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Seven years ago Representative Richard Machek and I began working together to bring a park to the West Delray area. In November 2005, the County Commission approved a seven-year lease with the South Florida Water Management District for 313 acres of land on Atlantic Avenue just west of US 441. I am pleased to report that Representative Machek and I finally achieved our goal and recently held the Grand Opening of the new West Delray Regional Park.
This new county-operated passive park's primary use will be to take advantage of its significant recreational potential. There will be boating (non-motorized), hiking and biking trails around a wooded preserve, and picnic and camping (primitive) areas. The park also features a remote-controlled airplane field, a remote-controlled boat lake and an archery area. In addition to these features, the Parks Department has added parking and portable toilets. Ultimately, the park will be linked to the 1,600-acre Site One area near the Broward County line and the 1,000-acre South County Regional Park providing 50 miles of continuous trails.
If South Florida Water Management District does not opt to take back the land at the end of the seven-year lease, the County can renew the lease annually until 2021. The Parks Department is currently negotiating to extend the land's use as a park. I am hopeful that at least some of the land can be retained for park activities. I am very proud of all that has been done to offer top quality recreational facilities to the residents and I am certain that this new park will soon be another popular destination for many of you.
I also want to make you aware that the County is offering free prescription drug discount cards under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties. You and your family may use the card any time your prescription is not covered by insurance. Simply present one at any of the nearly 300 participating pharmacies in the County and receive an average savings of 20% off the retail price of prescriptions. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. The cards may be used by all county residents regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. In the first three weeks of the program, 2,200 people filled 3,238 prescriptions and saved $53,000. This is a wonderful program that helps all of us cope with the high cost of prescription drugs. To obtain a card or more information, visit www.pbcgov.com and click on the green tab for "Rx Discount Card" or call 866-489-7594.
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.
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Government
