, it shows you, on the screen, the hole that you could be playing in Monterey, California, and it shows your shot and tracks the ball based on your shot in the driving range,” says Casey Mitchell, PGA, the Golf General Manager. Mitchell says for many younger players, going to the driving range to practice your swing can be “stuffy and boring,” but the Trackman’s gaming options are making kids excited to go out and work on their swing. According to Mitchell, the games are also a great, nonthreatening way to introduce people to golf. She says she’s seen plenty of first-time golfers pick up a club and reserve a bay, including parents who are passing the time while their kids take a private lesson or families who are looking for a fun, group activity.
“IT’S BEEN GREAT FOR ALL AGES, ALL GENERATIONS, ALL ABILITIES, EVERYTHING, EVERYONE,” says Mitchell. In addition to the gaming options, the Trackman system also has a function called Trackman Combine, which is for golfers who are looking to hone their skills. The system can collect data on a golfer’s launch angle, direction, height, ball speed, distance and more. It then sends that data directly to an app on the golfer’s phone. While the covered driving range bays and the Trackman system are generating a lot of buzz, the Nest has about 20 other, uncovered bays on either side of the building, giving golfers upwards of 50 spots to work on their swing. Mitchell says in total, the driving range is a 60,000 square foot grass tee which is available and maintained to the same standards of a private club. The range also has plenty of lights, so golfers can come out as late as 8 o’clock at night to practice. The golf course itself is 3,100 yards from the tips with holes going up to 256 yards. There’s also an additional 19th hole with an island green. For five dollars, golfers can play that extra hole and have their money go towards a non-profit or charity organization doing philanthropic work in the area. Golfers who play the charity hole will also receive a chip to come back and play in the summer for a reduced rate.
The Nest’s Hours of Operation Starting November 1
GOLF COURSE Monday: 9:00 am - sunset Tuesday: 7:00 am - sunset Wednesday: 7:00 am - sunset Thursday: 7:00 am – sunset Friday: 7:00 am - sunset Saturday: 7:00 am - sunset Sunday: 7:00 am - sunset DRIVING RANGE Monday: 11:00 am – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday: 6:45 am – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday: 6:45 am – 8:30 p.m. Thursday: 6:45 am – 8:30 p.m. Friday: 6:45 am – 10:30 p.m. Saturday: 6:45 am – 10:30 p.m. Sunday: 6:45 am – 7:30 p.m.
9900 SANDHILL CRANE DRIVE • 561.630.1160 Inside the clubhouse, there are multi-purpose rooms and a conference room, which can be rented out for business and special events. For dining, there’s Casey’s Café, which was named after Mitchell. It offers a variety of fast, casual eats like chicken tenders, salads, and sandwiches. The bars are also stocked with a wide selection of seltzers, beer, and wine. Already, The Nest has hosted several tournaments and events for businesses, including the South Florida PGA Junior Prep Tour, the PGA Corridor, the Minor League Golf Tour, Nicklaus Design, Pratt and Whitney, and Florida Power and Light among others. Of course, it’s not uncommon for many of those golfers to wrap up play and immediately head to the driving range bays to get in some more practice with the Trackman system, according to Mitchell. “They’re so in awe of the driving range; for a golfer, it’s like heaven,” she says. For Mitchell, seeing those reactions to the new facility has been the best part of the Nest’s opening. She says she often hears people say, “If I didn’t have a job, I’d be here every day.” Mitchell credits residents’ satisfaction with the support she and her staff have received from both City Council and the Administration, saying, “We want to be proud of golf, and this is the way to include everybody and give all of the residents, whether you play golf or not, something to be proud of.” FA L L 2023
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AROUND TOWN
Your resource for the burning question:
“What are they building over there?”
Panther National The much anticipated, new luxury golf community of Panther National began development in the spring of 2022 within the Avenir residential area. This community is set to span over a 400-acre site accompanied with a signature Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas designed 18-hole and separate 9-hole, par three golf course that is scheduled to open for play in November of 2023; this will be the first golf course in Palm Beach County built from the ground up in 20 years. Currently, the residential pods are in their first phase of development with over $215 million worth of custom homes sold. All phases are estimated to be completed within the next five years. Street Address: 10605 Coconut Boulevard
Nuvo Business Center With the need of more light industrial space for businesses, the Nuvo Business Center secured this self-storage parcel to help satisfy the increasing demand for storage space. The foundation of this project has already begun and is slated to be completed near the end of 2024. Street Address: 10380 Riverside Drive GET THE DETAILS! To keep up with development around the City, visit our Project Location Map at www.pbgfl.com/ProjectMap. 8
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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Don’t Land in the Trap! 10 COMMON CODE VIOLATIONS TO AVOID
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Accumulation of Trash & Debris: Garbage should be placed in proper containers and stored to the rear or side of the property in a neat manner. This includes landscape debris, appliances, furniture and other bulk type items.
