Message from Commissioner Burt Aaronson

I have several issues that I would like to discuss this month. First, my office has received several calls asking when the illuminated street signs that were damaged during the hurricanes will be replaced. According to the Traffic Division of the County Engineers Office, the Florida Department of Transportation is handling the replacement of the signs through a hurricane restoration contract with FEMA. Some signs have already been replaced and efforts are ongoing to complete the project as soon as possible.

Second, at the October 3rd County Commission meeting, a contract was approved by the Board for the construction of the South County Regional Park Phase II - Golf Course. The contract authorizes construction of a 27-hole golf course, including finish earthwork and grading, top dressing, irrigation, grassing, landscaping and two on-course comfort stations. Phase III has already been awarded under a separate contract and includes construction of the golf courses clubhouse, cart barn, and maintenance building as well as the amphitheater, picnic pavilions, entrance road, parking and other infrastructure. I will keep you updated as the project progresses.

Finally, since October is Fire Prevention Month I want to take a moment to focus on the County's Fire-Rescue Department. Whether you have a medical emergency or a fire on your property, you look to Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue for assistance. If you have ever had occasion to call upon Fire-Rescue, you know how critical it is that the paramedics and firefighters reach you as soon as possible. Here in District 5, we experienced tremendous growth in the past few years. Later this month, we will be having our grand opening of Station 41 at the northwest corner of Military Trail and Woolbright Road. In addition, we will be applying for a building permit for Station 44, the new station on the southwest corner of Jog Rd. and Flavor Pict Rd. Fire-Rescue advises that they are working toward a completion date in January 2008. I am pleased that we are adding these stations because they help to reduce our response times to the residents of District 5.

In closing, I would like to make a personal observation. We are very fortunate here in Palm Beach County to have such an excellent Fire-Rescue Department. Our paramedics and firefighters are some of the most dedicated men and women I have met. They stand ready to help us in any emergency. We should be very proud of each and every one of them.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you. As your Commissioner, I am here to help you. You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205. You can also email me at baaronso@co.palm-beach.fl.us.