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Public Affairs
- Q: How do I make an anonymous code-related complaint about my neighbor?
A: You can call Code Enforcement (561-233-5500) to make an anonymous complaint. You do not have to leave your name and address. You can also look at the Code Enforcement website for more information on codes.
- Q: Who are my elected officials?
A: To find out who your mayor, senator or district representative is, you can call Public Affairs at 561-355-2754. You can also ask to receive the "Government in Palm Beach County" brochure.
- Q: How do I get federal information?
A: You can call the Federal Information Service at 1-800-688-9889.
- Q: How can I get a brochure on the government in Palm Beach County?
A: You can call the Public Affairs at 561-355-2754 or check with your nearest County library to see if they have any available.
- Q: How do I get a guest speaker to come to my condominium association?
A: You can call 561-355-2754 (Palm Beach County Public Affairs Department) and ask about the Speakers' Bureau. The Speakers' Bureau coordinates speakers from a wide variety of departments free-of-charge to any organization, citizens groups, or school upon request. Topics range from agriculture to zoning issues. Some departments will tailor a speech topic to your specific needs, if possible.
- Q: What special events are happening in Palm Beach County this month?
A: You can call Public Affairs Department at 561-355-2754 and ask to receive a publication called, "The Palm Beach Cultural Calendar" or the "Arts & Attractions Map" which is a pamphlet from the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. You can also ask for the Palm Beach County Convention an Visitors Bureau's publication called "What's Happening". Or, you can look at the Tourist Development Council website and click on "Convention & Visitors Bureau", then click on "What's Happening" to see a monthly listing of all annual events for the whole year.
- Q: How can I get a Telephone Guide to County Services?
A: You can get one from your nearest County library or courthouse. You can download a copy, or call the Public Affairs Department at 561-355-2754 to have one mailed to you. Or, you can go to the Governmental Center at 301 N. Olive, West Palm Beach and pick one up in the lobby or pick one up at your closest Palm Beach County Branch Library.
- Q: How can I become a volunteer for Palm Beach County?
A: You can call the specific department that you want to volunteer with. For example, if you want to volunteer with the elderly, call the Senior Services Division at 561-355-4746. Or, if you want to volunteer with children, you can call the Children's Services Division at 561-233-1600 or the Parks and Recreation Department at 561-966-6600. If you want to volunteer with the Public Affairs Department, you can call 561-355-2754. Or, if you are a senior citizen, you can also call the Elder Help line at 930-5040.
recreation
- Q: Are there any regulations about babies in pools?
A: The state regulations
governing public pools does not include a provision to restrict the age or health condition of a bather. The owner of a pool, however, may have such restrictions in place.
- Q: Who should I contact if I want to get married on a county-operated beach?
A: Please contact the Special Event Coordinator in the Parks & Recreation Department at 561-966-7047.
- Q: Where can I go camping?
A: The Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department operates three campgrounds:
| South Bay RV Campground, South Bay, | 877-992-9915 |
| John Prince Park Campground, Lake Worth, | 877-992-9925 |
| Peanut Island Campground, Riviera Beach, | 561-845-4445 (tent camping only) |
- 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 Okeeheelee Park, Caloosa Park, John Prince Park, Lake Lytal Park, and the South County Regional Park. Palm Beach County does have a dog park located in Lake Ida Park, 2929 Lake Ida Road, in Delray Beach. The Park is located just east of the I-95 overpass. The Dog Park/Lake Ida Park includes two fenced areas for off-leash playing--one for little dogs and one for large dogs--and a water station for drinking and bathing. Pooch Pines dog park located in Okeeheelee Park, off Forest Hill Blvd., just west of Jog Road. Same amenities. For more information contact the Parks & Recreation Department website or call 561-966-6600.
- Q: Where can I get a fishing and/or hunting license?
A: Fishing and hunting licenses may be purchased from any Tax Collector location and at most bait and tackle shops.
- Q: What is the Gifts to Parks Program?