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Commercial Vehicles: Commercial vehicles are prohibited from being parked or stored on residential property unless engaged in specific business activities such as deliveries, service, or emergencies.
Placement for Collection: Garbage, vegetation, bulk items
Outdoor Storage: Outdoor storage of merchandise is
and recycling may be placed at the curbside no earlier
prohibited in commercial districts unless approved by the
than noon on the day before collection. Place items in the
City. Outdoor storage in residential areas should be limited
proper location for collection by a waste hauler; keep items
to rear or side yards and be maintained in a clean, neat and
for collection off roadway and sidewalk. Garbage and trash
presentable manner.
containers should be removed on the same day collection
is made. Dumpsters and enclosures are to be maintained in
Inoperable Motor Vehicles & Vehicle Parking: Vehicles
a clean and sanitary condition.
outside of a garage or carport are to have current state
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license plate displayed and maintained in operable
Pool Fences & Enclosures: A fence of at least 4 feet in height or a screen enclosure is required around pools to include a self-closing and self-latching device placed at 54 inches above the bottom of the gate or door. If pools become exposed because of hurricanes or other required maintenance, temporary fencing may be used until permanent replacement is completed. Permits may
parked on an approved surface such as paved concrete, asphalt or other surface material approved by the City Engineer. Parking in the swale is not allowed.
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Property Maintenance: Deteriorated wood, siding, roof covering, fence panels, walls, driveways, etc. should be maintained in good repair with applicable surfaces kept
be required.
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condition. Vehicles and/or boats, RVs and trailers must be
painted and free of peeling paint and/or discoloration.
Recreation Vehicle, Watercraft & Trailers: In residential areas, recreation vehicles, watercrafts and trailers must be
Maintain landscaping with regular mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, watering, and exotic vegetation removal. In
parked and screened in accordance with City Code section
commercial districts, please maintain parking facility and
78-395. Only (1) watercraft and (1) RV are allowed
curbing in a good state of repair; restripe and reseal as
per property.
needed, permits may be required.
Prohibited Signs: Prior to sign installation, please contact the City Planning & Zoning Department at 561-799-4243 for additional information regarding permitted and prohibited signage. If signs are placed within the City right-of-way, they are subject to removal and/or discarded.
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Work Without Permit: Various repairs, alterations
and installations require a building permit. For permit requirements, contact the building department at 561-799-4201. The online permit system is located at www.pbgfl.com. Reference Sec. 105/1 below.
Sec. 105.1 Required. Contractors, owners, or agents authorized in accordance with Chapter 489, Florida Statutes who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any impact resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing or fire protection system, or accessible or flood resistant site element, the installation of which is regulated by this Code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.
Scan QR Code to access Palm Beach Gardens Code of Ordinances > FA L L 2023
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Calendar of Events OCTOBER 5
OCTOBER 17
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
Hands-Only CPR Class 6 – 7:30 p.m. Fire Station 61
OCTOBER 7
EVERY SUNDAY The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
8 a.m. - 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
1ST SATURDAYS Stories in the Park 10 a.m. Burns Road Park Playground
NOW-OCTOBER 31 GardensArt Exhibition Lara Chapman “Wild Impressions” Photography Dawn to Dusk Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
NOW-NOVEMBER 16 GardensArt Exhibition Sarah LaPierre “Florida Feeling” Impasto Acrylic Paintings M-Th 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fri 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat & Sun 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse *Hours may vary due to special events or other programs
OCTOBER OCTOBER 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 The Gardens at Green Market 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
Stories in the Park (Featuring Pumpkin Patty) 10 a.m. Burns Road Park Playground
OCTOBER 9-DECEMBER 22
OCTOBER 18 Art Reception for Resident Photography Contest Winners Announced 6 – 7:30 p.m. City Hall Lobby
NOVEMBER 4 Stories in the Park Featuring Nanny Gingerbread 10 – 11 a.m. Burns Road Park Playground
Fall/Winter Swim Lessons M-Sa, Various Sessions & Times Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex. More info @ pbgrec.com/aquatics
OCTOBER 20
OCTOBER 10
OCTOBER 21
Community Concert: Almost Abba
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 – 9 p.m. at City Hall
Community Yard Sale 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
Generously sponsored by BallenIsles Charities Foundation & Frenchman’s Creek Charities Foundation
OCTOBER 12-15
OCTOBER 24
World Pickleball Classic All Day Tennis & Pickleball Center
Special Magistrate Hearing 2 - 5 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers
OCTOBER 16
OCTOBER 26
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting 1:30 p.m. at City Hall
Read for the Record “With Lots of Love” 10 a.m. The Gardens North County District Park
OCTOBER 16-22 Florida City Government Week City Hall See a full list of events on page 5!
