Message from Commissioner Burt Aaronson

Sheila, my staff and I want to wish a Happy and Healthy New Year to all of you. I sincerely hope that 2008 will be a happy and prosperous year for you and all your family.

As I reflect back on 2007, I realize that you and I were able to work together to accomplish many things that benefit the residents of District Five. I would like to take a moment to mention some of the highlights.

Traffic Signals and/or flashers were installed at Hagen Ranch Rd and Valencia Lake Way, Woolbright Rd. and Wingfoot Dr., and Jog Rd. and Floral Lakes Blvd. Finishing touches are being completed on the Jog Rd. widening project from Atlantic Ave. north to Lake Ida Rd. Lyons Rd. from Linton Blvd. to West Atlantic is being reconstructed. Intersection improvements are being made at Yamato Rd. at Cain Blvd. The extension of Flavor Pict Rd. from Jog Rd. to Hagen Ranch Rd. was completed. Streetlight projects were completed on Woolbright Rd. from Hagen Ranch Rd. to Jog Rd. and on Clint Moore Rd. from Lyons Rd. to the Turnpike. Various pathways and repaving projects were done throughout the District. All of these additions and improvements help to make travel safer and easier for motorists, cyclists and walkers.

Construction has begun on Fire Rescue Station 44 located on Flavor Pict and Jog. Rd. Our Library System in District 5 is expanding to better serve all of you. We broke ground and began construction on two new libraries, one on Hagen Ranch Road in West Delray and one on State Road 7 in West Boca. I look forward to joining with you at the grand openings. Representative Machek and I opened the new West Delray Regional Park on Atlantic Ave. west of State Road 7. I hope that many of you will visit this wonderful passive park. Finally, we are nearly complete with the construction of the new amphitheater at South County Regional Park. This will certainly be an exciting new county venue for the residents. A committee made up of representatives of the West Boca Community Council, the Alliance and COBWRA will be reviewing and discussing various ideas for entertainment that the residents would like to see. I will keep you informed on the date of our grand opening celebration and on future performances that we will all be able to enjoy.

Space prevents me from mentioning everything that happened during the year but I think you will agree that we accomplished a great deal and I am certain that together we will accomplish even more in 2008.

Finally, I want to thank all of you for the support you have given me during this past year. I appreciate your confidence in me and I am proud to be your District Commissioner. As we move into the new year, I will continue to do all I can to insure that you, as well as all the residents in Palm Beach County, have the highest quality of life possible.