A: This is the Palm Beach County Tree Memorial Program. Please contact a representative of the Gifts to Parks program at 561-966-6684 (Parks & Recreation Department).
- Q: What parks are good for activities such as in-line skating?
A: Many county parks have paved, scenic bike paths that are perfect for skating. Please call 561-966-6664 for a free copy of "Facility Guide". This brochure contains a listing of all county park locations as well as the facilities found in each one. If you're looking for an outdoor skating rink, in-line hockey and skate lessons are available at Caloosa Park in Boynton Beach. Please call 561-375-7817 for more information.
- Q: May I rent the picnic pavilion at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach?
A: The picnic pavilion at Seminole Palms Park is a first-come, first-served pavilion. Other county parks have picnic pavilions you can reserve, however. For more information, please call 561-966-6611.
- Q: Where can I find a good playground for my children?
A: Many county parks have playgrounds. Please call 561-966-6664 for a copy of "Facility Guide". This free brochure contains a listing of all county parks with playgrounds and where they're located. A few of our favorite playgrounds are located in Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach, and John Prince Park (Center Drive) in Lake Worth.
- Q: I need to report an incident that occurred in a county park. Who should I call?
A: If it's an emergency, please call 911. For non-emergencies, please call the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office at 561-688-3000.
- Q: What types of activities are available at Senior Centers?
A: The Palm Beach County Senior Centers provide educational and recreational activities Mondays through Fridays. Some of the activities are line, tap and ball-room dance; Italian, Spanish and French lessons; oil painting, wood carving, yoga, low-impact aerobics, chair exercise, defensive driving and ceramics. There are also pool tables and game rooms.
- Q: How can I find out about sports programs in Palm Beach County?
A: The Parks and Recreation Department's (561-966-6600) brochure called Leisure Times lists all types of sports activities from family kickball to professional golf clinics as well as adult and youth leagues. You can also look at the website for the Tourist Development Council and click on "Sports Commission" to find out about sports activities and events.
- Q: How do I enroll my child in swimming lessons?
A: The Parks and Recreation Department operates four pools in Palm Beach County. Please call the pool nearest you to register for swimming lessons:
| Aqua Crest Pool, Delray Beach | (561) 278-7104 |
| Lake Lytal Family Aquatic Center Pool, West Palm Beach | (561) 233-1426 |
| Santaluces Aquatic Complex Pool, Lantana | (561) 641-9300 |
| North County Aquatic Complex, Jupiter | (561) 745-0241 |
| Pioneer Park Aquatic Center, Belle Glade |
(561) 993-3892 |
- Q: Are there any programs available to help with the high cost of summer care for my children?
A: Yes. The Community Action Program provides scholarships for low-income families for summer day camp. For more information see: Summer Camp Scholarship Program
- Q: When is summer day camp registration? How can I get a brochure?
A: The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department offers summer day camp. Registration is held at several sites throughout Palm Beach County usually on the first Saturday of April at 8:00a.m. Please call (561) 966-6620 for more information or to receive a brochure.
- Q: How can I register/title my vessel?
A: The Tax Collector (561-355-2262) is the agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for titling and registering vessels (boats). All motorized vessels, commercial and private, must be registered and titled with the Tax Collector before they can be used in Florida waters. Vessel trailers used on Florida roads must also be registered. An Application for Vessel Title and other forms can be found on the website, and some can be completed online.
- Q: Who do I call to get a water ski permit for Okeeheelee Park?
A: Please call Parks & Recreation Department Customer Service at 561-966-6620.
safety/emergency/fire
- Q: I was sent a bill for ambulance transport. Who do I call to ask questions about this bill?
A: To provide your insurance information, you may call the billing vendor for Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. Their phone number is 1-800-226-1149. If they are unable to assist you, call 561-712-6480.
- Q: I just moved into a new home and my insurance company needs to know the distance between my home and the nearest fire hydrant and fire station. Where will I find this information? This information is offered as a courtesy and can be obtained by calling the Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Water Officer at 561-616-7000.
