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Frequently Ask Questions

 
Adult training/tours
  1. Q: I'm interested in taking a CPR class. Who do I call to sign up for one?
    A: Contact the American Heart Association at 1-800-396-2771 or the local chapter of the Red Cross.

  2. Q: How can I get a factory tour of a sugar or rice mill?
    A: These are industrial plants that offer group tours that can sometimes be arranged through their public relations offices.
    United States Sugar Corp.863-983-8121
    Florida Crystals561-988-8102
    Sugarcane Growers Coop561-996-5556
    Sem-Chi Rice Products Corp.561-996-6054
  3. Q: How do I become a firefighter or paramedic with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue?
    A: Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue requires a person to hold current Florida certifications for Firefighter Minimum Standards and Emergency Medical Technician in order to apply for a job. Palm Beach County Employee Relations and Personnel Department (561-616-6888) administers the hiring process. Normally, they only accept applications when a position is being advertised. Vacancies are determined by staffing requirements and budget and are advertised in the classified ads of the local newspaper. For additional information, contact the Training and Safety Division of the Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue at 561-616-6913.

  4. Q: How do I get the Firefighter Minimum Standards Training?
    A: In Palm Beach County only Palm Beach Community College offers the 480 hour Minimum Standards Training. However, due to the tremendous demands, only those persons currently employed by a fire department, or holding a letter of sponsorship from a fire chief are permitted to enroll. Additionally, all prospective students must pass basic scholastic and physical ability tests. For more information on Minimum Standards classes, call Palm Beach Community College at 561-357-1371.

  5. Q: I'm a teacher at a local school and would like to have my class visit the fire station or arrange for a fire truck to come out to my school. Who should I call?
    A: This can be done by contacting Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue's Community Education Department at 561-616-7000. The secretary will direct your call to the appropriate Community Education Specialist.

  6. Q: What opportunities are available for professionals who desire in-service training?
    A: The Cooperative Extension Service offers numerous opportunities for in-service training to professionals working with families. These include, but are not limited, nutrition and health professionals, child care professionals, condominium and property managers, assisted living professionals, food service workers and others. For additional information call 561-233-1742.

  7. Q: Where can I go for a turtle walk?
    A: There are three places in Palm Beach County that offer night walks:
    North County - call the Marine Life Center in Juno Beach at 561-627-8280;
    Central County - call MacArthur Beach State Park at 561-624-6950;
    South County - call Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton at 561-338-1473.

agriculture/plants
  1. Q: How do I tell the difference between ants and termites?
    A: The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension is a great resource for information on insects.
    Ants:
    narrow waist between middle section (thorax) and rear section (abdomen); bend or elbow in antenna; winged ants (alates) have different length wings
    Termites:
    broad waist between middle and rear sections; no bend or elbow in antenna; winged termite wings all the same length

  2. Q: What is a "Certified Florida Yard"?
    A: A "Certified Florida Yard" is a landscape that enhances the community and protects Florida's natural resources. The yard has passed an evaluation of maintenance practices including water efficiency, minimization of storm water runoff and reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers. It saves time, labor and money while protecting wildlife and our environment. Call the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program at (561) 233-1748. To view publications on how to have a Florida Yard, visit the Cooperative Extension or Mounts Botanical Garden.

  3. Q: Can I buy compost?
    A: Yes. The Solid Waste Authority's compost has been tested under guidelines developed by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and Florida's Department of Environmental Protection and has been approved for unlimited distribution. Compost and mulch is available to the general public free of charge at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 6161 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach. Users must load the material into their own containers.

  4. Q: I'd like to start a compost pile. Do I have to worry about an odor?
    A: Your compost pile will not have an odor as long as you place the proper items in it. The Solid Waste Authority (561-640-4000, ext. 4611) can send you some literature to get you started.

  5. Q: How do I obtain a compost bin?
    A: Contact the Solid Waste Authority Customer Information Services Department at 561-697-2700 or toll-free 930-2727. You may also check the "Events" section of our web site for upcoming compost bin sales located throughout the county. The bins are often on sale for $10 at local green markets.

  6. Q: What is the Cooperative Extension Service?
    A: The Cooperative Extension Service is a joint venture between the United States Department of Agricultural, the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and the Board of County Commissioners. IFAS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, gender, age disability, or national origin. Cooperative Extension works in Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, Natural Resources and 4-H and Youth, with the State of Florida, University of Florida (IFAS), US Department of Agriculture, Board of County Commissioners and the community cooperating. (See "Children" for information on the 4-H.)

