THANK YOU SOIRÉE HONORS SUPPORTERS SEE STORY & PHOTOS, PAGE 5
Royal Palm Council Celebrates Students By Awarding Scholarships
ITID Board Concerned About Troubled Youth Housed In The Acreage
The question of what to do with a parcel of golf course land dormant for more than two decades near the entrance to Wellington’s iconic Palm Beach Polo community moved one step closer to a possible resolution this week.
A plan to put 27 luxury homes on part of the defunct golf course in a project known as Farrell West won an initial 5-0 vote from the council on Tuesday, May 30, despite objections from some neighbors that it eliminates views and green space. A second vote, likely at a June meeting, is still required for the plan to move ahead.
posed development is consistent with community goals.
“You may hear dissent tonight, and you have before, but that’s how democracy works,” he said.
In past years, the property has generated complaints about activities including adult soccer games, haphazard parking, and unlicensed food and beverage concessions.
Farrell Building Co., based in Bridgehampton, N.Y., proposes to buy the property, pending village approval for its plans. It wants to build 27 homes, two parks accessible to all Palm Beach Polo residents, an expanded pond and drainage system, and enhanced landscaping on all sides.
Wellington’s Four-Day Party Celebrates An Expanded Amphitheater
Page 18
Palm Beach Central High School
senior track athlete Adina Jackson had a medal-winning performance at the 2023 Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 4A State Track and Field Championships. At this year’s Class 4A state meet, held on the campus of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on Saturday, May 20, Jackson finished in sixth place in the triple jump, which garnered her a spot on the medal stand. Page 21
(Left) Palm Beach Central High School’s Class of 2023 was celebrated on Wednesday, May 17. Shown left are PBCHS graduates Tarah Smith, Charlize Marinez and Holly Honerlaw. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 6
(Below) Royal Palm Beach High School held its 2023 commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 24. Shown below are new RPBHS graduates Tyler Thomas, Chris “Glacier” St-Juste,
Joey Gabriel and Samuel Dorcelus-Cetoute. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 15 PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER AND DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
When the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors opened their budget hearing Wednesday, May 31, they were considering a staff-proposed $24 million budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
The staff-proposed budget is created to “document all the needs of the district,” ITID Finance Director Jose Cabrera said. “It’s a blueprint… [then] you go along and start making adjustments.”
ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson is “working diligently to reduce the amount of the budget,” Cabrera added. If accepted as proposed at the May 24 workshop, the $24,042,292 budget would mean a
$7.9 million increase over the current fiscal year budget and would result in an average $366 per acre increase in assessments for district residents. That means the average resident would be paying $1,153 per acre, or $5,765 per five acres.
Supervisors Elizabeth Accomando and Patricia Farrell attended Wednesday’s hearing with ITID Vice President Betty Argue joining online. Only two members of the public were present at the session.
“I’m hoping the staff and board can arrive at something less painful,” Argue said.
Accomando said she hopes staff can “arrive at a happy medium that everyone can live with.”
A statement released Wednesday night by ITID said that “sig-
nificant progress” had been made in reducing the proposed budget and that residents can “expect to see at least a 50 percent reduction” in the proposed increase.
The proposed 2022-23 fiscal year budget was $24,296,473, while the actual budget adopted was $16,463,896. The amount trimmed last year — $7.8 million — is approximately the same as the proposed increase in the 2024 budget.
The budget is scheduled to be adopted at the board’s Wednesday, June 7 meeting but changes can be made into the summer.
Some $5 million of the proposed $7.9 million increase is to fund the up-front cost of grants that will be lost if they are not acted on in the
See ITID BUDGET, page 14
A number of residents adjoining the 23-acre parcel, several of whom live in what are known as “golf cottages” on its southern edge, have dissented from support expressed by the president of Palm Beach Polo and Country Club Property Owners’ Association.
“The green space we have there is one of the last ones we have left in Palm Beach Polo,” resident Andrea Neves said. “I think it’s a nice project, don’t get me wrong, but I think it’s in the wrong place.”
Andrew Carduner, president of the POA, said he thinks the pro-
Residents of the golf cottages admitted they sometimes had problems with how the land was used in recent years, but questioned whether it still might be better to leave it as land designated for recreational use.
The builders, however, are asking the village to change the land use designation to allow residential development there, and they frame it as ending an extended limbo of illegal or disputed uses.
