Breaking Barriers and Building Community with Commissioner Joel Flores

In this episode of the Palm Beach North Podcast, we sit down with Joel Flores, Palm Beach County Commissioner for District 3 and the first Hispanic Commissioner in the County’s history. Joel shares his incredible story — from growing up in Puerto Rico and serving in the U.S. Army to becoming Mayor of Greenacres and now serving on the County Commission. Throughout his journey, Joel has remained deeply committed to community service, education, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

We explore Joel’s early influences, including his hardworking mother, his military service following 9/11, and his path to local leadership through coaching, nonprofit work, and his time at the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. Now representing one of the most historic and underserved parts of the county, Joel opens up about his priorities in office, including affordable housing, economic revitalization, and making District 3 a true destination.

This episode also covers the realities of running for office, what it means to break barriers, and why building trust through visibility and accessibility is central to Joel’s mission. Whether he’s mentoring future candidates or fielding questions at the supermarket, Commissioner Flores embodies the values of servant leadership.

Topics Covered:

- Joel’s upbringing in Puerto Rico, military service, and transition to public life

- The importance of mentorship, coaching, and showing up for your community

- Lessons learned from leading as Mayor of Greenacres

- How he made history as the first Hispanic County Commissioner

- Strategies for redeveloping District 3 and bringing in business opportunities

- Why housing, workforce development, and regional collaboration are top priorities

- What it’s like to campaign and fundraise for public office

- Joel’s approach to engagement, accessibility, and building a legacy of service

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Tampa General Hospital.

Follow us on social media!

Instagram: Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: @tghcares

Facebook:

Palm Beach North: / palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: / pbnchamber

Tampa General Hospital: / tampageneralhospital

Joel Flores: https://www.facebook.com/PBCCommissionerD3JoelFlores

Check out our websites:

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

To learn more about Tampa General Hospital, visit: https://www.tgh.org

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