A Message from Marci
On July 15, the Board of County Commissioners considered a zoning agenda item known as Project Tango (Central Park Commerce Center). I would first like to thank the applicant for a thorough presentation, County staff for their preparation and professionalism throughout a very long meeting, and the many residents who took the time to attend and share their perspectives.
After more than 12 hours of presentations from the applicant, staff analysis, public comment, and Board deliberation, I joined four of my fellow commissioners in voting to deny (5-1) the application without prejudice. A denial without prejudice means the applicant has the opportunity to return with a revised proposal for approved uses or wait until after the current data center moratorium is completed to reapply.
This was not a decision I made lightly. While I recognize the applicant has existing development rights, I believe this use raised too many unanswered questions to justify approval.
If Palm Beach County is going to approve projects of this scale and complexity, we need to do the work needed to create a category that makes sense for our communities. The proposed combination of uses is unlike anything we have evaluated before. As data centers continue to become a larger part of our future, we must establish a thoughtful framework for reviewing these projects. In my opinion, that means creating new standards within our land development regulations rather than trying to fit these facilities into categories to which they were never designed.
Palm Beach County has an opportunity to lead on this issue, and communities across the country are watching how local governments respond to this rapidly evolving industry. We have a responsibility to get it right by balancing innovation, economic development, and the quality of life of our residents.
One of my biggest concerns was compatibility and management of resources. Throughout the hearing, we discussed adding numerous conditions to make this proposal acceptable. That raised an important question for me: if so many additional conditions are necessary, is the proposal truly compatible with its surroundings? And, what conditions should we add but do not have enough information from a single hearing on July 15 to request? I did not want to find out after the fact that we missed something important and it was too late to correct it.
I also struggled with the idea that the proposed data center should be treated as the same use that was originally approved in 2016. I needed to hear clear evidence that this proposal was substantially the same as what had previously been approved. After listening to the testimony and reviewing the information presented throughout the day, I was convinced of the opposite. The state of Florida and FPL have both cited projects that require more that 50 megawatts of power are in a different category. Project Tango was requesting 600 megawatts.
For those reasons, I voted to deny the application. I remain committed to working with my colleagues, County staff, industry experts, and our residents to develop a clear, sustainable approach for evaluating future large-load users like this data center proposal, one that protects our communities while planning responsibly for the future.
On a side note, this may be the first Quasi-Judicial meetings that many members of the public have watched. I know we heard from many speakers asking why we had not made up our minds long before the meeting.
Zoning items are quite unique and treated differently than anything else we do. It is akin to serving in a trial as a combination of judge and jury. We must not come into the meeting having prejudged the item and must rely only on evidence and testimony presented in chambers. This is why we disclose the names of everyone we’ve met with on the item and why all those who wish to speak must be sworn in before testifying.
District 4 Improvements
We are expanding our efforts to restore and protect the Lake Worth Lagoon through an amended agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The amendment increases state funding by more than $525,000, bringing the total grant amount award to $2.63 million, and extends the project timeline through January 2032.
The additional funding will support a new Lake Worth Lagoon System Assessment, which will help evaluate the overall health of the lagoon and identify future restoration opportunities. The agreement also continues funding for several ongoing environmental projects, including the Bonefish Cove Restoration, Providencia Cay Restoration, Lake Worth Lagoon Seagrass Restoration, and Marine Debris Removal.
The amendment also revises the Bonefish Cove Restoration Project by reducing the footprint from three islands to two. As a result, the planned restoration will include 4.7 acres of red mangrove habitat, 1.2 acres of oyster reef habitat, and 20 acres of seagrass habitat.
We are strengthening our long-term commitment to protecting the 97-acre Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area through a new 20-year partnership agreement with the Town of Hypoluxo.
Under the agreement, the County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) will oversee restoration, management, and maintenance of the entire natural area, ensuring a consistent approach to preserving native habitats, protecting wildlife, and enhancing one of the County’s valuable environmental resources.
The agreement builds on more than two decades of successful collaboration between the County and the Town and helps ensure the Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area remains a healthy and accessible natural preserve for generations to come.
State Budget Update
Governor DeSantis approved Florida’s FY 2026–27 budget at $117.6 billion—after $1.6 billion in vetoes. Palm Beach County brought home $14.0 million in funding. Over 200 bills were signed into law.