Farrell representative Michael Sanchez said that his company is bringing upscale homes with
Wellington and Royal Palm Beach held their annual Memorial Day observances Monday, May 29. Shown above are U.S. Army Command Sgt.
Sgt. 1st Class Carmelle Racine, Mayor Fred Pinto, Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey O’Dette and Johnny Castro of the American Legion at the RPB observance. RPB PHOTOS ON PAGE 8, WELLINGTON PHOTOS ON PAGE 13
Lox Council Seeks Input On RV Rules
The Town of Loxahatchee Groves will hold a special workshop meeting on Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m. to discuss the longsimmering issue of recreational vehicles in the community.The workshop will allow residents to engage with the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council, ask questions about the current RV program and discuss potential improvements for the program’s future, as part of an overall effort to maintain proper recreational vehicle use and storage.
The upcoming workshop follows up on an evening workshop held on Tuesday, May 16. During that meeting, attendees were broken into small groups and gave
input into five discussion questions while council members dipped in to listen.
After years of complaints regarding improper use of RVs in the community, serving as permanent homes for people, particularly during the winter equestrian season, the town instituted new rules several years ago that limited the number of RVs per property and required a registration with a fee.
While the town recognizes the need for temporary RV use and storage, having too many RVs on one property, particularly when they are not hooked up properly, causes health and safety concerns, as well as traffic, noise and unexpected additional solid waste.
According to the current rules,
and egress access only onto Okeechobee Blvd. The land was originally zoned for commercial use but was changed to residential use for this project.
The project has been under discussion since November 2019, and has been through a series of requests in the past. At a June 2022 meeting of the Royal Palm Beach Village Council, the item was postponed in order to allow for some design changes — most notably a larger buffer at the property line. Since then, there have been meetings over the past year between developer D.R. Horton, agent WGI and village staff.
ing on the west side of the project, which is going to be separated by the 200-foot M-1 canal,” Doug Murray with WGI said. “It’s across from the Madison Green community. So, because of that feedback, we worked with the Indian Trail Improvement District and the Village of Royal Palm Beach staff to try to come up with a solution and find how we can have at least a five-foot buffer.”
canal. I’m really concerned about the landscaping. I’m not sure what we are going to face.”
Royal Palm Beach
“We received some feedback regarding concerns about buffer-
He went on to explain they had tried to get ITID to reduce the easement, but instead ended up revising the entire site plan to shift everything to the east by five feet. This site plan modification was included in the first of seven Lakeside Landing items on the agenda.
“My husband and I moved away from Miami to get away from all the distraction, the traffic. Royal Palm Beach is beautiful with very strict codes, which we really appreciate,” she said. “I see there are waivers and easements and variations of this and that. The one thing that Royal Palm Beach prides itself on is the beautiful landscape. The community is beautiful... Now we are going to eliminate trees. I live right there. The buffer is the
After the site plan modification was approved, the preliminary plat was also approved without public comment. The next request was to allow for tandem parking in townhome driveways to count toward the overall parking requirement. This involves two vehicles stacking into a one-lane driveway. Approximately 80 of the 100 units in the development will have a 16foot driveway, just enough to fit two smaller vehicles. The end units will have a bit more room. Each unit also has a single-car garage. Despite the request initially being
The Village of Royal Palm Beach celebrated the successes of its students on Thursday, May 18 as the Royal Palm Beach Village Council presented $1,000 scholarships to 10 local high school seniors.
“It’s that time of year when we get to recognize some outstanding students who live here in the Village of Royal Palm Beach,” Mayor Fred Pinto said.
While Pinto had the honor of presenting the scholarships, the hard work of collecting the applications and interviewing the candidates was done by the village’s Education Advisory Board.
“This is a really special time of the year for the graduates, no doubt about it. Their families have lots to be proud of, and we’re proud of the fact that we have such outstanding graduating seniors,” said Councilman Jeff Hmara, who serves as the board’s liaison. “One of the favorite things that we get to do at the Education Advisory Board is
the interview process, and it generates a lot of hope for the future. The mayor gets to do the most fun part — and that’s provide the checks,”
Seven of the students graduated this month from Royal Palm Beach High School: Sarah Ahmed, Sanjana Balkaran, Chloe Carpenter, Samuel Dorcelus-Cetoute, Daphna Edouard, Adonte Jakusik and Sophia Madden.
Seminole Ridge High School’s Robert Lebrun and Jana Wallace were also scholarship recipients, along with Kaiya Stegall from Berean Christian School.
