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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Palm Beach, FL
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Palm Beach, FL You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Palm Beach, FL
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Palm Beach, FL
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Palm Beach, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Palm Beach, FL
Palm Beach Town Council awards $30 million contract for Phipps Ocean Park construction
Jodie Wagnerhttps://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/story/news/2024/03/26/palm-beach-awards-30-million-contract-for-phipps-ocean-park-construction/73032524007/
The long-planned redevelopment of historic Phipps Ocean Park will get underway this summer after the Town Council approved a $30 million contract for construction-related services.At their meeting March 12, council members voted 4-1 to award the contract to Burkhardt Construction Inc. for services related to the park's overhaul. That authorization is contingent on the approval of the Phipps Ocean Park Capital Gifts and Operating Agreement, which is expected to be presented next month.Julie Araskog was the only council member to...
The long-planned redevelopment of historic Phipps Ocean Park will get underway this summer after the Town Council approved a $30 million contract for construction-related services.
At their meeting March 12, council members voted 4-1 to award the contract to Burkhardt Construction Inc. for services related to the park's overhaul. That authorization is contingent on the approval of the Phipps Ocean Park Capital Gifts and Operating Agreement, which is expected to be presented next month.
Julie Araskog was the only council member to vote against the contract, citing concerns over liability.
The contract's worth represents the final “guaranteed maximum price” for the project, which has been in development for three years.
A groundbreaking is scheduled for April 19, and construction will begin in June, Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach President and CEO Amanda Skier told the council. The foundation is spearheading plans and raising money to redevelop the park.
Construction is expected to wrap up in August 2025, according to town documents.
Also at their meeting, council members voted to establish a project budget of just over $33 million, which includes the park redevelopment as well as improvements to the Phipps Ocean Park tennis facility and the town’s lifeguard station at the top of the dune there.
Both are in need of improvements, according to town documents. Fencing and resurfacing at the tennis facility were last completed in 2016, while the lifeguard station has not had any major improvements — only minor repairs because of storm damage — since it was built in 1992.
The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach will pay for the majority of the project. The town's recreation department will pay for the tennis center improvements, and improvements to the lifeguard station will come from the town's capital improvement fund, the town said.
Design work on the redevelopment project began in 2021, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission issued a certificate of appropriateness in November 2022. The Town Council approved the project's site plan in February 2023, while variances related to the addition of two pickleball courts and the lifeguard station were approved last April.
In January, council members approved modifications to the site plan after cost-saving and scope reduction items were included.
"It's an incredible lift that you and the Preservation Foundation have done," Council President Maggie Zeidman told Skier following the council's vote. "We are extremely proud and also very grateful to you for doing this."
Phipps Ocean Park, which sits just north of the Par 3 golf course in the town's South End, was donated by the Phipps family in 1948. It has not undergone a significant redesign since it opened, the foundation said.
Redesign plans call for restoring and moving the Little Red Schoolhouse to a more visible spot in the park, near the base of a 22-foot beach dune. The schoolhouse will anchor the great Great Lawn and wildflower garden to the west. The Garden Club of Palm Beach will collaborate with the Preservation Foundation on the design of the garden, Skier said.
A new feature to the north of the schoolhouse will be an outdoor classroom. Plans also include a Coastal Restoration Center, a nursery and propagation area for native plants that will support healthy beach dune ecosystems within the park and throughout the island.
The park’s recreational facilities will be improved with ADA accessible walking paths, spaces for the community to gather, a bespoke playground inspired by native fauna and new cabana bathrooms and beach pavilions.
Skier said she looks forward to work on the project getting underway, and she thanked the council and town staff for their support during the development process.
"I just want to express our gratitude," she told council members. "This is a very momentous occasion. It's been a three-year-plus journey to get here and to have our vision for the park intact, and your vision has also been very much a part of that since the beginning. To have the GMP under $30 million is very exciting. I really just want to say how grateful we are to town staff. Everybody's been amazing."
Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
Luxury Weekend Getaway in The Palm Beaches
Discover The Palm Beacheshttps://www.thepalmbeaches.com/blog/luxury-weekend-getaway-in-the-palm-beaches-fl
Get ready for a memorable weekend in South Florida, mixing luxury with outdoor experiences and culinary delightsBy: Victoria YoreReady for a memorable weekend getaway in The Palm Beaches, Florida? Picture this: a mix of luxury vibes, cool outdoor experiences, and food that’ll make your taste buds dance.This coastal paradise, known for its pristine beaches, exclusive shops, and exquisite dining, offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.Here’s how to indulge...
Get ready for a memorable weekend in South Florida, mixing luxury with outdoor experiences and culinary delights
By: Victoria Yore
Ready for a memorable weekend getaway in The Palm Beaches, Florida? Picture this: a mix of luxury vibes, cool outdoor experiences, and food that’ll make your taste buds dance.