  7. Q: What are Palm Beach County's Prohibited Plant Species*?
    A: They are the following invasive non-native plant species:
    Air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera)
    Melaleuca, Punk tree, or Paper tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
    Brazilian pepper or Florida holly (Schinus terebinthifolius)
    Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia)
    Earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis)
    Schefflera (Brassaia actinophylla)
    Small leaved climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum)
    Carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides)
    Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)

    *Palm Beach County requires the removal of the County's nine prohibited plant species on all properties within 500-feet of certain natural areas by certain dates. In addition, the County requires the removal of old-world climbing fern vine and air potato vine on all properties countywide.

    To assist properties owners with the removal of these invasive non-native plants, the County has several assistance programs:

    1.  Australian pine/Melaleuca Removal Program:  Only available to properties within 500-feet of a natural area.  County will removal these two trees for free.

    2.  Cost Share Program:  Only available to properties within 500-feet of a natural area. With a parcel owner paying no more than $500, the County will remove seven of the County's nine prohibited plant species.

    3.  Invasive Vine Strike Force:  Available countywide. County will remove old-world climbing fern vine and air potato vine on qualified properties.

    For all of these programs, certain limitations apply. For more information on these programs, see the "Prohibited Plant Species - "What You Need to Know and Do" and the "Invasive Vine Strike Force" brochures, visit our website at:

    www.pbcgov.com/erm/prohibited_plants.asp, or contact the County Department of Environmental Resources Management at 561-233-2400.


  8. Q: How can I get a factory tour of a sugar or rice mill?
    A: These are industrial plants that offer group tours which can sometimes be arranged through their public relations offices.
    United States Sugar Corp.863-983-8121
    Florida Crystals561-988-8102
    Sugarcane Growers Coop561-996-5556
    Sem-Chi Rice Products Corp.561-996-6054
  9. Q: How important is farming/agriculture in Palm Beach County?
    A: Agriculture is the 2nd largest industry in Palm Beach County, tourism being first. Agriculture has an economic impact of over 2.1 billion annually. Over 540,000 acres (about 43%) of the county's land mass is devoted to agriculture. Palm Beach County is the largest agricultural production area east of the Mississippi River. For more information call the Cooperative Extension at 561-233-1700.

  10. Q: Is Palm Beach County a good place to grow vegetables?
    A: Actually it is not the best place to grow vegetables. However, it is one of only a few places where warm season vegetable crops can be grown in the United States for the fall, winter and spring time periods. The other places where some of these crops are grown in the "winter" are Southern Texas, Arizona, Southern California, and other locations in South Florida which are Homestead, Immokalee, and Naples. For more information call the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service at 561-233-1700.

  11. Q: Vegetable growers here in Palm Beach County have adapted to local conditions such that they can produce a large supply of good quality produce. What are some of the local conditions which make it a challenge to grow vegetables here?
    A: Constant attention to water levels and fertilization are needed since our sandy soils do not hold water or fertilizer readily. Open bed growers, such as corn, leafy vegetables, and herbs add small amounts of fertilizer frequently to maintain proper crop nutrition. Full-bed plastic mulch is used to cover "beds" for tomatoes, eggplants, squash, and cucumbers to help keep the larger amounts of fertilizer used by these growers from leaching after rainfall. The same "warm" winter weather which makes it possible for growers to produce crops here in the winter also promotes constant populations of harmful insects which must be controlled. Many plant diseases which damage vegetables also flourish under these sub-tropical conditions. Freezing weather in northern locations of the United States helps to kill over seasoning pests.

  12. Q: Why aren't vegetables grown in Palm Beach County during the summer months?
    A: Growing conditions are even less favorable for most vegetable crops during the summer months. Our typical warm, wet weather would promote even greater insect and disease outbreaks. Frequent rainfall coupled with high pest pressure would mean greater use and expense of crop protectant chemicals. High night temperatures contribute to poor pollination and fruit set for crops such as tomatoes. However, marketing is the primary reason. Other locations such as Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, etc., can grow crops in the summer less expensively and have shorter hauling distances than from South Florida. For more information call the Cooperative Extension Service at 561-233-1700.

  13. Q: Do vegetable growers "use" a lot of water?
    A: That depends on your definition of "use". At times vegetable growers move a lot of water around, i.e. they pump water into their field ditches to maintain the water table for sub-surface seepage irrigation and pump water out of their ditches when rainfall is excessive to keep the extra water from "drowning" their plants (killing the root system.) The actual amount of water that is consumed or that leaves the area is actually very small. For example, usually a spring crop of tomatoes yields 2,000 cartons of fruit per acre. Given 25 pounds of tomatoes per carton, tomato fruit containing 80% water, an acre inch or water at 27,000 gallons, and a gallon of water weighing 8 pounds; slightly less than 1/5 acre inch of water would be removed in the fruit to be shipped out of the area.

