With millions without power and hundreds dead, Americans are suffering int he wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The town of Palm Beach was luck to be spared. A life-long resident of the town, Mayor Danielle Moore—who was elected in 2021—is the third member of her family to serve in the position. She is also a dedicated philanthropist, working with several charitable organizations dedicated to Palm Beach. She took a moment to update PALMER on the state of the town, and how residents are working to help areas of Florida that suffered damage.
How are Palm Beachers helping out the rest of Florida?
Town first responders are always among the first to volunteer to assist other communities. In addition, the Town Of Palm Beach United Way is collecting donations to assist those affected by both hurricane Helene and Milton.
Mayor Danielle H. Moore, Town of Palm Beach
Why is it important to our community to give back to the rest of the state?
We are so blessed to live in Palm Beach. We are equally blessed to have resources that we can share with others. Other communities look to the town for leadership when disaster strikes. Residents have always stepped up to help others.
I have long been a supporter of the Town of Palm Beach United Way. I served on the allocations committee, then shared the allocations committee and even served a term as chairman of the board. I am very comfortable and confident with the matter in which they distribute donations. The due diligence process that they use ensures that the dollars are used most effectively and benefit the most people. Supporters of the United Way have all always stepped up in times of need. I’ve seen this firsthand with past hurricanes and how they were able to identify organizations with boots on the ground to help things get up and running again. Personally, I look for food banks, and other agencies in the disaster areas.
For those who wish to pitch-in, there are food drives to help provide food for those who have lost everything.
As a lifelong resident of Palm Beach, do you have any memories of any past hurricanes?
I remember very much hurricane Andrew. I was a new homeowner in Midtown and had absolutely no idea what to do. My parents had always taken care hurricane preparations. However, I learned very quickly what to do. Today ,I have a to do list that includes everything I would do for myself and my family to be prepared for a hurricane including an evacuation of the island.
Has your mother shared any hurricane stories?
I hate to admit it, but my mother never evacuates. When she was mayor in the late 1990s and ’00s, she believed her obligation was to be present on the island at all times during a hurricane. I think at this point in time I can convince her in the case of a significant weather event that evacuation is the safest choice.