August 2022, Vol. 16, Issue 8
Dear Friends:
As your Constitutional Tax Collector, I greatly enjoy visiting the many organizations we have here in Palm Beach County. Whether speaking to a neighborhood coalition or a group from a local Chamber of Commerce, one of the rewarding aspects of my job is to meet with citizens and share information about my office and the services we provide. My community engagement ambassadors and I are always eager to join you at your meetings and events, so consider inviting us to speak to your group – we are always eager to share the latest news and materials from our agency!
If you are interested in inviting us at your next meeting or event, please visit https://www.pbctax.com/contact-us/request-a-speaker/ and complete the online request form and we will reach out to you to discuss your request.
I look forward to hearing and seeing from you!
Sincerely,
Anne M. Gannon
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON PGA SERVICE CENTER
The construction vehicles are in place, and I am excited to announce construction is underway on the newest, state-of-the art service center in Palm Beach Gardens.
This new service center, located on PGA Boulevard, is part of our ongoing commitment to provide the citizens of Palm Beach County unapparelled service. As the North County grows, we must expand our service capabilities to accommodate the needs of the community.
Gone is the small DMV building that once stood at the site to be replaced with a 23,735 square foot facility designed with a bright and spacious interior. The new location will provide expanded road test capabilities and ample parking and room for expansion to meet the needs of our growing community.
The population of Palm Beach County is expected to grow by 16% by 2030. For every new home built, an additional 2.3 people will need the services of the tax collector’s office. This new service center will give us the ability to meet these needs and serve clients more efficiently now and in the future. We are very fortunate to be able to bring this new facility to the surrounding communities.
When construction is complete in early 2024, the current Tax Collector’s Service Center in the North County Governmental Center will close. The new service center in the City of Palm Beach Gardens will be the third facility designed by architectural firm Song + Associates and constructed by The Morganti Group, Inc, both in West Palm Beach.
DON’T BE SHELLFISH: THERE’S PLENTY OF LOBSTER!
August brings some of the hottest temperatures of the year. It is a great time to go take that dip in the ocean and maybe even end up bringing a lobster dinner back with you! Lobster season begins August 6 and runs through March 31, and there are a few things you need to know before venturing out to bring home that lobster feast:
- You need more than just a saltwater fishing license. There is a special permit for catching spiny lobsters in Florida.
- Divers must stay within 300 feet of a dive flag and any boat traveling within 300 feet of a dive flag must go at idle speed.
- Spiny lobsters must be larger than three inches measured in water from between the eyes to the start of the tail (the carapace). Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times.
- Do not take egg-bearing lobsters. Egg-bearing females carry their brood on the underside of the tail. If you see orange stuff that looks like it should be on sushi, put that lobster back!
- Lobsters need to be caught whole. Using any device that could puncture or crush the “shell” is not allowed, neither is separating the tail from the body.
- There is a bag limit of six lobsters per day per person.
For more information or to purchase a saltwater fishing license and lobster permit, visit www.myfwc.com.
Have fun, be safe and enjoy your Florida spiny lobster!
AND THE AWARD GOES TO…
Just last month, I announced that my agency had won three awards from the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) and the winning continues!
Once again, I am honored to announce that my agency has been recognized with two awards from Graphic Design USA (GDUSA), for our 2022 Tax Planner and Services Guide and our 2021/2022 Annual Report. For nearly 60 years GDUSA’s American Inhouse Design Awards have been the original and premier showcase for creative professionals at corporations, non-profits, institutions, associations and more. This year’s showcase featured more than 7,000 entries and my agency’s two entries were recognized in the top 10%! I am so pleased that our agency’s creative work continues to be recognized on a national level.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out our award winning publications you can view them online, and order hard copies by visiting https://www.pbctax.com/tpsg/ to see our 2022 Tax Planner and Services Guide and https://www.pbctax.com/annual-report/ to view our 2021/2022 Annual Report.