“With all the world turmoil going on today, it’s really refreshing to see such talented young students moving out into the world, and they will be our future leaders,” Pinto said.
Later in the meeting, the council received the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9 annual report, given by Capt. Ulrich Naujoks. “This will mark my 10th year involved in this presentation,” said Naujoks, who provided a list of statistics for 2022.
The Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) program provided 762 volunteer hours for a determined value of $22,821.90. There were a total of 102,594 calls for service, with 19,461 being direct calls, and the others being incidents such as traffic stops and business or residence checks. This was an overall decrease of two percent compared to 2021.
“As a commander, I would hope that as calls for service go down, our proactivity would go up,” Naujoks said. “We spend less time helping the public, so we should be interacting with people in other ways. If I’m low on one end, I’m looking for an increase on the other. The deputies were more active.”
Despite fewer calls, the crime index in Royal Palm Beach technically rose from 523 in 2021 to 585 in 2022. When looking at the 10-year index, crime is up since the pandemic, but still lower than pre-pandemic levels.
“The people in Royal Palm Beach feel very safe, and they
should. But with safety sometimes comes complacency. ‘It’s OK to leave my car in the driveway with this in the back, no one is going
to bother it.’ And then some kids come along,” Naujoks said, stressing that most crime in the village are crimes of opportunity.
One striking accomplishment for the District 9 Detective Bureau is the 43.75 percent case clear-
See RPB COUNCIL, page 14
The Wellington Community Foundation recently presented sponsorships to 17 deserving local children, enabling them to attend the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club summer camp for the entire summer. The ongoing initiative was announced at a visit to the club on Tuesday, May 30. In collaboration with the Wellington Community Services
Department, which assisted in identifying the students in need, the foundation was able to fund its camp initiative again this year. This initiative aims to provide a safe, nurturing environment and a constructive alternative to being at home alone for the selected children. The Boys & Girls Club is a not-for-profit youth development
organization that makes a positive impact in the lives of young individuals. With a commitment to creating a supportive space, the club offers a wide range of programs and activities that promote personal growth and character development.
WCF Chair Barry Manning and Vice Chair Jim Sackett presented the club with a generous check in the amount of $8,500. This contribution will be utilized to provide scholarships exclusively for Wellington children, ensuring that they have the opportunity to participate in the Boys & Girls Club summer camp.
“We are excited to once again sponsor 17 kids to attend the Boys & Girls Club summer camp,” Manning said. “This marks the eighth year of our camp sponsorships, and we are confident that the children will have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Moreover, the campers will receive nutritious breakfast, lunch and dinner at the club throughout the summer.”
Highlighting the significance of the camp’s environment, Sackett emphasized the positive impact it would have on the campers’ personal growth and future endeavors.
“We are glad to provide these children with a fun and constructive atmosphere during their summer break,” he said. “By participating in the camp’s activities, they will develop essential character traits and leadership skills that will benefit them in their future endeavors.”
Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, stressed the importance of the summer camp program.
“Summer camp at the Wellington club is a full-day experience. Our doors open Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. and stay open until 6 p.m.,” she said. “Children can participate in a variety of programming, including academic support, mental health counseling, sports and fitness, dance, arts, STEM and so much more. Field trips are also an important part of their summer camp experience.”
The Wellington Community Foundation has long been dedicated to supporting the local community and fostering opportunities for local youth. By working with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, the nonprofit strives to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children.
The Wellington Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in the Wellington community. By collaborating with local businesses, organizations and community members, the foundation aims to
support and fund projects that address critical needs and promote the overall well-being of the community. To learn more about the Wellington Community Foundation and its initiatives, visit www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org.
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With five group homes for young offenders located in The Acreage, members of the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors are expressing concerns that the area has become a dumping ground for problem teens.
“These homes are in residential areas close to families and children,” ITID Vice President Betty Argue said at the board’s Wednesday, May 17 meeting.
“It’s affecting property values and the quality of life. People are concerned.”
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Craig Turner was at the meeting and spoke to the board on the issue.
“Most are good kids, but some are in and out of the system… [and] they keep getting put back into the same homes,” he said.
Turner oversees PBSO District 15, which includes The Acreage, and was on hand to give his monthly report. He said later that while crimes committed by occupants of the group homes have been cut by some 50 percent since he took command in 2017, they still account for considerable amount of the criminal activity in the area. That activity most often includes car break-ins.