This coastal paradise, known for its pristine beaches, exclusive shops, and exquisite dining, offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Here’s how to indulge in a relaxing weekend getaway in Florida filled with luxury mixed with nature and outdoor adventure in The Palm Beaches!
How to Spend a Luxury Weekend in The Palm Beaches
Begin your luxury weekend with a stay at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, an oceanfront haven that redefines five-star pampering in an environment of effortless elegance. This resort is one of only seven in the state of Florida to receive a Forbes Five-Star rating for both the resort and spa!
From the moment you step into the lobby, you’re enveloped in a world where your every need is anticipated. It is truly the epitome of luxury and relaxation, offering guests an unparalleled experience with its stunning oceanfront location.
The resort’s rooms and suites, designed with an eye for sophisticated comfort, offer breathtaking ocean views and plush accommodations that promise a restful night’s sleep.
Here are some of the highlights of staying at Eau Palm Beach:
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa provides an ideal getaway for those seeking luxury, comfort, and an unforgettable beachside experience.
Visit Peanut Island
Peanut Island is a tropical oasis that promises an unforgettable escape. This 80-acre island park, accessible only by boat or water taxi, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Once a man-made creation in 1918, Peanut Island has blossomed into a vibrant spot for snorkeling in its clear, turquoise waters, exploring the winding nature trails, or simply soaking up the sun on its sandy beaches.
The island also holds a unique historical attraction—the preserved Peanut Island Bomb Shelter, originally built for President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War.
Embark on an adventure to Peanut Island aboard a water shuttle. You can also kayak or take your own boat!
The best part? Crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and lush pathways for exploring.
Spend your time swimming in the turquoise waters or take a guided tour to uncover the island’s rich history!
Peanut Island provides a tranquil escape with its scenic picnic spots and breathtaking views of the Palm Beach skyline.
Pro tip: Try and time your visit around high tide for the bluest water!
MacArthur Beach State Park
After Peanut Island, head just a few minutes down the road to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, a natural oasis that stands in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.
This protected area offers a chance to connect with Florida’s untouched landscapes, from its pristine beaches to its rich mangrove forests.
Kayak through the estuaries, walk the nature trails, or simply relax on the beach, soaking in the unspoiled beauty of this beautiful park!
Eau Spa
After a day of adventure and exploration, retreat to the Eau Spa for an indulgent spa experience.
This award-winning sanctuary offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. From personalized massages to revitalizing facials, each treatment is a journey to tranquility, leaving you refreshed and renewed.
The spa’s luxurious amenities, including relaxing swinging chairs, provide the perfect setting for relaxation and pampering.
Worth Avenue
No luxury getaway in The Palm Beaches would be complete without a visit to Worth Avenue, an iconic shopping destination known for its high-end boutiques and designer stores.
Stroll through the Avenue’s charming vias and courtyards, discovering the latest in fashion, jewelry, and art.
Worth Avenue is not just a shopping experience; it’s a journey through a meticulously curated collection of luxury and style, making it a must-visit for those seeking the finer things in life.
Make sure to stop at the Worth Avenue clock tower for photos!
Highlights of Worth Avenue:
Polpo Palm Beach
Polpo Palm Beach is a culinary haven and is located in Eau Palm Beach Resort! This exquisite restaurant is renowned for its commitment to serving authentic dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients.
It features a menu brimming with classic Italian favorites alongside innovative creations.
Whether it’s savoring a perfectly cooked pasta, indulging in a succulent seafood dish, or simply enjoying a glass of fine wine from their extensive selection, dining at Polpo Palm Beach is an experience that epitomizes luxury and culinary excellence.
Don’t skip their famous chocolate cake!
Avocado Cantina
This restaurant is incredible!!! With a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients, this lively eatery celebrates the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with a unique twist.
The menu is a creative homage to the avocado, featuring it in an array of dishes from innovative guacamole blends to inventive entrees that elevate this humble fruit to new culinary heights.
Make sure to try the queso mac and cheese! YES it really does taste like a blend of queso and mac and cheese!!!!
Whether you’re in the mood for a light, avocado-inspired salad or a hearty, flavorful taco, Avocado Cantina delivers an unforgettable dining experience that blends the best of health-conscious eating with the bold tastes of Mexico.
A luxury weekend getaway in The Palm Beaches, Florida, offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence.
From the sumptuous oceanfront surroundings of Eau Palm Beach to the natural beauty of MacArthur Beach State Park and the culinary delights of Polpo Palm Beach and Avocado Cantina, every moment is an opportunity to experience the best of luxury travel blended with nature.
Whether you’re exploring the crystal-clear waters of Peanut Island, shopping on Worth Avenue, or unwinding at the Eau Spa, The Palm Beaches promises a weekend getaway that is both luxurious and unforgettable.