    Other portions of the water "used" for growing the crop are returned to the local area. About 37 acre inches of water enter the atmosphere through evapotranspiration during the four month crop period and return as rainfall. Approximately 12 acre inches of water are returned to the ground water via deep percolation through the soil profile and can be pumped out again as well water. The two acre inches of water which are taken up by the plants in the roots, stems, and foliage remain in the field and are returned to the soil at the end of the crop.

  14. Q: What types of plants are best to plant in littoral shelves?
    A: Littoral shelves are the areas of land that are right at the water level of a body of brackish or fresh water. You should plant on a slope no steeper than 1' vertical to 10' horizontal. There are specific trees that grow well in the transitional wetland areas, and there are specific shrubs and grasses that grow best in the shallow or deep water. For a list of these plants contact Environmental Resources Management/Resources Protection at 561-233-2400.

  15. Q: How do I know if I need a license to apply pesticides?
    A: Whether or not you need a pesticide license depends on your employer, the type of products you are applying, and the areas being treated. If you have questions or for more information, you can call the Palm Beach County Extension office in Belle Glade, 561-996-1655. You can also call the Department of Environmental Resources Management at 561-233-2400.

  16. Q: How do I get a restricted-use pesticide license?
    A: A booklet is available at the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension office which lists the most frequently asked questions and answers about pesticide licensing as well as dates for upcoming review sessions, exams, and information on ordering study material. The phone number is 561-233-1700.

  17. Q: The University of Florida Extension Specialist for Home Gardening maintains records for the largest vegetable specimen of 52 different crops. How many of these records are for vegetables grown here in Palm Beach County?
    A: Ten (almost 20%) of the current records are for vegetables grown in Palm Beach County. Some of these record breaking vegetables are: a 21 lb. jicama (1993), an 80 lb. winter melon (1997), and a 3 lb. radish (1990). For more information contact the Cooperative Extension at 561-233-1700.

  18. Q: Does the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service do soil testing?
    A: They provide instructions for taking soil samples and the sample kit that can be sent with a small fee (depending on tests that you want) to the University of Florida Soil Testing Lab for analysis. Call 561-233-1750, or visit us at the Mounts Building, 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida.

  19. Q: How do I donate a tree to plant in a county-operated park?
    A: There is a Palm Beach County Tree Memorial Program. Please contact a Parks representative at 561-966-6684 (Parks & Recreation Department).

  20. Q: I have an old oak tree that I would like to relocate. Who should I call for advice on tree salvage?
    A: You can call Resource Protection at 561-233-2400. They can give you advice on what you can do to save this tree. They can even visit the site in order to give you suggestions. There are factors to consider such as age and health of the tree.

  21. Q: Do any towns in Palm Beach County have a vegetable variety named after them?
    A: Yes, they are:
    "Belle Glade" - a red radish developed by Harris-Moran Seed Company
    "Boynton Bell" - a bacterial spot resistant hybrid bell pepper developed by Pepper Research, Inc.
    "Delray Bell" - a virus resistant bell pepper released by the University of Florida in 1977
    "Jupiter" - a bell pepper developed by Northrup King Seed Company
    "South Bay" - a corky root rot tolerant iceberg lettuce developed by the University of Florida
    Many sweet corn and celery varieties have been developed here although none were named after local cities.

animals/pets
  1. Q: Where can I go bird watching?
    A: The word "Wakodahatchee" is derived from the Seminole Indian language and translates as "created waters". The created waters at Wakodahatchee Wetlands are an example of people giving something back to nature. Fifty acres of unused utilities land have been transformed into a wetlands ecosystem by the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department. Everyday the Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility pumps approximately two million gallons of highly treated water into the Wetlands. By acting as a natural filter for nutrients that remain, the wetlands work to further cleanse the water. The Wakodahatchee Wetlands have attracted an abundant variety of wildlife, including turtles, frogs, otters, alligators and birds. More than 140 different species of birds have been spotted at the site.

  2. Q: Where are the dog parks? Do you have any dog beaches?
    A: Unfortunately there are no dog beaches in Palm Beach County parks at this time. But, you can take your dog, on a leash, to any inland County park such as Okeeheelee Park, Caloosa Park, John Prince Park, Lake Lytal Park, and the South County Regional Park. The only County park that has an enclosed area specifically designed for dogs to be off the leash is Lake Ida/West Park in Delray Beach. For more information look at the Parks & Recreation Department website or call 561-966-6600.