Farrell First Council OK For Plan
“This is the third lowest density in all of Palm Beach Polo,” Sanchez said. “This is an opportunity to put some finality on this prop-
As for occupied RVs, the town’s Recreational Vehicle Parking Program (RVPP) allows a permit for temporary RV parking for living and sleeping purposes within set limits, provided there are no pending town code violations. The rules allow for inspections, and the permits are good for 179 days.
The number of RVs are limited by the size of the property, with
The group homes are “the last stop” for many offenders who have multiple convictions, including for violent crimes such as armed robbery and carjacking. “We’ve looked at shutting down these homes, but there’s just no viable option,” Turner said. “We stay on top of these kids as much as possible, but the problem is not going away as long as you have kids who get arrested, go away for 21 days, and get put right back in the same home. There’s a breakdown in the system, and I don’t think it is at the house.”
He said that there needs to be a way to hold these youthful repeat offenders accountable but added that it is a difficult issue all across the country.
The Florida Department of Children and Families contracts with providers to run the homes. One adult oversees a maximum of five children. That means as many as 25 young offenders could be housed in The Acreage at any given time while, for instance, Royal Palm Beach has only one such home, Turner said.
ITID is not responsible for housing or supervising these youngsters, Argue noted, but in a broader sense, she said, “Are we really meeting the needs of these kids or just sticking them somewhere? I’m not a not-in-my-backyard person.
erty and improve the look and feel of this area.”
Company representatives said they are making arrangements for construction traffic to come through an entrance that does not jam the main community gate.
Other questions remain, such as whether a proposed fence is needed between the new homes and the golf cottages. That could block access to sidewalks and parks. Farrell representatives said they are open to doing what people want on that issue.
“I think this is a satisfactory product,” said Councilman John
no RVs on properties under one acre, up to no more than four RVs on properties of 10 acres or more.
However, the town has struggled to gain compliance with the new program. According to a staff report accompanying the workshop, “A number of issues and concerns have arisen, including but not limited to the lack of compliance with our existing RV registration program. There appears to be a demonstrated demand for extended/expanded use of RVs not provided for in our code. For instance, we need to determine how RVs are being used for not only rentals (seasonal and annually), family members/ generational living options, on-site employees, groom’s quarters and other similar uses.”
At the May 16 workshop, the small-group discussions continued for about an hour, and then the council returned to the dais for a discussion.
But the programs aren’t out here to service these kids.”
Turner said that he is trying to change that by establishing either a Police Athletic League or a Boys & Girls Club program in the area. As with most things, however, it comes down to funding and availability of resources, noting that his budget request for two PAL coordinators for the area had been rejected. “But that’s something that can be revisited,” he said. “We can look at grants.”
In response to a question from Supervisor Keith Jordano, Turner said that a space at one of the parks where athletic equipment could be stored and a couple of desks could be housed would be helpful. ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said that he could work with Turner for use of some outdoor facilities by a possible startup PAL program.
All of that is well and good, Argue said later, but the larger question is, “Who should be providing these resources? It should not be on the backs of ITID residents,” she said.
In other business:
• The supervisors noted that on Sunday, June 4, ITID will be hosting “Safety Day” in conjunction with the PBSO and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue at Acreage Community Park.
McGovern, who called Palm Beach Polo a “crown jewel” of the village. “I think it can be better with more consultation between the developer and the golf cottages.”
Councilman Michael Drahos urged Farrell to pay special attention to landscaping along a planned wall south of Forest Hill Blvd. and west of Polo Club Road.
“That’s a main drag for Wellington residents and their primary window on an important space in the village,” he said. “Every one of our 60,000 residents are going
“Great feedback, great questions,” Mayor Laura Danowski said. “There were ideas that some of us may never have thought about. We’re not going to solve it all tonight, but from what I heard, we’ve made great steps.”
Councilwoman Marianne Miles said that some residents felt that four RVs should be allowed on five-acre parcels, which are currently limited to two.
“A lot of the people who came tonight are very concerned about their family RVs,” Miles said. “They want to be able to have their families stay in an RV if they want to stay for the year and not have the limitation of the 179 days. Same for rentals. They want to have the freedom to rent all year round.”
Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia said that everyone in her groups agreed that proper hookups for septic are important, as is having someone to oversee the property.
