Interim Assistant Chiefs Named at WPB Police Department
Sep 30, 2011 - Police/Crime Prevention
West Palm Beach Police Chief Delsa Bush has appointed Captain Bryan Kummerlen to the position of interim Assistant Chief assigned to the Field Operations Bureau effective October 2, 2011. Captain Kummerlen is a 24 year veteran of the department and currently serves as Captain of Patrol, Division 1.
Chief Bush has also appointed Captain Maria Santos-Olsen to the position of interim Assistant Chief assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau also effective October 2, 2011. Captain Santos-Olsen is a 27 veteran of the department and currently serves as Captain in the Criminal Investigations Division.
The appointments follow the recent retirement of Assistant Chief Dennis Crispo, a 30 year veteran of the department.
West Palm Beach CRA Gears Up for Exciting Year
Sep 28, 2011 - CRA
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 27, 2011) The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) couldn’t be more excited about their upcoming projects. After nearly six years of redeveloping Northwood Village, the funky, eclectic area just two miles north of downtown West Palm Beach, the time has come for even more transformations and a focus on connecting that community with Pleasant City.
Among the projects is LOT 23, an art-centric neighborhood-scale artist colony. At build-out, the project will be comprised of two four-unit apartment buildings, and a studio space for artists to create their next masterpiece.
“We envision a diverse mix of artists utilizing the studio space, including artists who live off-site.” says CRA Project Manager Grace Joyce. “We want to see artists of all types including visual, ceramics, sculpture, poetry, music, dance and everything in between.” The studio space will also provide areas for smaller performances and events as well as a retail component.
A large part of the mission of this project is for artists to provide educational and outreach opportunities for the surrounding communities. To ensure the largest impact, the artist’s rent will be subsidized in exchange for a minimum number of community service hours on various projects where they will be utilizing their artistic talent to enhance community schools, events, businesses and neighborhood projects.
The CRA is currently working on the criteria for the artists. It is anticipated that classes for both children and adults will be held in the studio space and possibly outdoors on the site.
The CRA also owns three buildings adjacent to LOT 23 and are working on transforming those properties into a restaurant, open public space and an art gallery that many of the artists of LOT 23 will work in as part of their community service.
For more information about LOT 23 and other CRA projects, please visit www.wpbcra.org or contact Kate Volman at kvolman@wpb.org or (561) 822-1551.
City and FPL Lights Coleman Park Neighborhood
Sep 20, 2011 - Parks and Recreation
The City of West Palm Beach and Florida Power and Light will provide street lighting to targeted areas of Coleman Park.
Following meetings with neighborhood leaders, city staff developed a lighting plan consistent with the improvement plan and revitalization of the historic area. New lighting will be installed and some existing lighting will be moved to provide for a more effective system. FPL is providing the lights and their installation free of charge and the City will pay only for the electricity used.
Mayor Jeri Muoio supports the revitalization effort and this necessary improvement, “This new lighting not only enhances the look of the neighborhood in the evening it also is a deterrent to anyone who would attempt to break the law under the cover of darkness. As we continue the work in Coleman Park we will look for more opportunities that improve the quality of life and safety for those who call this community home.”
The City Commission passed the resolution No. 240-11 and work will begin shortly.
City Names New Fire Chief
Sep 08, 2011 - Fire Department, Mayor's Office
Carlos Cabrera becomes first Hispanic Chief in City’s History
West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio has appointed Assistant Chief Carlos Cabrera to the position of Fire Chief. The City Commission confirmed the appointment making Chief Cabrera the first Hispanic Fire chief in the city’s history.
Mayor Muoio selected Cabrera for his strong record of service and extensive experience, “Carlos has been with the department for over 20 years and has earned the respect of his coworkers and many in our community. He has been an outstanding firefighter and will be an outstanding Chief.”
Chief Cabrera says he will work hard to continue the tradition of excellence established by the department, “Photographs of past Chiefs hang on a wall in station number one. To be in their company and to have the opportunity to serve this community by leading a dedicated and professional team of men and women is a true honor.”
A brief biography of Chief Cabrera
Born in Chicago IL. Moved to West Palm Beach as a child in 1969.
Joined West Palm Beach Fire Department in 1989.
Promoted to EMS Lieutenant 2002. Promoted to Operations Captain 2004. Promoted to Battalion Chief in 2006. Promoted to Assistant Chief in 2009. Awards include: Firefighter of the Year 2005 and Paramedic of the Year 2005.
Graduate of PBCC Paramedic Program and State of Florida Paramedic since 1993. AS degree from PBCC in Emergency Medical Services 2009. Graduate of Leadership West Palm Beach program 2009
Married to Karin Cabrera for 29 Years. Three sons Christopher, David (wife Jennifer, Granddaughter Riley), and Scott (wife Ashley, Grandson Mason).
Memberships:
Palm Beach County Fire Chiefs Association
International Association of Fire Chiefs
Library opening new Homework Assistance Center for Kids
Sep 06, 2011 - Library
Event: Homework Center @ Your City Library!
When: Starting Tuesday, September 6, 2011 (Open Mondays – Thursdays from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m.)
Where: West Palm Beach Public Library, 411 Clematis Street
Homework Center Opening at the West Palm Beach Public Library!
It’s back to school time and this year elementary aged children have a new resource: the Homework Center at the West Palm Beach Public Library. Thanks to a generous grant from The Jim Moran Foundation, obtained by the West Palm Beach Library Foundation, the Homework Center will be open four days per week and staffed by a certified teacher. It will be a free service providing academic support in all subject areas for elementary age children on a pre-registration or walk-in basis.
Located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, the library serves the needs of the area’s young residents in a comfortable and safe environment. The newly expanded Homework Center will provide everything from pencils and paper to kid-friendly databases and assistance from a certified teacher and professional librarians. Equipped with the latest technologies, the Center will offer great learning games, software and tools. The teacher will have access to professional resources and incorporate educational board games and worksheets to keep kids on track. Healthy snacks will also be provided to encourage proper nutrition for growth and development.
“Following a well-attended summer session, we are happy to continue our support of the library’s Homework Center. Through this program, children will receive the guidance they need to learn and grow in school today in order to be our successful leaders of tomorrow,” said Jan Moran, chairman and president, The Jim Moran Foundation.
The West Palm Beach Library offers an environment that many other tutoring programs are not able to: an inherent atmosphere for learning and exploring information that is both flexible and friendly. With the new Homework Center, the library is able to go beyond the usual homework help by offering the opportunity for children to become lifelong lovers of reading and learning. By coming to the Homework Center, children are surrounded by the information, resources and people that lead them onto the roads of success. Best of all, it’s FREE!
Visit the Homework Center @ Your City Library, 411 Clematis Street, starting September 6th every Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 7:30 PM.
For more information, please go to www.mycitylibrary.org or call 561-868-7703.
About The Jim Moran Foundation
Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Foundation has invested more than $20 million in education, elder care, family strengthening, after school and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 – with efforts currently focused in Broward, Palm Beach and Duval counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation’s significant funders are JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC. To learn more, visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org or call (954) 429-2122.