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Sheriff's mounted unit outlines patrols and community outreach in Wellington
Summary
Sergeant Jeff Israel and Deputy Audrey Miranda told the Equestrian Preserve Committee they run mounted patrols across Palm Beach County, visit Wellington several times a month, and seek community partnerships for donations, launch points and rider outreach.
Sergeant Jeff Israel and Deputy Audrey Miranda of the Palm Beach County sheriff's office mounted unit described their patrol work and community outreach to the Equestrian Preserve Committee at its March 4 meeting.
The mounted unit, Jeff Israel said, operates across Palm Beach County by command or community request and typically brings trailers to different neighborhoods: "Wellington is one of our favorite areas to patrol," Israel told the committee. He said the unit has a full capacity of eight horses (down to six at the moment) and usually fields two deputies per mounted shift.
Why it matters: committee members said an on-the-ground mounted presence can help deter motorized vehicles on bridle trails and provide a visible safety resource during high-traffic seasonal events.
Committee members asked practical questions about scheduling, how to request patrols and trailer parking. Israel said patrols change weekly and that requests can be routed through District 8 or the unit's command; he offered to exchange contact details for follow-up coordination. The group discussed staging locations for trailers and suggested farm owners who could serve as launch points or donation sites.
The committee and a District 8 liaison proposed several modes of engagement: brief horse-handling demonstrations so local deputies and volunteers know how to approach loose animals safely; meet-and-greets at Wellington events such as "Saturday Night Lights" and Global shows; and a small fundraising drive during big events to buy equipment. Israel confirmed most of the unit's horses are donated through the sheriff's office foundation.
Quotes and attribution are limited to speakers identified in the committee's transcript. Sergeant Jeff Israel: "We have 8 horses. We're down to 6 now, but full capacity is 8." Chiefly through questions and confirmations from committee members and staff, the group agreed to share locations and dates so the unit can plan future visits and outreach.
The committee closed the segment by thanking the mounted unit for attending and coordinating follow-up through staff and District 8 contacts. No formal action was taken; members agreed to continue logistical planning offline and to explore outreach during recurring Wellington events.