“What is not good about RVs are
Through hundreds of phone calls, conversations and meetings with families, elected officials, equestrians and business owners across the Village of Wellington, I have learned a tremendous amount about this community of 65,000 people with an incredibly proud and important equestrian heritage.
As an experienced real estate developer, I am familiar with the skepticism when one arrives with new plans. The strength of community, engaged citizens, passion for the equestrian sport and devotion to quality of life are sources for this concern, and are the same reasons we were attracted to Wellington and our desire to invest $375 million in this community to bring The Wellington Equestrian & Golf Club to life.
The Village of Wellington is an extraordinary community defined by its stable government, strong schools, beautiful parks, businesses and a dynamic equestrian industry.
We thought it would be help-
ful if we answered some basic questions:
Who are we?
Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP), which includes Wellington Equestrian Partners and other residents, invited Nexus Luxury Collection as a co-investor, lead developer and operator for The Wellington Equestrian & Golf Club. Backed by Tavistock Group, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and entertainer Justin Timberlake, Nexus is a global real estate development and hospitality company with deep experience and a proven track record for excellence.
What are we planning to design, build and operate?
Subject to Village of Wellington approval, The Wellington Equestrian & Golf Club will include a refurbished Pete Dye-designed Cypress golf course, a new golf clubhouse, driving range, short game facility and performance center, a field house for fitness and wellness, four swimming pools, a racquet center, a central park with exercise trails, children’s facilities,
PBSO K-9s units, the department’s SWAT truck and the mounted patrol unit will be on hand, along with police explorers handing out “swag bags.” Volunteers will be doing child ID kits. A fire truck and rescue vehicle also will be present.
The event is happening along with the Acreage Landowners’ Association Rock Your Park Concert Series, featuring the classic rock cover band Roulette. Both events get underway at the park’s amphitheater at 5 p.m., with music to begin at 6:30 p.m.
• The supervisors unanimously approved the creation of the Equestrian Trails and Infrastructure Advisory Committee (ETIAC) to assist ITID in collecting, studying and recommending improvements to the area’s equestrian trail system. It also will help educate drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and others as to how to respect horses and riders.
The committee will consist of five regular members, five alternates and two advisory members.
Historically, most of the equestrian trails in the district have been along dirt roads and in swales, but with population growth and increased traffic, that has become dangerous. Some have suggested that creating protected trails, such as Wellington’s, would cost millions.
to have some exposure to this. If you put up some kind of ugly concrete wall, it’s going to look like a prison.” Sanchez said the kind of trees and plants available are limited a bit by utility easements, but Farrell was prepared to commit to several layers of grasses, bushes, and trees on either side of the wall. Additional details on that were promised by the item’s second reading.
In other business, the council agreed to proceed with letters seeking ideas from any interested developers concerning a 10-acre site Wellington owns near the Mall
the bad tenants,” she said. “I think that vetting your tenants is really important, not only for your own safety, but for your neighbors.”
Vice Mayor Robert Shorr wants to make sure that proper setbacks are used. RV uses aside from equestrians are for family members and also caretakers at nurseries, he said.
“These are ideas that the council would not have considered four years ago, and I’m hearing them from every group,” he said. “The goal in the end is a process that is well-defined, and everybody understands it, it is easy to apply and the town is efficient at issuing the permits.”
After the upcoming Saturday workshop, the town plans to review its current RVs rules and make changes to the program given the input from residents. If all goes according to plan, a revised ordinance will be brought forward later this year.
Argue, who proposed the committee, said that is not necessarily so. Multi-purpose paths, which could include horse trails, already are part of the district’s mobility plan developed by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and approved by the board in 2020, she noted.
“It’s a matter of prioritizing,” she said. “What we can do with our budgets, plus grants. Equestrians are still an important part of our community, and we need to respect that.”
• The supervisors approved a $487,000 contract for a quarter-mile turn lane on 162nd Drive North near Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School. The board had previously approved $173,000 for the project. The Palm Beach County School District has promised to give $50,000 to ITID to help cover costs.
“I don’t want us to move forward and spend nearly $500,000 of our tax dollars [on this project],” said Jordano, suggesting that construction could wait until next year. “The school board needs to come up with more money.”
ITID staff explained that the $314,000 increase was driven by higher material costs and the fact that the project must be completed by July 28, a very short period for such construction. The only bidder
at Wellington Green known as Wellington Green Park. Fine-tuning of the wording of those letters will be worked out over the next couple of weeks. The council also heard a brief update from the group called Project Lighthouse that has proposed an 1,800-seat performing arts theater with 480 residential units in six stories, plus retail and office space at Wellington Green Park.
was Heavy Civil Inc. Supervisor Elizabeth Accomando said that perhaps the project should be postponed in an effort to seek more bids.