OCTOBER 16 – DECEMBER 7 Resident Photography Contest Exhibition M-Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. City Hall
OCTOBER 17 Coffee & Conversation with Mayor Chelsea Reed 9 a.m. City Hall Lobby
Tot Time: Boo Bash 10 – 11 a.m. Mirasol Center
OCTOBER 28 Fall Festival 4 – 8 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 4 ITF Tournament All day Tennis & Pickleball Center
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
NOVEMBER 2 – JANUARY 23 GardensArt Exhibition Barry Zelikson “My Travels” Oils on Canvas Dawn to Dusk Sandhill Crane Golf Clubhouse
NOVEMBER 3-4
Mangrove Forest by Sarah LaPierre
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NOVEMBER 4
7 – 9 p.m. Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
NOVEMBER 5, 12, 19, 26 The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
NOVEMBER 10 Films on the Field (Movie: Sing) Sponsored by Murray Orthodontics
6 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Salute Celebration 11 a.m. Veterans Plaza Amphitheater
NOVEMBER 12 En Plein Air at The Gardens GreenMarket 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2
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Island Couple by Barry Zelikson
Mayor’s Veterans Golf Classic Shotgun Start: 8:30 a.m. Sandhill Crane Golf Club
NOVEMBER 15 XGLOSIVE World Pickleball Kickoff Celebration- two sessions 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Center
NOVEMBER 16-19 World Pickleball Open All Day Pickleball Courts
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NOVEMBER 16 – JANUARY 11
DECEMBER 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
GardensArt Exhibition Gretchen Cocuzza “Wild & Scenic” Oil on Canvas M-Th 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fri 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat & Sun 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
JANUARY JANUARY 4
Ongoing: EVERY SUNDAY
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
Plein Air @ Sunset Painting Demonstration by Gretchen Cocuzza 5 – 7 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
DECEMBER 9
JANUARY 6
Artist’s Reception for Gretchen Cocuzza 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tennis & Pickleball Clubhouse
Stories in the Park (Featuring Safari Sue) 10 – 11 a.m. Burns Road Park Playground
DECEMBER 10
JANUARY 7, 14, 21, 28
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES:
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 – 9 p.m. at City Hall
En Plein Air at The Gardens GreenMarket 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
The Gardens GreenMarket 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
Aquatic Complex 4420 Burns Road
NOVEMBER 28 – DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 11 – FEBRUARY 1
JANUARY 9
Lakeside Center 10410 N. Military Trail
“Little Mo” Internationals All Day Tennis & Pickleball Center
GardensArt Exhibition Frederick Croen “Discovering the Familiar”: Views of Palm Beach County Photography Weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. City Hall
*Hours may vary due to special events or other programs
NOVEMBER 17 Tot Time: Fall Fun 10 – 11 a.m. Mirasol Center
NOVEMBER 24
NOVEMBER 28 Special Magistrate Hearing 2 - 5 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers
DECEMBER DECEMBER 1-19 Santa’s Mailbox Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex
DECEMBER 2 Stories in the Park Featuring Trixie the Pixie 10 – 11 a.m. Burns Road Park Playground
DECEMBER 2 Tree Lighting & Community Concert feat. Wonderama Concert sponsored by BallenIsles Charities Foundation & Frenchman’s Creek Charities Foundation
DECEMBER 6
DECEMBER 12 Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board 6 – 9 p.m. at City Hall
DECEMBER 15 Tot Time: Character Luncheon 10 – 11 a.m. Mirasol Center
DECEMBER 16 The Gardens Trailblazer 5K 4 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
Films on the Field (Movie: Frozen) 4 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board Meeting 6 – 9 p.m. at City Hall
JANUARY 11
The Gardens GreenMarket Sponsored in good health by Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center 8 a.m.-1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
City Hall Municipal Campus/ Veterans Plaza Amphitheater 10500 N. Military Trail
City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at City Hall
Fire Station 61 4425 Burns Road
JANUARY 12
Sandhill Crane Golf Club 9500 Sandhill Crane Drive
Films on the Field (The Super Mario Bros. Movie) 6 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
JANUARY 14 En Plein Air at the Gardens GreenMarket 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. City Hall Municipal Campus
The Nest Par 3 Clubhouse 9900 Sandhill Crane Drive Tennis & Pickleball Center Clubhouse/ Center Court Café 5110 117th Court N.
