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New Splashpark Opens at Westgate Recreation Center

A new Palm Beach County-operated splashpark located at Westgate Recreation Center in West Palm Beach opened to the community on April 10. Admission to the splashpark is free.

The new splashpark is dedicated to the late Joseph D. “Joe” Pitts in recognition of his many contributions to the Westgate community.

The brightly colored water playground has interactive features enhanced with changing computerized programs.   There are rotating spray cannons, a water buggy, tipping water buckets and ground-level geysers. A chlorinated, recirculating water filtration system ensures no wasted water, and shade sails have been provided for sun protection. Newly added benches and picnic tables are also conveniently located nearby so families can take occasional breaks to simply watch the fun or enjoy a picnic.

The splashpark opening was followed by “Celebrate Westgate,” a popular annual event co-hosted by Palm Beach County and the Westgate/Belvedere Homes Community Redevelopment Agency.  Festivities included live DJ entertainment, games, activities and a wildlife educational exhibit. The festival also featured a family art tent and community services exhibits.

Westgate Recreation Center is located at 3691 Oswego Avenue in West Palm Beach.  For information on the new splashpark, call Lee Powell at 694-5455 or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/.

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PBIA Has New “Views” at Baggage Claim

Sixteen wall-sized, panoramic photographs of Palm Beach County were recently installed in the baggage claim level at Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA).  The photographs replace the backlit advertising displays and provide a dramatic new greeting for passengers arriving at PBIA.

 

The collection includes images of the Boca Raton Museum of Art, Flagler Museum, Jupiter Lighthouse, Juno Beach and Pier, Jupiter Lighthouse, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Lake Okeechobee, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Okeeheelee Golf Course, Palm Beach County Convention Center, Palm Beach Zoo, Peanut Island Park, Singer Island, Wellington Polo Grounds, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.  The wall wrap was installed by PBIA’s advertising partner, Clear Channel.

 

The photographs were taken by two local photographers, Steven Martine and Michael Beebe, who donated their time and talent at no cost to PBIA.

 

Steven Martine has photographed many of the major news events of the past decade, including shuttle launches, presidential visits, professional football, baseball and auto racing.  He currently shoots commercial advertising for magazines worldwide.

 

Michael Beebe has worked as a staff photographer for the Winter Haven News-Chief, photo editor for the Leesburg Daily Commercial and as a freelance photographer for the Associated Press and newspapers throughout the state of Florida.  His photographs have appeared in newspapers, magazines and other publications throughout the United States.

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Landscaping Tip:  Spring Flowering Vines
Flowers that attract attention can be a beautiful addition to a fence, an arbor or a trellis. Using vines can bring vertical interest into your yard or onto your patio. Vines can provide fragrant flowers and shelter or food for wildlife. 

The keys to successful vine growing are the selection and maintenance. Choose manageable vines that don’t grow out of control.  Vine support is critical.  A strong trellis, chain link fence, decorative aluminum fence or split rail fence can make it easy to maintain the vine without worrying that its support will deteriorate too quickly. 

 

Choose vines that are easy to manage in the landscape such as queen’s wreath (Petrea volubilis), yellow mandevilla, blue flowering Clittoria ternatea or native scarlet red flowering coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).  Avoid using morning glory, flame vine, blue sky vine, Mexican flame vine or red flowering passion vine.  These can grow up to 50 feet in one growing season which makes them hard to contain.

 

If you would like to see many different types of vines, stop by the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service at 531 North Military Trail and stroll through the Mounts Botanical Garden located right behind the Mounts Building.  The garden area has several kinds of other plants that you can also look at (including fruit trees) before you purchase them. The Botanical Garden is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.   For more information, call 233-1750 or visit http://www.mounts.org/.

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Consumer Trap & Tip:  When the Landlord Won’t Fix It

Trap
Nancy rents a two-bedroom apartment in Belle Glade. Every time it rains, water leaks from the ceiling into her bedroom.  She has spoken to the landlord about the problem for the last three months, but he hasn’t made any repairs. The more it rains, the more damage is done to her possessions. Her friend told her not to pay the rent until the landlord fixes the roof, but is that the right thing to do?

Tips
Here are some legal steps that can be taken to remedy this landlord-tenant issue:

• Florida Law (F.S.S. 83, Part 2) requires the landlord to keep the dwelling up to building and health codes.  This includes the roof, windows, exterior walls, doors, plumbing and electrical system.  Additionally, the landlord must provide keys, locks and garbage receptacles. Common areas must also be clean and safe.
• Always notify the landlord by certified mail of repairs that are needed, and keep a copy for your records.  Just verbally telling the landlord is not sufficient.
• If code violations are suspected, contact the city or county building department and ask for an inspection. Ask to receive a copy for your records. This report will be needed if eviction is threatened.
• If the problem (“material non-compliance”) has not been fixed by the landlord, a seven-day notice to “cure” letter can be sent. This letter formally advises the landlord that the tenant considers the lease broken since a “good faith” effort was not initiated to make the needed repairs in this time period. This notice should be received by the landlord at least seven days prior to the beginning of the next rental period and states you will either withhold rent or vacate the premises.
• If rent is withheld and you choose to stay in the apartment, do not spend the money.  The landlord may file an eviction action, and the court may require you to place the rent money into the court registry.  Failure to pay into the court registry may lead to the judge ruling in the landlord’s favor and your being evicted. 

For more detailed information, contact Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free), or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer.

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Animal Disaster Expo May 15 to Promote New Stamp

What:  Palm Beach County Adopt a Shelter Pet New Stamp Promotion

 

When: Sat., May 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 

Where: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, Okeeheelee Park South, 7500 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach (between Jog Road & the Florida Turnpike)

 

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control and the U.S. Postal Service are hosting a FREE family event including information on preparing animals for hurricane season, pet adoptions, low-cost rabies clinic (shot, tag and chip for $25 for spayed/neutered pets only), pet pictures, shelter dog fashion show, guest speakers, exhibitors and an unveiling of the new U.S. Postal Service “Adopt a Shelter Pet” stamp. Exhibitors welcome.  For more information, call 233-1222 or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/publicsafety/animalcare/. 

 

 

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