Noting that backups along 162nd Drive for pick-ups and drop-offs at the school were a longstanding issue, ITID President Michael Johnson favored moving forward now.
“If we keep waiting, what if it’s another $100,000 next year,” he said. “I’m afraid if we pull out of this, it’s going to snowball, then we’re going to start nickel-and-diming every project down the road.”
In the end, the project was approved 4-1 with Jordano dissenting.
• Hanson suggested to the board that the planned $1.5 million artificial turf football field planned for Acreage Community Park South be built as the centerpiece of Acreage Community Park North, which already has lighting. The existing grass field in the south park would be refurbished instead. That would save the considerable cost of installing lights on the south field, he said.
“I think that’s a marvelous idea,” Argue said. However, because the project would be built using part of $3 mil-
Council members previously expressed concerns about the proposed residential density and how the project might cover expected operating losses at the arts center. Project Lighthouse officials brought some updated plans to the May 30 meeting, and the council agreed to continue discussing the proposal with the group as it continues refining its plans, perhaps now in potential competition with other development groups.
food and beverage offerings, and beautiful new private residences designed by some of the world’s foremost architects.
Who will want to be a part of our club community?
We want to attract existing residents and equestrians of Wellington — some who will join the club community and some who build new homes — as well as new families who are attracted to western Palm Beach County. We want to contribute and be a part of the next generation of equestrians. What ancillary benefits will we bring to the Village of Wellington?
At completion, our community will comprise a significant, positive economic impact to Wellington in a multitude of ways, bringing jobs, patrons to local businesses, significant contributions to the village’s tax base through luxury residential properties and their taxes, road improvements, incremental bridle trails and green spaces, new shops, restaurants and cafés, and proud new residents of the village.
Living in Florida for the last 21 years, my wife Molly and I are grateful to have raised our four children in Florida and love its natural beauty and optimism. Florida is often defined by growth — and we all know the difference between good growth and terrible growth by people who do not live here but just come in to make money and then move onto the next project in the next community.
That is not who we are, personally nor professionally, and our track record speaks to our longterm commitment to the communities in which we build, create and stay on after construction to operate. To learn more, visit www. thewellington.com.
On behalf of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that our project contributes significantly to the Village of Wellington, the equestrian sport capital of the world.
Douglas McMahon CEO & Managing Partner Wellington Lifestyle PartnersA site plan showing the 27 luxury homes included in the Farrell West project.
Members of the Wellington Village Council, please consider creating a Comprehensive Master Development Plan before any further development approvals.
While there are many development projects currently on the docket, the proposal by The Wellington North/South and eventually The Wellington Market at Equestrian Village is potentially a real game changer, a total community transformation. It is being promoted as elevating the Winter Equestrian Festival horse show and Global Dressage facility. However, the real ask is to remove 96 acres from the Equestrian
Preserve Area for high density housing; 272 multi-family and 28 large single-family homes being marketed to non-horse buyers on just this parcel alone. One might ask how does that encourage the growth and health of the equestrian community? The answer: it will ultimately drive away the equestrians and the ancillary businesses, all of which require land to sustain the “Equestrian Capital of the World” status. Then the money will evaporate... The uniqueness of Wellington will also evaporate, and it will become nothing more than a typical Florida development town without any character other than traffic and empty storefronts.
The secondary ask, The Wellington South, to convert low density housing to high density
housing (approximately 225 versus 100 currently allowed) also tantalizes with a marketing pitch that is not in tune with reality. The ski-in/ski-out concept (golf cartin/out) that is being highlighted to convince our current residents that it will not increase traffic is smoke and mirrors. We already know the developers are courting “professional West Palm Beach families,” so they are not jumping in their golf carts to go to their barns and the horse show facility. They are driving cars around to get to and from their non-equestrian jobs and pursuits.
There are several pending and soon-to be-active projects that all deserve a thorough and deep analysis of how they may or may not fit into the community, where they should and should not be located, and if it is financially feasible without anticipated property tax revenue from potential high-density housing that will destroy the overall nature of our equestrian community, that both equestrians and non-equestrians enjoy and rely on.