JANUARY 19 Tot Time: Winter Fun 10 – 11 a.m. Mirasol Center
5 – 8 p.m. The Gardens North County District Park
Introspection by Fred Croen FA L L 2023
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Leaping Gazelle
Written and Photographed by David L. Williams II
A
nyone who frequents The Gardens Mall (3101 PGA Boulevard) has likely come across this sculpture at some point but may be unaware of the legacy that it represents. This structure is one of eleven that exist in the entire world and was created by one of America’s most celebrated sculptors of the twentieth century, Marshall M. Fredericks (1908-1998), who left an indelible mark on the world of art with his ability to capture the beauty of nature and the human spirit in his works. Fredericks was heavily inspired by his love for animals and the wilderness, which is very evident in many of his sculptures. “Leaping Gazelle,” created in 1939, is a testament to Fredericks’ mastery of his craft and his fascination with the beauty of the animal form. This sculpture was the first commissioned work that Fredricks was paid to create, and won first place in a national competition, which ultimately led to his acclaim in the art industry. The sculpture, which depicts a graceful gazelle mid-leap, captures a moment of pure, unbridled energy and motion. Fredericks meticulously studied the anatomy and movement of gazelles, spending hours observing them in their natural habitat and sketching their form in detail. As a result, this deep understanding of his gazelle subject allowed him to create a sculpture that not only embodies its physical attributes but also conveys its spirit and vitality. As a symbol of grace, elegance, and liberty, the gazelle serves as a representation of the untamed spirit of the natural world. It embodies the idea of breaking free from constraints and embracing the exhilaration of life’s journey, similar to the leaps and bounds of the gazelle in its natural habitat. In addition, the sculpture also speaks to the human condition; in the face of adversity or life’s challenges, “Leaping Gazelle” serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience within all of us, urging us to leap forward with determination and grace. Fredericks’ “Leaping Gazelle” has enjoyed a rich and enduring legacy. It is not only admired for its artistic brilliance but also for its ability to inspire and move those who encounter it. In a world that often seems to move at a frantic pace, “Leaping Gazelle” encourages us to pause, embrace the beauty of nature, and find our own moments of grace and vitality.
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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REOPENING SPRING 2025 Your Burns Road Community Center is currently undergoing renovations and is slated to reopen during the spring of 2025. During this time, we are still here for you! Several select programs
will continue to be offered throughout this closure at alternate facilities. Visit our webpage for construction renderings and programming details at pbgfl.com/BRCCproject.
FA L L 2023
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Charting the Course 2023 RESIDENT OPINION SURVEY RESULTS The Resident Opinion Survey is conducted every three years. Our most recent survey of residents was conducted during the spring of 2023. The purpose of this survey was to help the City take a resident-driven approach to making decisions that will impact the future of the community and positively affect the quality of life for residents. For complete results of the 2023 Resident Opinion Survey visit our website at www.pbgfl.com/residentsurvey.
WHAT ARE THE TOP REASONS YOU LIVE IN PALM BEACH GARDENS?
CITY SERVICES Overall Satisfaction. Respondents were asked to rate their overall satisfaction with the quality of services and programs provided by the City. Most respondents (85%) said they felt either satisfied (51%) or very satisfied (34%). Most respondents (74%) report being satisfied with the customer service provided by city employees.
1. Low Crime Rate 2. Shopping/Restaurants/ Community Amenities 3. Physical Beauty 4. Upscale Community 5. Recreational Opportunities/Events 6. Born Here/Family Lives Here 7. Work/School is Here
What services or amenities do you think the City should be providing? • Adding more walking/biking, friendly streets, greenways, paths • More large community events • Additional cultural events • Public amphitheater • Environmental education center • Small business incubator SATISFACTION WITH OVERALL QUALITY OF CITY SERVICES- 99% Very satisfied (36%) Satisfied (50%) Nuetral (13%) * According the survey analysists, a “neutral” response is counted as a positive response.
