Palm Beach Gardens Living - December 2025

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 | PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G 7 Belle Glade, George has helped rewrite renewable energy codes for Palm Beach County, indicative of the extent of George’s impact on our community. One of George’s favorite and most impressive projects is the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, a non- profit agency that rescues and rehabilitates wildlife. The planning and designing that George and his firm produced reflect their admiration and sensitivity for the natural environment. Another favorite is the transformation of Dyer Landfill, the solid waste authority in northern Palm Beach County. George and his team provided master planning services and landscape designing for the Dyer Landfill Reclamation Project that boasts a sports field complex, BMX cycle track, and a golf driving range for special needs kids. Relocating more than 12,000 trees to the closed Dyer Landfill, George earned a national award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and was featured on ABC news, showcasing the creation of an educational native habitat and restoration of historical wetlands. George is no stranger to government work as well, developing Palm Beach County libraries, fire stations, government facilities, and roadways while writing ordinances for zoning criteria and comprehensive plans needed for growth management legislation. George’s impact on the community extends to serving on a variety of boards throughout his career, including the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, the Business Development Board, and two terms as Chairman of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, along with 40 years of Board service. As if that’s not enough, George is also an elected official, Commissioner and Chairman of the Jupiter Inlet District, now in his seventh four-year term. In 1996, former Governor of Florida Lawton Chiles appointed George as Commissioner for the Loxahatchee River District Commission, his first experience as a public official. As a commander and an operations officer, George remainspartoftheU.S.CoastGuardAuxiliary. And, as the immediate past president of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, he helped establish the Mary Murphy Scholarship fund at Palm Beach State, a fitting tribute to the school that helped set George on his journey. “Palm Beach State gave me an opportunity and the basis for my future success.” That success and appreciation have come full circle. On November 15, George was recognized as an outstanding alum at PBSC’s Emerald Torch Awards Gala, held at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, honoring the man who has shaped our northern Palm Beach County communities. “The Emerald Torch is one of the highest honors of my life,” shares George, also recalling being recognized in 1995 as a Fellow for the American Society of Landscape Architects, the highest designation of honor in the profession. Throughout the years, George has remained a friend and an advocate of the College. Invited by PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D., George served on the Foundation Board as both member and Chair between 2013 and 2019. Ultimately, what drives George the most may be more than the artistic designs and inspiring plans that have influenced our neighborhoods. Instead, he leads with his heart, a genuine fondness for serving the community and environment through his craft. “We work with the natural environment in balance with hardscape and site development, making the environment fit with spaces for human living. While costs are higher to do green architecture, we encourage it for its long-term economic and environmental benefits.” That approach has bonded George Gentile and the community, which has been his canvas for enhancement, conservation, and more, a testament to the man who has blessed this community through not only his expertise but also his integrity. George makes clear what has brought him a lifetime of joy in the success he has known. “I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without Jan, who sacrificed for us to do what we’ve done, including my start at Palm Beach Junior College. And she’s been the reason ever since.” Business Development Board PBSC's STEAM Event, 2014