Palm Beach County Projects that Were Funded:
• Palm Beach County Airport Renaming
• Downtown West Palm Beach Signalization Upgrades Phase III
• Palm Beach County RESTORE Re-entry Program
• Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Water Vessels for Hazard Mitigation
• Lantana Airport Southside Roadway & Drainage Improvements
• Palm Beach County Australian Avenue Drainage Improvements
• Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park Cross County Complex
• Central County Sports Field House
• Peanut Island Historic Restoration
• Greenacres Septic-to-Sewer Conversion
• Jupiter Seminole Basian Water Quality Improvements
• Loxahatchee River Headwaters Invasive Exotic Plant Removal
• Peanut Island and Lake Worth Lagoon Habitat Restoration
Total Funded: $14,035,294
Palm Beach County Projects that Were Vetoed:
• Water Treatment Plant No. 2 Membrane Expansion
• Water Treatment Plant No. 8 Membrane Expansion
• Palm Beach North Lake Way Living Shoreline
• Ocean Inlet Park Pedestrian Safety Improvements
• Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens “Bridge to Heaven” Design
Total Vetoed: $3,887,500
Important Bills Signed Into Law:
HJR 1F – Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes (Constitutional Amendment – November 2026 Ballot)
This proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the November 2026 ballot. If approved by at least 60% of voters, it would increase Florida’s homestead exemption, limit annual assessment increases for certain properties, and place additional restrictions on how counties and municipalities may use property tax revenues.
SB 484 – Data Centers
Establishes a statewide regulatory framework for large-scale data centers to ensure utility cost fairness, strengthen national security, environmental protections, and preserve local oversight. The bill requires large data centers to pay the full cost of utility infrastructure, expands water conservation requirements, directs local governments to address large-load customers in their comprehensive plans, and requires an independent study on the economic, environmental, and public health impacts of data centers, with recommendations due in 2027.
HB 4071 – Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Annexation
Establishes a six-year minimum service period for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and EMS in newly annexed areas beginning January 1, 2027. During this period, annexing municipalities must pay the County for fire rescue services, while the County retains impact fee collection authority until services are transferred. The bill also establishes procedures for service transitions, requires good-faith negotiations between the County and municipalities, creates a conflict resolution process if agreements cannot be reached, and exempts certain enclaves of 10 acres or less from the six-year service requirement.
Congressional Redistricting
Legislation was signed into law creating four new congressional districts—Congressional Districts 21, 22, 23, and 25—as part of Florida’s updated congressional map.
Thank you to our state representatives and senators for championing these important investments in Palm Beach County. Your support helps move our communities forward.
Home Buyer Match Update!
I had the privilege of attending the first official home closing through Palm Beach County’s Home Buyer Match Program at Lang Realty.
It was an honor to celebrate with Mary Fonner, a lifelong renter and single mother, as she achieved her dream of homeownership. After years of renting, Mary is now the proud owner of her very first home. Moments like this are exactly why we created this program—to help hardworking Palm Beach County residents achieve the dream of owning a home.
We’re already preparing to launch a second application period in the coming months, creating even more opportunities for eligible residents to become homeowners.
I also want to thank my fellow County Commissioners for supporting this initiative and extend my sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff in the Department of Housing and Economic Development for their hard work and commitment to making this program a success.
Congratulations, Mary! Thank you for allowing me to be part of such a special milestone. I look forward to celebrating many more success stories as the Home Buyer Match Program continues to make a lasting difference in our community.
To learn more about the Home Buyer Match Program, please visit https://discover.pbc.gov/HED/Pages/Homebuyer-Match-Pilot-Program-.aspx
Nonprofit Spotlight
This month, I’m excited to spotlight the incredible work of The Miracle League of Palm Beach County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving children with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to play baseball.
The Miracle League’s mission is to provide opportunities for all children to play baseball, regardless of ability. Their field is designed to be accessible, with cushioned synthetic turf, wheelchair-accessible dugouts, and a flat surface to help remove barriers for players.
What makes The Miracle League especially meaningful is that every player participates, every player scores, and every player wins. Community volunteers also serve as “buddies,” assisting players and helping create an inclusive and supportive environment.
Through baseball, volunteerism, and community involvement, The Miracle League of Palm Beach County helps children build confidence, friendships, and lasting memories both on and off the field.
For more information, visit https://miracleleaguepalmbeachcounty.com/
If you require assistance, please contact our office at 561-355-2204 or email [email protected].
