..OK, maybe not EVERYTHING, but some good tips!
- LITHIUM BATTERIES:
Lithium batteries are extremely common in everyday items such as phones, laptops, tools, e-bikes, and rechargeable household devices.
But with their growing use comes an increased fire risk when batteries are improperly disposed of.
When lithium batteries are placed in garbage or recycling carts, they can become damaged during collection or processing. If a battery is crushed, punctured, scraped, or exposed to heat, it can spark and ignite. Fires caused by lithium batteries can spread quickly inside garbage trucks or waste facilities because surrounding waste materials act as fuel.
Instead, tape the battery terminals with clear tape and take them to one of Palm Beach County’s Home Chemical & Recycling Centers for proper recycling and disposal.
- BOATING SAFETY
With the summer approaching, residents are reminded to follow the Town’s local boating ordinances designed to keep everyone safe on the water.
Boaters should also be aware that many canals throughout Town are designated as “slow speed/minimum wake” zones, meaning vessels must remain fully off plane and operate at a safe, low speed to minimize wake and shoreline impact. On Lake Clarke itself, boats traveling south should stay on the western side of the lake, while boats traveling north should stay on the eastern side.
For safety, jet skiers, water skiers, and boats towing skiers must remain at least 50 feet from shore except when launching or returning. Swimming is also restricted to within 50 feet of the shoreline. Water skiing, parasailing, and personal watercraft operation are prohibited between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
All vessels must carry required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment, including properly sized life jackets, lighting, and other required devices. Children under six years old must wear an approved life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet, and everyone riding or operating a personal watercraft must wear a Coast Guard-approved flotation device. Operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must also carry a valid Florida boating safety identification card when operating vessels powered by 10 horsepower or greater.
Residents are encouraged to always operate boats and personal watercraft in a safe and courteous manner while respecting posted wake restrictions and nearby homeowners.
- NEW E-BIKE RULES
Florida has approved several new e-bike safety regulations aimed at slowing riders down in crowded areas and improving pedestrian safety. One of the biggest changes requires e-bike riders to slow to 10 mph or less when within 50 feet of pedestrians on sidewalks or shared-use paths. Riders are also now expected to yield to pedestrians and provide an audible warning, such as a bell or verbal alert, before passing.
Florida law continues to require helmets for riders and passengers under age 16, while local governments across the state are also considering additional restrictions involving sidewalk riding and helmet requirements for teens.
Officials say the changes are designed to address growing concerns about high-speed e-bike use near pedestrians, especially in busy downtowns, parks, and residential neighborhoods. Riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with both state laws and any local ordinances before heading out.