SATISFACTION WITH ASPECTS OF PALM BEACH GARDENS Fire Rescue (100%) Police Department (98%) Parks & Recreation (99%) City Code Enforcement (92%) Overall Appearance (98%)
96% OF RESIDENTS WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND LIVING IN PBG 14
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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TOP 5 MOST USED CITY PROGRAMS 1. Sandhill Crane Golf Club 2. Tennis & Pickleball Center & Programs 3. Youth Recreation 4. Aquatic Center & Swimming Programs 5. Adult Fitness/Wellness/Sport
COMMUNICATION Respondents were asked which communication resources they use most often to obtain information about the City: • Signature City Magazine (59%) • Mail (55%) • Social Media (42%) • Television News (40%) • City of PBG Website (38%) • Emails or eNewsletters (37%) How effective are the City’s efforts to communicate important information about the City government to you and other residents? Very effective (20.5%) Effective (43.0%) Neutral (26.6%) Not effective (8.9%) Not at all effective (1.0%)
OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Shopping/retail (97%) Restaurant/entertainment (96%) Streetscapes throughout City (93%) Art in Public Places program (95%) Commercial Developments (77%) Residential Developments (71%) When asked which two items they wanted to see MORE of in the City, respondents said: 1. Streetscapes throughout the City (52%) 2. Restaurant/Entertainment (47%) 3. Art in Public Places (43%) 4. Shopping/Retail (28%) 5. Residential Developments (10%) 6. Commercial Developments (4%) When asked how important it is that the City allocated funds to the following infrastructure improvements, respondents said: 1. Pedestrian Safety (95%) 2. Bicycle Safety (86%) 3. Separating Bike Lanes from Traffic with Barrier (78%) 4. Alternative Transportation Options (82%) 5. Traffic Calming Efforts (74%)
A BIRDIE OF A BUDGET After two public hearings, the FY24 budget was passed by City Council. For a detailed, line-item version of the City budget, visit www.pbgfl.com/budget and select ‘Adopted Budget by Line-Item Account’. Total Milage Rate: 5.17 2.8% Reduction from 5.32 in FY23 Debt Rate = 0 (no change) This is the second consecutive year in a row that City Council has approved a tax decrease. Unlike most cities, the City does not levy any of the following fees and charges: • Residential curbside garbage or trash collection • Electric, water, or natural gas utility service taxes • City storm water assessments • City fire assessments
POSITIONS: TOTAL 606 FT (UP 10) Per 1,000 population: • FY 2024 (606 positions) 9.97 • FY 2007 (514 positions) 10.41 Ten-Year Financial Forecast • Maintains operating millage flat at 5.1700 through FY 2033 • No debt service millage • Unassigned reserves estimated at $30M in FY 2033 • Meets council policy of at least 17% of expenditures every year • Budget stabilization reserves estimated at $5.8M in FY 2033
New Positions Funded: • 2 Recreation Positions • 1 Position in Golf • 4 Police Officers • 1 Fire Inspector • 1 Code Inspector • 1 GIS Technician FA L L 2023
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CITY SOCIAL
THE NEST RIBBON CUTTING
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City Social
LOVE SERVING AUTISM CAMP
July 25
World Drowning Prevention Day 18
SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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City Social: Shout Outs! Congratulations to PBG Recreation Department’s Leisure Services Administrator Charlotte Presensky! In August, Charlotte was sworn in as the new President of the Florida Recreation and Park Association at their Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Big news for the Public Communications Department! In May, the City’s Public Media Relations Director Candice Temple was sworn in as President of the Florida Municipal Communicators Association at their Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. Candice, who has been on the Board of Directors for 5 years, will serve in this capacity for the next year.
At the FMCA Conference, the Public Communications Team won an Outstanding Award- first-place in the Best Collaborative Video for its ‘Stroke Wars’ PSA. In addition, in September the City-County Communications and Marketing Association awarded ‘Stroke Wars’ a Savvy Award- first place in the Video: Education & Training category.
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City of Palm Beach Gardens 10500 N Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
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SIGNATURE CITY: City of Palm Beach Gardens
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