Cold front will bring flooding rains, damaging winds to South Florida through Saturday
The Palm Beach Posthttps://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/weather/2024/03/21/cold-front-carries-flooding-rains-and-damaging-winds-through-south-florida/73046452007/
Kimberly MillerA blustery mix of torrential rain and damaging winds is forecast to thrash South Florida on Friday and Saturday with National Weather Service meteorologists p...
A blustery mix of torrential rain and damaging winds is forecast to thrash South Florida on Friday and Saturday with National Weather Service meteorologists predicting isolated flooding and a small risk of severe thunderstorms with embedded tornadoes.
The rain is expected to come in waves beginning Friday morning and last through at least midday Saturday, but forecasters cautioned the timing of the soggy tumult is uncertain with two areas of low pressure in the northern and southern Gulf of Mexico abrading the state.
"This rather complex disturbance will bring the potential for multiple rounds of heavy rainfall," wrote Miami-based NWS meteorologists in their forecast. "Damaging wind gusts would be the primary concern, but a couple of tornadoes certainly can't be ruled out."
Sustained winds of up to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are possible along the east coast with rainfall totals averaging 2 to 4 inches, but possibly as high as 6 inches in some areas of South Florida. A flood watch and a wind advisory are in effect from Friday morning through Saturday evening.
The atmospheric upheaval threatens to soak several weekend events, including the Palm Beach International Boat Show in West Palm Beach and the 32nd annual Palm Beach Pride, a two-day festival in Lake Worth Beach celebrating the LGBTQ community.
While the storms should clear Sunday for Palm Beach Pride's main attraction — an hour-long parade that has nearly 100 groups participating this year — Saturday could see a soggy start. The festival will be held at Bryant Park noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Julie Seaver, CEO of Palm Beach Pride sponsor Compass, said the event will take place rain or shine.
"We've got our rain ponchos because no one is going to wash out Palm Beach Pride," she said. "We do have contingency plans, but hopefully the park with dry out in time.
The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is closed Saturday for the Palm Beach International Boat Show.
The Storm Prediction Center said a "marginal" risk — the lowest level on a 5-tier scale — of severe weather is possible along the Gulf Coast and from Lake Okeechobee through the Florida Keys on Friday and Saturday .
West Palm Beach has had 4.5 inches of rain this month, according to the Southeast Regional Climate Center. That's 2.4 inches more than a normal March and sets it apart from other South Florida cities, which are either near normal or have a deficit of rain.
More:Cloudy winter in South Florida ends as coolest in years with help of El Niño
Much of the rain measured at Palm Beach International Airport this month came on March 3 when 3.3 inches was recorded. That broke a more than century-old record of 3.2 inches set in 1897.
West Palm Beach weekend weather forecast
Rain is expected through Saturday night even after the low pressure moves off the east coast of the state as an attached cool front filters through. High pressure builds in behind the front bringing "dry and comfortable weather" for most of next week, according to the National Weather Service.
For Friday, rain chances increase from 70% in the morning to 100% in the evening with daytime high temperatures reaching about 80 degrees.
Saturday's rain chances are 80% in the morning dropping to 30% at night. Daytime high temperatures on Saturday will again be near 80 degrees, but the overnight air will cool into the low 60s. Sunday should be sunny and breezy with a high of 78 degrees.
Kimberly Miller is a veteran journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate and how growth affects South Florida's environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today.
What are the beautiful trees raining golden petals all over Palm Beach County?
Laura Lordihttps://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/2024/03/26/facts-on-trumpet-trees-tabebuia-with-yellow-flowers-in-south-florida/73110580007/
You know it’s springtime when the tabebuia trees are in bloom.The trees, native to subtropical climes, are easy to spot.The beautiful bright yellow blooms (or purple or pink-ish) have started bursting out all across Palm Beach County and South F...
You know it’s springtime when the tabebuia trees are in bloom.
The trees, native to subtropical climes, are easy to spot.
The beautiful bright yellow blooms (or purple or pink-ish) have started bursting out all across Palm Beach County and South Florida. You can see them on trees, and the shedding blooms turn yards and parking lots into a yellow carpet.
And if the trees are in bloom, you can almost bet your allergies are bothering you, too. The trees are like a yellow caution sign: Breathing Problems Ahead.
Not only are they visually appealing as bell-shaped blooms, but the tabebuia (ta-bee-BEW-ee-uh) also rain golden pedals in a final hurrah.
The rough silvery bark takes a back row seat to the showy bright yellow flowers. In fact, the leaves drop before the blooms appear, but the tree grows all new leaves within a few weeks.
How big do tabebuia trees get?
Nicknamed the trumpet tree, the trees can tower to 25 feet, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension.
The trees are mostly yellow, but light pink and purple tabebuia also make their presence known with colorful blooms. Seed pods that fall resemble giant green beans.