- Q: My business fire alarm just went off. It is a false alarm. Who should I call to report this?
A: First, be sure it is a false alarm! Make sure you check for smoke or fire. If it is a false alarm, you should contact your alarm company. The alarm company will notify Fire-Rescue. If the fire truck has already left the bay, it is officially a false alarm. After three false alarms in a fiscal year, you will be fined.
- Q: The fire hydrant in front of my house has started to leak. Who takes care of this?
A: The fire department is not responsible for the maintenance of fire hydrants. If you notice a leak or a break in a water main, contact the Water Utilities Department 24-hour Emergency Center at 561-740-4600, selection option 3.
- Q: I received a fine for a fire inspection. My building was up to code, so why am I getting this?
A: A fire inspection is not a fine, it is a fee. The fee is for the fire inspector to come out to the property to do the inspection and still must be paid even if the building is up to code. If you have questions about your bill, call 561-616-7000.
- 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.
- Q: In case of a hurricane, how will I know if I have to evacuate? Where is the closest shelter?
A: For any questions regarding evacuation, shelters, pets, shutters, flood zones, special care unit, etc. you can read the Palm Beach County Hurricane Guide which comes out in May. You can obtain a copy by going to any County library or courthouse or by calling Public Affairs Department (located on the 11th floor of 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401) at 561-355-2754 or Emergency Management (located at 20 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415) at 561-712-6400. It is also available on line. To learn about how to make you home safe, you can also look at the Emergency Management website for called, "Safeguarding Your Home Before a Hurricane."
The Planning, Zoning & Building website also has some useful publications: "Is Your Home Protected from Hurricane Disaster?" and "Protect Your Home Against Hurricane Damage" (Institute for Business and Home Safety); and "Against the Wind" (FEMA). The Planning, Zoning & Building website also provides a List of Code Compliant Storm Shutters, Windows, and Doors.
"Snow Birds"
- Q: We are returning to our home up north. What do we need to know about closing our south Florida home?
A: Call the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service (561-233-1742) to request a publication entitled "Closing Your South Florida Home" ($5.00). Presentations are offered in the spring of the year in various locations throughout the county. Closing a home or condominium in South Florida is different than elsewhere in the country and requires unique considerations.
- Q: I am a senior citizen and I'm looking for an interesting volunteer opportunity. Who can I call?
A: You can call directly to the county department that you wish to work with. For example, if you are interested in horticulture, you can call the Cooperative Extension at 561-233-1700. Or, you can call the Elder Helpline at 211. If you call this number, they can help you find many types of opportunities as well as a variety of services from absentee voting to wound care.
- Q: My grandchildren are visiting. Do you have anything for them to do?
A: We sure do! Call the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department at (561)-966-6664 to receive a free copy of Leisure Times which has a complete listing of all the fun-filled activities and events that are planned for the season. This brochure also contains a listing of all county-operated parks and the facilities you'll find in each one. You can also look at the website for the Tourist Development Council to find out about activities and attractions.
- Q: How do I get a guest speaker to come to my condominium association?
A: You can call 561-355-2754 (Palm Beach County Public Affairs Department) and ask about the Speakers' Bureau. The Speakers' Bureau coordinates speakers from a wide variety of departments free-of-charge to any organization, citizens groups, or school upon request. Topics range from agriculture to zoning issues. Some departments will tailor a speech topic to your specific needs, if possible.
- Q: I'll be out of town for the summer. Can I shut off my water service while I'm gone?
A: You may temporarily turn off water service, but you will be responsible for paying a monthly customer account fee and base facility fee for service. Turning off your water will prevent unauthorized use of water and possible complications arising from faulty appliances or leaks. Please allow the Water Utilities Department (561-740-4600) three days notice to turn off or turn on your water service. There is no charge to turn off your water during normal business hours, but a $10 fee will be assessed to turn your service back on.
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Government
