A Message from Marci
Another round in Tallahassee meant two packed days proudly representing District 4 at Palm Beach County Day. This year, I had the opportunity to sit in the House chambers for the opening of Session, my first time experiencing it firsthand, making it an especially meaningful moment of representation for our county.
We also witnessed the Joint Session address by Governor Ron DeSantis, where one of the major topics was property taxes. The Governor urged lawmakers to consider placing a constitutional amendment before voters to eliminate property taxes altogether. Several bills are already moving on this issue, including one filed by Senator Mack Bernard, which he discussed during one of our legislative briefings. That said, legislative leaders do not expect this issue to be resolved during the regular 60-day session and are anticipating a special session later this year.
Transportation and Tri-Rail funding were high on the agenda, and I had productive discussions with FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue. I wear two hats on transportation issues, as a County Commissioner and as Palm Beach County’s representative on the SFRTA (Tri-Rail) Board, which allows me to advocate for our region from multiple angles. Our focus was on continued state support for Tri-Rail operations through the Florida Rail Enterprise Program and inclusion in FDOT’s Five-Year Work Program. As the current chair and county representative, we also had a thorough discussion about the future of commuter rail in South Florida. It was a strong start, but only the beginning of much more work ahead.
I also met with Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman to discuss the MSTU Local Bill, which addresses what happens to fire rescue and emergency medical services when unincorporated areas of Palm Beach County are annexed into a municipality. The goal is to ensure continuity of service, clear responsibility, and fairness for residents during these transitions.
Discussions around data centers were another hot topic, particularly concerns related to water usage, noise pollution, and the potential impacts on surrounding communities. These are important conversations as our county continues to grow and attract new industries.
Workforce and affordable housing remained a top priority. We continue to hear from tenants who sign year-long leases only to experience rent increases mid-lease. Each April, HUD releases new Area Median Income (AMI) numbers, which are used to set rents for affordable and workforce housing. Because Palm Beach County is large and has seen an influx of higher-wage earners, AMI continues to rise, putting pressure on rents. The legislation we discussed would prevent rent increases tied to new AMI figures from taking effect mid-lease and instead allow adjustments only at renewal, providing predictability and fairness for tenants, just like standard rental agreements.
During our discussions with state leaders, we were able to highlight Palm Beach County’s proactive efforts to address these challenges, including the new Homebuyer Match Pilot program. By showcasing this innovative program, we demonstrated that the county is taking meaningful steps to expand housing opportunities and be a strong, responsible partner in tackling the affordable housing crisis. We emphasized that continued collaboration and additional state support will be critical to scaling solutions that meet the growing housing needs of our community.
My advocacy also extended to critical infrastructure and water resource protections. Meetings with Environmental Resources Management Director Deb Drum and Representative Gossett-Seidman on the Loxahatchee River and Lake Worth Lagoon projects reinforced our shared commitment to restoring and protecting these vital natural resources.
Somewhere in the mix, I sat down with Todd Bonlarron to discuss my priorities and what we are fighting for on behalf of Palm Beach County. This session marked Todd’s final time in Tallahassee advocating for the County, and we thank him for his many years of service as we wish him well heading into retirement this spring. I’m looking forward to sharing more when our conversation airs soon on Channel 20.
Rest assured, the fight for Palm Beach County continues. We will keep championing the needs of our residents with determination and persistence in the weeks and months ahead, even if it means braving another taste of Tallahassee’s winter weather. I’m grateful for the many state leaders who took the time to meet with us, including:
• FDOT Secretary Steve Braun
• FDOT Chief of Staff Jessica Ottaviano
• Florida Housing Finance Corporation – Katie Norman Coxwell
• Florida Housing Finance Corporation Special Programs Director, Robert Dearduff
• Appropriations Chair Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman
• Appropriations Chair Representative Jervonte Edmonds
• Appropriations Chair Representative Will Robinson
• Senate President’s Office Jennifer Hrdlicka
• Appropriations Chair Representative Lawrence McClure
• Appropriations Chair Representative Jason Shoaf’s office
• Appropriations Chair Senator Ed Hooper
• Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky
• Commerce Deputy Secretaries Justin Domer and Jason Mahon (A special shoutout for subscribing to and reading our newsletter! It was great to hear that it’s been a helpful and beneficial resource)
• Appropriations Chair Representative Meg Weinberger
• Senator Gayle Harrell
A special thank you to Team PBC and my escorts, Palm Beach County Firefighter Craig Gerlach and Nicole Bilotta, for keeping everything running smoothly.
National Battle of the Bands at FAU
Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, Palm Beach County hosted the inaugural National Battle of the Bands at Florida Atlantic University’s Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton.
The event featured performances from six premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU): Bethune-Cookman, Florida Memorial, North Carolina A&T, Florida A&M, South Carolina State, and Southern University. While the “battle” format provided structure, the weekend served primarily as a showcase of the talent and precision inherent in HBCU marching band culture.
The event’s impact extended into the classroom, with each participating school receiving $50,000 in student scholarships. This focus on education was mirrored in the weekend’s broader programming, which included a career and college fair featuring more than 30 institutions.
Other activities, such as community service initiatives and a Greek Stroll-Off, rounded out a schedule designed to be both informative and engaging for the local community.
The National Battle of the Bands is now a long-term fixture for the region. Under a five-year contract, the event will return to FAU through 2030, contributing to local tourism and the economy each January.
Michael and I enjoyed the opportunity to witness the energy and showmanship of these bands firsthand and appreciate the tradition they bring to Palm Beach County. It is a significant addition to the local holiday weekend lineup.
District 4 Seeks Small Business Advocate
District 4 is seeking a local resident to serve on the Solid Waste Authority’s Small Business Advisory Committee (SBAC). This 11-member citizen committee supports the Equal Business Opportunity Program by promoting small business participation in SWA contracts and recommending program improvements.
Meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday every other month at the SWA Administration Building Auditorium. The public is welcome.
For more information, call 561-640-4000.
Nonprofit Spotlight
The South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc. is a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting the agricultural, trade, entertainment, and historical heritage of our community.
Spanning 135 acres, the Fairgrounds feature Yesteryear Village, the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, exhibit buildings like the Expo Center and AGZone, and ample space for trade shows and events.
Each January, the grounds transform into a vibrant midway with rides, shows, games, and concessions, attracting over 500,000 visitors.
This year’s theme, “Party with the Pirates,” runs now through February 1, offering family fun from pig races and live music to an ice show.
For more information visit http://www.southfloridafair.com. If you require assistance, please contact our office at 561-355-2204 or email [email protected].
