Helping to enhance the safety of Juno Beach

March 12, 2025 - Volume 8 Number 3

April 2, 2025

The next "Coffee With A Cop" at the Juno Beach Town Center will take place at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, April 2nd. Coffee and donuts are sponsored by the Juno Beach Police Foundation.

See the article below about additional opportunities for residents to meet with our Police Department

We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!

Juno Beach Police Foundation Enhances Community Safety with Generous Initiative

Demonstrating its continued commitment to the safety and security of our Town, the Juno Beach Police Foundation has stepped forward with a generous initiative. At the recent Town Council meeting (2/26), the Police Foundation offered to install security cameras at the southwest corner of Pelican Lake, near the site of a recent tragic incident. As part of the council meeting discussion, the Foundation President expanded its offer, pledging up to $20,000, to include three additional locations around the lake: at or near the north gazebo, the small gazebo on the west side, and Friendship Fountain on the east side.

During the meeting, Chief of Police Brian Smith explained that he had collaborated with the Interim Town Manager to identify these four locations. While he noted that Pelican Lake experiences little to no crime, he acknowledged that the installation of cameras would clearly provide residents with peace of mind and serve as a valuable investigative tool for the Detective Division should any criminal activity occur.

Council members inquired about the functionality of the cameras, specifically whether they would be monitored in real time or record audio. Chief Smith clarified that they would not be actively monitored and would not record audio.

Following a brief but productive discussion, Council Member Hosta made a motion to approve the donation from the Juno Beach Police Foundation, with town staff serving as project managers to ensure compliance with standard procedures. Mayor Wheeler seconded the motion, and the Council enthusiastically approved it, leading to a unanimous decision.

Town staff is currently assessing logistics and collaborating with the Police Foundation to move the project forward. If all goes as planned, the cameras should be operational within three to four months, enhancing security and peace of mind for both residents and visitors at Pelican Lake.

The Juno Beach Police Foundation, in partnership with the Juno Beach Police Department, is pleased to introduce a new community gathering. Originally proposed by Mayor Peggy Wheeler, this event is designed to strengthen community connections. On Wednesday, March 19 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Sea Oats residents are invited to their clubhouse for "Pizza with the Police" - a name suggested by Chief of Police Brian Smith. This informal gathering provides a great opportunity for residents to engage with local law enforcement in a relaxed setting.

This event is being offered as a pilot program, specifically for the Sea Oats community, with the goal of expanding to other neighborhoods in the future. If successful, we hope to make this a regular event, held once or twice a year in different neighborhoods or at the Town Center, as a way to build stronger relationships between our Police officers and the people they serve.

The evening will feature Juno Beach Police Chief Brian Smith and several officers from the department, who will be available to chat, answer questions, and share information about local initiatives and public safety. And, of course, the Juno Beach Police Foundation will be sponsoring plenty of delicious pizza!

Please note: This event is designed specifically for residents of Sea Oats. We look forward to bringing this opportunity to more neighborhoods in the future, but for now, we're keeping it exclusive to Sea Oats as a trial run.

We look forward to an enjoyable evening of conversation, pizza, and community spirit!

Protect Yourself: Security and Safety With Today's Technologies

The Juno Beach Police Foundation, in partnership with the Juno Beach Civic Association, is proud to sponsor a valuable course designed to help residents navigate the ever-evolving world of technology safely. Security and Safety With Today's Technologies will be held at the Juno Beach Town Center on March 14 and will feature local technology expert Mark Szalkiewicz as the main presenter. Click Poster for more information

Mr. Szalkiewicz, a Juno Beach resident and seasoned business and technology leader, will provide practical insights into protecting yourself from online scams and digital threats. His FREE presentation will cover the devices we use daily, how browsers and search engines function, and real-world examples of cyber fraud. He will also offer actionable steps to help attendees safeguard their personal information.

The two-hour course is free of charge, and morning refreshments will be provided by the Police Foundation. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, this is an excellent opportunity to learn how to stay one step ahead.

Join us for this informative session and take control of your digital security.

Juno Beach Police Foundation
Board of Directors