  3. Q: Where can I see wild dolphins?
    A: For information on dolphins, you can call the Wild Dolphin Project at 575-5660, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 625-5122, or the Florida Marine Patrol at 1-800-DIAL FMP (800-348-5367 or 624-6935).

  4. Q: How can I find out if my lost pet is at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control?
    A: Visit the shelter during business hours business hours or look on the Web site www.pbcgov.com/SNAP for a picture of your lost pet. The shelter is open Monday through Friday, 11-6, Saturday 10-5, or Sunday 11-4. The Lost and Found phone number is 561-233-1282. The shelter is located at 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach approximately 5 miles west of I-95, just west of the Florida Turnpike. Proof of ownership is required. Bring a clear and current photo of your pet or the animal's rabies certificate. Be sure to complete a lost report at the shelter. It is important that you check every few days at all animal shelters for your lost pet! Only you know what your pet looks like. If you are reclaiming your pet from Animal Care and Control, there is a fee involved. Cash, credit cards and local checks are accepted.

    Below are 5 other animal shelters besides Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control for residents to check for their lost pets:
    1. Peggy Adam's Animal Rescue League (Humane Society)
      3200 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach
      (561) 686-3663 Ask for Lost & Found
    2. Tri-County Humane Society
      21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton
      (561) 482-8110
    3. Boynton Beach Animal Control (Public Works)
      415 NE 4th Street, Boynton Beach
      (561) 375-6210 (City of Boynton Beach area only)
    4. Delray Beach Animal Control (Code Enforcement)
      The 400 Block of SW 3rd Avenue (4 blocks south of Atlantic on Swinton
      Ave. under the water tower, behind the Rehabilitation Center)
      (561) 243-7330
    5. Safe Harbor Animal Rescue and Clinic
      185 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter (I-95 east at Jupiter exit)
      (561) 747-1598 Ask for Lost & Found
    6. You can also check the Palm Beach Post (561-820-4343) or the Sun
      Sentinel (561-736-9700) or other local papers in "Lost & Found" listings.
      Ask for any fees involved.

  5. Q: How can I help the manatees?
    A: You can call the Save the Manatee Club at 800-432-5646.

  6. Q: Can I file an anonymous complaint regarding my neighbor's dog running loose and acting aggressive?
    A: Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control does not take anonymous complaints. If the officer has questions, he/she must be able to contact the caller for additional information. Anonymous calls are only taken for cruelty or abused animal complaints.

  7. Q: Will Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control send an officer to my home to remove nuisance wildlife?
    A: Animal Care and Control does not provide a service for nuisance or deceased wildlife, only injured or sick wild animals, when rabies is involved or when nuisance wildlife becomes aggressive or threatening to humans or domestic animals.

  8. Q: Can I rent a trap for nuisance wildlife? Is it against the law to trap and relocate wild animals?
    A: You must contact a licensed trapper. Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 625-5122 or call Animal Care and Control at 233-1200, ext. 0 or 233-1272 for a list.

  9. Q: Can I get my dog/cat vaccinated for rabies at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control ?
    A: Rabies vaccinations are given at the shelter location Monday through Friday anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for $5 plus the cost of the county license tag ($15 for sterilized pets and $35 for non-sterilized pets.) Puppies and kittens less than four months are too young for the rabies vaccination but are required to wear a Juvenile license tag ($5 for the Juvenile tag). The shelter is located at 7100 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach about five miles west of I-95 just west of the Florida Turnpike. Call (561) 233-1272 for more information.

  10. Q: Why do I have to buy a rabies tag?
    A: Every person who is the owner of any adult dog/cat or a juvenile dog/cat shall secure from the Palm Beach County Division of Animal Care and Control or an authorized veterinarian/clinic an adult dog or cat rabies/license tag or juvenile tag. (County Ordinance 98-22)

  11. Q: As a senior citizen 65 years or older, can I receive a reduced fee on the rabies license tag or any other service?
    A: Yes, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control offers a 25% discount for tags only. Resident senior citizens 55 years and older receive a discount on pet adoptions, $10 for cats and $20 for dogs.

  12. Q: How can I get my pet spayed or neutered?
    A: Palm Beach County Animal Control does not spay or neuter pets unless they are adopted from the shelter. The shelter does offer to the public low-cost pet spaying and neutering on the mobile spay/neuter clinic called the Spay Shuttle. You can contact the Spay Shuttle and other clinics: Spay Shuttle mobile spay/neuter clinic at 233-SPAY, Peggy Adam's Animal Rescue League at 686-DOME, Safe Harbor Animal Rescue and Clinic at 747-1598, and the listing of licensed veterinarians in the yellow pages.

