Residents and providers urge council support for hospice expansion; local nonprofit highlights waterway restoration work

During the public-comment period on March 17, representatives from hospice and local conservation groups addressed the Town Council.

Rhonda Abbas Cook of Gentiva Hospice requested a letter of support from the Town of Jupiter for Gentiva’s Certificate of Need application to expand hospice services in Jupiter and Palm Beach County. Abbas Cook said Palm Beach County’s growing senior population is increasing demand for hospice and palliative care and that expanding services would provide more choices for families and help reduce hospital readmissions. "We respectfully ask for your support specifically that the City of Jupiter provide a letter of support for our certificate of need application to the State of Florida acknowledging the need for additional hospice providers," Abbas Cook said. The mayor thanked the presenters and directed staff to follow up.

Linda Emerson, executive director and founder of Wild Blue Sea, spoke on behalf of a local environmental nonprofit and described long-term declines in waterway health since the 1970s. Emerson outlined Wild Blue Sea’s programs — mangrove-propagule rescue and display, business partnerships, volunteer propagation and a permitted education program at Jupiter Lighthouse — and thanked the town for prior support. "When waterways are healthy, we all thrive," she said, and asked for continued partnership on outreach and stewardship.

The mayor noted the town typically refers public-comment requests for action to staff for follow-up and asked staff to report back on hospice providers and next steps for any letter of support.