Accomando Calls on Commissioner Sara Baxter to Release Records, Issues Statement on Media Reports About Commissioner's Wasteful Spending

LOXAHATCHEE, FL – Today, Elizabeth Accomando called on Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter to release all of the records of all of her trips, including emails, text messages, and phone records with the dates, times, locations and costs, related to the special security detail she has accompanying her to events, many of which have nothing to do with official county business:

“The latest media reports confirm what we’ve seen over the years and already know: Commissioner Baxter is fiscally irresponsible with taxpayer dollars. When she was asked for a list of the events and costs of having three sheriff deputies accompany her around town, half of her disclosures were missing. What is she hiding? She should be honest and release a full accounting of her wasteful spending. The taxpayers deserve transparency,” Accomando said. 

“We’re looking at an annual expenditure of over $40,000. Members of Congress, even State Legislators I know personally, have received death threats, and they have never received the type of taxpayer funded security that Commissioner Baxter has requested. As an elected official myself, I take the threats against public officials very seriously, but is it really necessary for taxpayers to foot the bill so that Commissioner Baxter can take three deputies with her to Club 47 events or to the RPOF Victory Dinner at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino? 

Former Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker confirmed the unprecedented nature of Commissioner Baxter’s request, stating “in the past 20 years, there has not been ongoing security provided to a county commissioner,” the Palm Beach Post reported.

Accomando’s call for transparency and accountability from Baxter for her wasteful spending comes on the heels of media reports over the years, most recently “The taxpayer bill for county commissioner's extra PBSO security protection is more than $20k,” Palm Beach Post, July 16, 2025, and “PBC Commissioner Sara Baxter is having sheriff's deputies protect her at events. Who pays?,” Palm Beach Post, October 14, 2024. 

Commissioner Baxter’s push for more and more spending have become a pattern of her administration, ranging from spending tax payer dollars to renovate her office to requesting $588,000 to hire more staff and pay raises for her current staff. 

About Elizabeth Accomando

Elizabeth Accomando is a Palm Beach County leader, animal welfare advocate, and founder of Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary. Since 2014, she has saved thousands of animals in partnership with the county, launched a low-cost veterinary clinic serving over 7,000 pets, and provided critical support to veterans, seniors, and underserved families. Her work has earned multiple Community Choice Awards—including Best Veterinary Clinic, Best Boarding Facility, and Best Eco-Friendly Business—as well as recognition from the Palm Beach County Commission. 

First elected in 2022, Elizabeth has served as the President of the Indian Trail Improvement District since 2023, where she champions infrastructure improvements, civic engagement, fiscal discipline, and environmental stewardship. She is also a certified District Officer.

In addition, Accomando serves on the Palm Beach County Value Adjustment Board where she works hard to protect agriculture both large and small. 

A dedicated public servant and small business owner, Elizabeth has a proven track record of fiscal responsibility and budget management. When she’s not working for the people she volunteers her time working closely with students, nonprofits, and civic groups to create a more compassionate and connected community.