  13. Q: Who qualifies for the Spay Shuttle service offered by the County?
    A: Any pet owner living in Palm Beach County can qualify to use the service. The fee is $15 per animal and includes a spay or neuter operation, a rabies vaccination and a license tag, and a microchip for pet identification. Call 561-233-1261 or 7729 for location sites or to schedule an appointment. Because of limited space and the popularity of the program, appointments may not always be available at the time you call or visit the location site. Proof of residency is required. For County residents with proof of public assistance, the service is free.

  14. Q: Will Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control send an officer to pick-up a stray cat or dog from my property?
    A: Yes, if the animal is confined in a carrier, a secure enclosure of some type, or a humane trap.

  15. Q: How long does Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control hold stray/lost animals before they are adopted or euthanized?
    A: There is a required five-day holding period to allow pet owners to visit the shelter and look for their lost pet. After this time, the animal is given a medical check-up and a behavior assessment. If the animal passes the medical and behavior criteria and there is cage space available, it is sterilized, vaccinated and placed in the adoption program. If it does not pass, the animal is humanely euthanized.

  16. Q: Is there a leash law for cats?
    A: Un-sterilized cats must be confined to the owner's property. Un-sterilized cats off the owner's property must be restrained or confined humanely to prevent them from running at large and to protect them from injury, disease and unnecessary reproduction. See Palm Beach County Ordinance 98-22, section 4B on the web site.

  17. Q: How do I go about choosing a veterinarian?
    A: Licensed veterinarians are listed in the yellow and white pages of the phone book. Ask friends and family about the veterinarian they use for their pets.

  18. Q: Where do I go for a turtle walk?
    A: There are three places in Palm Beach County that offer night walks: North County - call the Marine Life Center in Juno Beach at 561-627-8280; Central County - call MacArthur Beach State Park at 561-624-6950; South County - call Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton at 561-338-1473. For more information about sea turtles, call Environmental Resource Management at 233-2400. For more information about fresh water and land turtles or tortoises, call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 625-5122.

  19. Q: Can I tie or chain my dog up in the yard?
    A: It is unlawful to chain or tether an animal outdoors during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. any day of the week. For more details, check the website www.pbcgov.com/publicsafety/animalcare/ and look for the Anti-Tethering Law link.

certificates/reports
  1. Q: How do I obtain a copy of an autopsy report?
    A: Send the Medical Examiner Office a letter (that includes the deceased's name and date of death) requesting a copy of the autopsy report. The Medical Examiner Office is located at 3126 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. The phone number is 561-688-4575.

  2. Q: Was my loved one/friend/neighbor, etc. brought into the Medical Examiner Office for an autopsy?
    A: Not all deceased people are brought to the MEO. In the case of a natural death, they are usually brought straight to the funeral home with their physician signing their death certificate. According to Florida Statutes 406, a deceased is brought to the MEO primarily in situations involving homicides, suicides, traffic accidents, other accidents, drug overdoses, and perhaps if the deceased had no doctor to sign a death certificate.

  3. Q: After an autopsy, when will the manner and cause of death be known?
    A: If the results are not known from the initial autopsy, especially in the cases of drug overdoses, it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. Usually it takes this amount of time because the blood tests are very extensive and specialized testing can only be sent to certain labs.

  4. Q: How do I get a birth or death certificate?
    A: Call the Health Department's Office of Vital Statistics at 561-514-5320, or refer to their website. The office is located at 1150 45th Street, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407.

  5. Q: Is my out-of-state EMT or Paramedic certification recognized in Florida?
    A: For certification information contact the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, Division of EMS in Tallahassee at 904-487-1911.

  6. Q: How do I report illegal dumping? (i.e. tires, refrigerators, oil, batteries, vehicles, trash)
    A: Call the Health Department Division of Environmental Health Public Health Unit Solid Waste Section at (561) 355-4532 or call your municipal or county Code Enforcement Department at (561) 233-5500 or call your local Police Department or the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department at (561) 688-3000 or call the Solid Waste Authority Customer Information Services Department at (561) 697-2700 or call toll free 995-2800 for residents in the Boca Raton or Delray Beach area.

  7. Q: I was involved in an accident last week. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue transported me to the hospital. I need a copy of the report. How do I get this?
    A: To acquire a medical record you must have a medical authorization signed by the patient, patient's guardian or a subpoena. It is recommended that the request be made in writing with a copy of the police report or the patient's full name, address, date or incident and approximate time of day to assist in locating the report. The request may be mailed or faxed to: Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, Attn: Records, 50 South Military Trail, Suite 106, West Palm Beach, FL, 33415. Or you can send a FAX to 561-616-7085.
 

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