Palm Beach County Celebrates Marine Life Protection Under Blue Heron Bridge

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On Thursday, April 11, Palm Beach County and scuba diving enthusiasts joined together for a celebration of marine life protection at Phil Foster Park under the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach.

“We were able to do this and preserve a really important part of Palm Beach County – the County has invested a lot here and we wanted to help them protect that and make this resource available for everybody,” said Dr. Thomas Reinert, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Regional Director.

The event celebrated recent changes by the FWC that prohibit the collection and possession of marine life fishery species (species collected and managed for the tropical aquarium trade) within Phil Foster Park and surrounding waters.

The changes will maintain high-quality snorkeling and diving opportunities and contribute to the conservation of species under the Blue Heron Bridge and at Phil Foster Park. The Blue Heron Bridge area is internationally recognized by scientists, scuba divers, underwater photographers, and snorkelers for its abundance of unique marine life and was named one of the 50 best dive sites in the world by PADI Sport Diver magazine and referred to as Florida’s “best shore dive” by SCUBA Diving Magazine.

PBC Parks Hosts Beach Cleanup on National Skip the Straw Day

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Boynton Beach residents Jessica and Sandy Rowley are a mother-daughter duo, who, for the past 25 years, have made a habit out of cleaning up parks and natural areas around the area to ensure a cleaner, safer community. So naturally, when they heard about Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation’s Skip the Straw Day Beach Cleanup on the morning news, they immediately wanted to be a part of the effort.

“Every little bit helps, we come here all the time, might as well keep it clean,” said Jessica.

On the morning of February 22, roughly a dozen volunteers made their way to Ocean Inlet Park to help rid the popular beach of litter. It was held on National Skip the Straw Day, in an effort to bring attention to the issue of non-degradable litter often found on Palm Beach County beaches. The unofficial holiday encourages people to recognize the harmful effects of non-degradable plastic commonly known to contaminate the ocean and harm marine life.

Volunteers liked the Rowleys filled a 33-gallon trash bag with debris from the beach park. Every volunteer received a bag containing a t-shirt, water, snacks & environmental literature, and pickers, gloves and garbage bags were supplied.

For the mother-daughter team, the cleanup was important because it helps strengthen their appreciation for nature. “We love getting out in nature and enjoying everything and seeing all the animals… and it’s sad to see garbage everywhere,” said Jessica.

For more information about volunteering for the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, visit pbcparks.com.

Orange Bowl Field Opens at Glades Pioneer Park

The opening celebration of Orange Bowl Field at Glades Pioneer Park in Belle Glade, Fla, took place on Wednesday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m. The $3 million renovation of the existing football field at Glades Pioneer Park is the Orange Bowl’s fifth Legacy Gift to the South Florida community and first in Palm Beach County. Renovations include a synthetic turf field and maintenance, an electronic scoreboard, an entry monument, fencing, walkways and signage.

The new Orange Bowl Field allows for greater recreation opportunities and enhances the sense of community for the Glades. The field also serves as the playing site for several teams from the Glades Youth Football League, which is a current member of the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance (OBYFA) presented by Metro by T-Mobile. In addition, many current and former NFL players from the area have used the field to conduct youth football camps.

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About the Orange Bowl

The Orange Bowl is a 360-member, primarily-volunteer non-profit sports organization that promotes and serves the South Florida community. With its primary mission since being created in 1935 to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and events, it has also maintained a legacy of charitable contributions and community outreach. Orange Bowl community outreach efforts are comprised of four pillars: youth sports, fundraising and community events, academic programs and scholarships, and legacy gifts.

Bert Winters Park boating amenities now reopen after renovations

 

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On the morning of July 25, county officials cut the ribbon to reopen Bert Winters Park’s boating area after being closed for construction since September 2017.

Major improvements include the renovation of existing boat ramps, three floating staging docks, 45 additional car/trailer parking spaces, and new ADA-compliant restroom facilities. Additional features include the enhancement of vehicular circulation, reconfiguration of existing parking spaces, storm-water management improvements, as well as associated site work and infrastructure.

Representatives of collaborating agencies, the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), participated in the program.

“Residents are excited about utilizing the increased boater access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean,” said District 1 Commissioner Hal R. Valeche.

Bert Winters Park is located at 13425 Ellison Wilson Road in Juno Beach. The park is open daily from sunrise until sunset. A boat trailer parking permit is required. Annual permits may be purchased online at www.pbcparks.com. Daily permits will be available at Bert Winters Park using the onsite pay station.

Please visit www.pbcparks.com​ for more information about boating and other leisure opportunities available through the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.​

(Aerial photos provided by Engenuity Group)