Weekly Newsflash 5-19-25

National Safe Boating Week

National Safe Boating Week is a time to highlight prioritizing safety while on the water. According to the U.S. Coast Guard's 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned—and 85% of those were not wearing a life jacket. We urge all boaters to follow these safety tips:

• Always wear a life jacket: Make sure it’s U.S. Coast Guard-approved and properly fitted.
• Avoid alcohol while boating: Alcohol is a leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.
• Take a boating safety course: Education saves lives. Learn about navigation rules and emergency procedures.
• Stay alert and operate at a safe speed: Always maintain a proper lookout for other boats, swimmers, and hazards.

The HBPD Marine Patrol Unit will be conducting increased patrols during National Safe Boating Week. Boaters are encouraged to engage with officers for more safety tips and information.

For more boating safety resources, visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com or contact HBPD's Marine Patrol Division.

Let’s work together to make this boating season safe and enjoyable for everyone!

Movie Night at the Library

Join us on Tuesday, May 20^th at 5:30 PM for a screening of Perfect Days. The wonders of everyday life come into breathtaking focus in this profoundly moving Oscar-nominated film by Wim Wenders. Koji Yakusho plays a public bathroom cleaner in Tokyo whose rich inner world is gradually revealed through his small exchanges with those around him and the city itself. In Japanese with English subtitles.

Sea Turtle Season

Sea turtle season is well underway, and several loggerhead and leatherback nests have been spotted across Highland Beach. During nesting season, sea turtles spend greater amounts of time at the surface in the waters close to shore, where they are at an increased risk of being accidentally hit by boats.

To decrease unintended harmful interactions between boaters and threatened and endangered sea turtles during sea turtle nesting season in Florida, a voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone (STPZ) has been established from March 1 – October 31, encompassing all 45 miles of Palm Beach County extending from shore to one mile offshore.

To help protect sea turtles and other marine life, boaters are asked to reduce travel time within one mile offshore and travel at minimum speed for safe navigation when in the STPZ.

Let's all work together to keep Highland Beach a safe place for sea turtle nesting!

SR-A1A RRR Project Update

The northbound lane of SR-A1A from 1708 S. Ocean Boulevard to 4801 S. Ocean Boulevard, Highland Beach, will be closed intermittently between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, for road widening activities. Flaggers will direct traffic as needed. Access to driveways and businesses will be maintained.

For more information, contact Community Outreach Specialist Melissa Readling at 772-577-8803 or mreadling@corradino.com.

Board Vacancies

Code Enforcement Board - One (1) vacancy for an unexpired term ending May 2025.

Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board - One (1) vacancy for a three-year term.

Planning Board - One (1) vacancy for a three-year term.

For additional information, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (561) 278-4548 or email jdehart@highlandbeach.us (Jaclyn DeHart) or lgaskins@highlandbeach.us (Lanelda Gaskins), Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Watch Town Meetings

Friendly reminder - You can always watch live and past meetings by visiting the Town's website and clicking the Watch Meetings button or by directly visiting the Town's YouTube channel!