This week on the Weekly Brief, we’re highlighting what matters most to our community right now. From key local municipal election information and our upcoming virtual candidate forum, to the state and federal legislation we’re closely monitoring to combat antisemitism, strengthen protections in education, and improve online safety for children and teens. 

Stay informed, stay engaged, and be part of the conversations shaping Jewish Boca and beyond.

LOCAL | Municipal Elections at a Glance

2026 Municipal Elections

Election Day: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Polls open: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Early voting is not available.

Who is voting:

  • Boca Raton voters will elect:
    • Mayor
    • City Council Members (Seats A, B, and D)
  • Delray Beach voters will elect:
    • City Commission Members (Seats 2 and 4)

Only residents of each city may vote in that city’s election.
Residents in unincorporated Palm Beach County cannot vote in municipal elections.

Vote-by-Mail deadlines

  • Request deadline: Thursday, February 26, 2026 – 5:00 PM
  • Return deadline:
    • 7:00 PM to the Supervisor of Elections Main Office on Election Day
    • 5:00 PM to a Branch Office or Secure Ballot Intake Station

VIRTUAL | Municipal Candidate Forum

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:30 AM | Zoom

Join us for a virtual Municipal Candidate Forum featuring candidates running in Boca Raton and Delray Beach.

All candidates have been invited to participate under equal conditions.

REGISTER

STATE | What We’re Watching in Tallahassee

Florida Antisemitism Task Force

SB 1072 / HB 111

This legislation would create an 18-member Florida Antisemitism Task Force to:

  • review antisemitic incidents across the state, and
  • provide annual policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

The bill has advanced through committee and is now being reviewed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice.

Discrimination in Education (Title VI)

SB 486 / HB 415

This bill strengthens oversight of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded education programs.

If passed, it would:

  • require every school district, college, and university to appoint a Title VI coordinator, and
  • allow individuals to file Title VI discrimination complaints directly with their institution.

FEDERAL | What We’re Watching in Washington, D.C.

Online harassment and antisemitic abuse affecting children continues to rise. Congress is considering bipartisan legislation to strengthen protections for minors online and improve transparency and safety tools for families.

Legislation we’re tracking:

  • H.R. 5360 – AWARE Act
    Helps parents, educators, and minors understand the safe and responsible use of AI chatbots.
  • H.R. 6499 – Assessing Safety Tools for Parents and Minors Act
    Reviews how effective online safety tools and parental controls are in protecting children.
  • H.R. 6289 – Promoting a Safe Internet for Minors Act
    Creates a national online safety awareness and education campaign.
  • H.R. 6437 – Kids Internet Safety Partnership Act
    Establishes a public-private partnership to develop best practices for youth online safety and privacy.

Take action: Contact your Member of Congress and urge support for these bills:
https://speak4.io/lp/hy01isn7?ts=1769535780

From combating antisemitism to protecting students and children online, these policies matter — and we’re tracking them closely.

Introducing: The Weekly Brief

This feature is part of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Weekly Brief—a recurring social series spotlighting the moments, leaders, and impact shaping Jewish Boca and our global Jewish community. Explore more stories on our social media.