A Message from Marci
Whether you’re a daily commuter or just trying to get to the beach, transportation affects us all. That’s why I’ve been closely involved in shaping the Countywide Transportation Master Plan. This plan is designed to tackle the traffic headaches we all know too well and to plan ahead for smarter, smoother travel across Palm Beach County.
I recently attended the Public Kickoff Meeting at the Vista Center, and wow what a turnout! It was great to see so many residents, community leaders, municipal partners, and county staff all in one room, ready to talk about the future of getting around Palm Beach County.
The project team from WSP USA, Inc. gave a detailed presentation outlining the plan’s goals, followed by a Q&A where attendees got to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas. Many residents mentioned traffic signal synchronization which was music to my ears!
After the meeting, I sat down with the WSP team to share some of my top transportation priorities, especially the traffic congestion we all experience in District 4 and across the county. I emphasized the need to engage all municipalities so we’re working together as one region, not in silos.
I also pushed for expanding the use of smart traffic signal technology to help ease delays and improve flow. Lastly, I stressed the importance of collaborating with the School District to improve safety and reduce traffic near schools, making commutes smoother for students, families, and nearby neighborhoods.
Let’s face it—transportation doesn’t stop at a city limit sign. We’re all connected, and it’s going to take real collaboration between cities, the County, and the School District to create solutions that actually work.
We all want smoother commutes, safer roads, and better connections and this plan is our roadmap to get there. But we need your voice, too. Resident feedback will help shape a transportation future that works for everyone.
I’ll continue to keep you in the loop as this important work moves forward. In the meantime, thank you for being part of the conversation and for sharing the road!
State Budget Changes Put Tri-Rail at Risk
As Chair of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), I want to share an urgent update on funding changes impacting Tri-Rail.
Recent state budget revisions have eliminated $27.1 million in Tri-Rail operating funds previously provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), threatening service continuity in the coming years.
This funding had supported operations, maintenance, and dispatch services along the South Florida Rail Corridor since 2009.
The loss of documentary stamp tax revenues and Florida Rail Enterprise funds has created a serious budget shortfall that could lead to insolvency if not addressed.
SFRTA is working closely with FDOT, local leaders, and the Florida Legislature to find sustainable solutions.
Tri-Rail is a national leader in ridership recovery, reaching 100% of pre-pandemic ridership by February 2024, well ahead of the national average of 85%. This reflects strong regional demand and the essential role Tri-Rail plays in connecting people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and more. Our consistent ridership growth is clear evidence that public transit is essential to everyday life and the economic mobility in South Florida.
Your continued support and ridership strengthen our voice and demonstrate that public transit is not just a line item, it is a critical service. Despite financial challenges, SFRTA remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for South Florida.
State Budget Update
Governor DeSantis approved Florida’s FY 2025–26 budget at $113.8 billion—$2.7 billion less than last year after $1.35 billion in vetoes. We’re glad to share that all of Palm Beach County’s requested projects were included, with many retaining full funding.
Palm Beach County Projects that Remain Funded:
• West Palm Beach Downtown Signalization Phase II – $3,000,000
• Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative – $897,000
• Peanut Island Historic Restoration – $500,000
• RESTORE Reentry Program – $500,000
• Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative – $486,426
Total Funded: $5,383,426
Palm Beach County Projects that Were Vetoed:
• Housing Units for the Homeless – $1,000,000
• Australian Avenue Road and Drainage Improvements – $742,614
• Morikami Museum “Bridge to Heaven” Design – $500,000
• Fire Rescue Water Vessels for Hazard Mitigation – $200,000
• Palm Tran Patriot Passes Pilot – $150,000
Total Vetoed: $2,592,614
Other District 4 Funded Projects:
District 4 saw significant support for education, infrastructure, public safety, and workforce development. Funded items include:
• Florida Atlantic University Lab Schools – Center for Educational Strategy and Innovation – $2,000,000
• FAU – Max Planck Florida Scientific Fellows Program – $1,110,899
• FAU – College of Medicine Continued Enrollment Expansion – $450,000
• Boca Raton Achievement Center – Building Occupational Opportunities and Skills Training – $70,000
• Lantana – West Pine Street Water Main Improvements (Phase II) – $1,300,000
• Lantana – Lift Station Rehabilitation (No. 3, 4, 8, 9) – $500,000
• Boca Raton – Golden Harbor Drinking Water & Distribution Improvements – $750,000
• Boynton Beach – Sanitary Sewer Collection System Improvements – $500,000
• Boynton Beach – Water Distribution System Improvements – $375,000
• Boca Raton – Spanish River Blvd. Grade Separation at El Rio Trail – $1,000,000
• Delray Beach – Citywide Crime Prevention Enhancements (Phase 2) – $525,000
Thank you to our state representatives and senators for championing these important investments in Palm Beach County. Your support helps move our communities forward.
Nonprofit Spotlight
The Golden Bell Education Foundation is a local nonprofit committed to enhancing public education through targeted support and innovative programs.
Established in 1991 by the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, the foundation collaborates with local schools to administer grants that foster business skills and workforce readiness among students. Each year, it awards grants to K–12 educators for programs that promote career exploration and entrepreneurial development.
Additionally, the foundation hosts a chapter of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), which guides middle and high school students in creating and launching their own businesses. Since its inception, Golden Bell has awarded over $2 million in grants, benefiting more than 1,200 classrooms and serving over 900,000 students.
For more information, visit goldenbelleducationfoundation.org. If you require assistance, please contact our office at 561-355-2204 or email [email protected].