South Florida is an ideal climate for many different kinds of flowering trees.
Tabebuia tree pictures are popular on Instagram, where there are more than 27,000 pictures posted, everywhere from California to India.
Is tabebuia native to Florida?
They’re another reason to love Florida: Tabebuia are native to tropic and subtropic climates. In other words, you aren’t going to find these blooming up north. The trees are from the West Indies, Mexico and Central America, and several species are very well adapted to South Florida.
More tabebuia tree facts:
*They’re not always trees: Sometimes, they’re a shrub.
*The blooms look like musical instruments: That’s why some people call them “trumpet trees.”
*There are lots of them: It is estimated that there are 100-plus species of tabebuia.
Laura Lordi is Digital Editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at llordi@pbpost.com.
A perfect storm is coming to South Florida as maintenance fees threaten condo owners
Joseph Hernandezhttps://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/03/23/florida-condo-ownership-safety-surfside-real-estate/73055077007/
A financial cliff may await Florida condo owners at the end of the year, as new regulations may cause association maintenance fees to skyrocket. Condo owners can take matters into their own hands to avert being shoved off the edge — but the window of opportunity is rapidly closing.Florida has been in a state of reckonin...
A financial cliff may await Florida condo owners at the end of the year, as new regulations may cause association maintenance fees to skyrocket. Condo owners can take matters into their own hands to avert being shoved off the edge — but the window of opportunity is rapidly closing.
Florida has been in a state of reckoning over the last two years, after the collapse of Surfside's Champlain Towers in 2021 set off a slew of new regulations. In the aftermath, lawmakers realized that the condominium law that allows associations to defer critical maintenance and not hold reserves for future repairs and maintenance may lead to more tragedy.
A lesson from Surfside?Underground assault from sea-level rise puts coastal structures at risk
Structures built in the 50s, 60s, and 70s have been slowly deteriorating and have become more difficult and expensive to maintain. Roofs and other components of these older buildings, meant to last 20-30 years, have been pushed beyond their lifespan. Senate Bill 4D, enacted during the 2022 session, created new standards for condo buildings over three stories tall.
Under SB4D, condo developments over 30 years old — two-thirds of all condos in Florida — must undergo inspections and immediately address critical defects. SB4D also eliminates the ability of COAs to waive reserve contributions, instead requiring that they collect the annual cost needed to repair and replace certain elements by the end of their life span, as determined by a 10-year Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS).
The deadline to complete these inspections is Dec. 31, 2024. As inspection results come in, many condo associations and owners will realize the scale of the problem. Many associations may face repair costs in the millions. Even after allocating those costs among all unit owners, many owners in older buildings may not be able to afford the increased maintenance fees and special assessments to make immediate repairs.
Condo owners need to understand: they’re going to be on the hook. The state legislature is committing budget and resources to ensuring enforcement; avoidance will not be possible.
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Their monthly association fees will increase as the building works to replenish deficient reserves.
For millions of condo owners in Florida, the next year is going to be filled with painful choices. For many buildings, there is a silver lining – the land under their building is usually very valuable, so for most, the best chance of escaping the economic fallout will be to unite and sell the condo property to a bulk buyer rather than suffer under liens, credit hits and foreclosure.
Selling the units individually may not be an option for the majority of owners if their condos become distressed due to many owners being unable to pay their fees, as mortgage lenders are no longer willing to lend on condos in distressed buildings. The same factors that are pushing unit owners to sell will keep away buyers who can likely get property in a newer build for the same cost.
Developers, on the other hand, are likely willing to pay more for the valuable site. Of course, selling to a developer does require a fair amount of coordination. In order to get the best market value for owners, either an association needs to be united or owners need to organize to bring their property to market.
Association board members have the fiduciary duty to be proactive in bringing a proposal forward to owners, and raising the alarm about what’s to come if they believe that their condo building will not be financially viable in the future. If the value of the land that the condo complex sits on is greater than the value of the complex itself, associations need to alert owners: It is likely they’re past the point of no return.
Owners have options. They have the ability to shop for the best deal, and work out details that can be the difference between having a place to live next year and not.
But this window of opportunity won’t last forever. Once the structural studies are factored in, associations are looking at what’s likely to be a domino effect, as things like liens and foreclosures make it significantly more difficult to find a willing buyer.
Come Jan. 1, associations need to have a solution — which means that these boards need to start engaging legal counsel immediately to help understand the scope of their options, and what needs to be done in order to get owners the best deal.
SB4D is a vital update to Florida’s condominium regulations, and will undoubtedly help prevent tragedy. But the short-term impacts are going to be severe for owners.
Ignoring the problem or pushing this decision off will only worsen the outcome. Condo owners still have control over their fate but only if they act quickly.
Joseph Hernandez is a partner at the Miami law firm Bilzin Sumberg.
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