Preserve the preserve. If you are concerned about the direction Wellington is taking, please voice your opinions to the village leadership via e-mail and show up at the upcoming meetings.
Maureen Brennan Iconica Polo Team Wellington
The Wellington Community Foundation hosted its annual Thank You Soirée on Thursday, May 18 to celebrate the foundation’s sponsors, donors and volunteers. The soirée was conceived as an opportunity for the Wellington Community Foundation to express gratitude to the individuals whose crucial support enables the nonprofit’s efforts. These sponsors, donors and volunteers play a pivotal role in empowering the foundation’s work. In his opening remarks, Wellington Community Foundation Chair Barry Manning
emphasized their invaluable contributions and the importance of their continued support.
With a vibrant tropical theme, the event was made possible by the generous hosting of the Boynton Financial Group and featured catering by Nosh Catering and wine selections from Star Wine & Spirits. Also at the May 18 event, the foundation announced the 2023 recipients of the Arle and Ken Adams Scholarships. Marlena Hutchinson, Abigail Lofstead and Victoria Loredan were honored for
their remarkable achievements and dedication. The soirée provided an opportunity to recognize the legacy of philanthropists Arle and Ken Adams and their significant contributions to the community.
In addition to the scholarships, the Wellington Community Foundation continues to support local students through initiatives such as distributing school uniforms and backpacks filled with essential supplies, summer camp and more. The event highlighted the foundation’s commitment to “building a stronger community.”
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
On Wednesday, May 17, a graduation ceremony was held for the Palm Beach Central High School Class of 2023. Approximately 575 graduates turned their tassels during the ceremony, as their life as high school students came to a close. The celebration began with opening remarks by Principal Darren Edgecomb and Palm Beach County School District Superintendent Michael Burke. Student speakers included Valedictorian Ryan Fingeret, Salutatorian Amanda Schinina and Senior Class President Jovany Joseph, who led the Ceremony of the Tassel. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER
A hue hullabaloo is going to round two. After one meeting failed to bring a resolution, a battle over a shade of green house paint called Sprite Twist will resume in June before Wellington’s Architectural Review Board.
Sprite Twist has nothing to do with beverage brand names or something you’d be served with a straw poolside. The issue is whether the board should approve a new shade of green paint for the village’s officially sanctioned palette of exterior building colors.
The dust-up began with a complaint from another resident about a house sporting a relatively fresh coat of paint on Horseshoe Trace. Village staff described the color as “a soft bright crisp clover green with a Kelly Green undertone.”
The staff found it “similar” to others in a limited selection of ap-
proved colors, but not exact.
The homeowner and her representative said at a board meeting Wednesday, May 24 that they were not aware they needed to get the particular color approved when they painted the house. They chose one they liked and thought it was consistent. That’s when the complaint showed up.
“When we received the complaint, we were very surprised, because we see a lot of those bright colors in the neighborhood, right around the house,” said Victoria Amador, representing Rosa Tejeda, who owns the home. “It’s definitely a low blow, but here we are.”
Comparing it to the spectrum of what’s already out there in the village’s streets, Amador said, “We shouldn’t be here tonight.” Attitudes varied on how mean the board should be to this shade of green.
If the board does not approve Sprite Twist as an official color, it effectively sentences the homeowner to the hassle of further fighting the village or eating the cost of repainting, on top of the original painting expenses.
If the board approves the color, sidestepping a harsh outcome for the homeowner, it opens up using the same color to anyone else in the village.
Board Member Miguel Alonso said he drove by the house on a cloudy and rainy day and did not find it a problem. “I don’t mind the color,” he said.
Board Chair Stacy Somers said she spent about two hours driving by the house and others.
“My thought is it is a little more on the brighter side, in comparison to everything else that’s right around in that area,” Somers said.
Board Member Jeff Browning said that the home does stand out.
“When I first went down the street, that house is about in the middle, and right away, it’s like ‘boom’ to me,” he said.
Browning said he understood that some people believe the neighbor’s complaint had something to do with the homeowner’s Latin heritage, but he denied that was in any way related to the issue before the panel. “You used a color that wasn’t approved,” he said.
The board voted to gather more information, which could include additional drive-by viewings, before its next meeting, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 28.
In other business:
• The Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant near the Mall at Wellington Green won permission for a revamped gray-and-black paint scheme and signs a bit bigger than previously allowed to promote greater visibility. The eatery’s makeover comes a little more than
11 years after it opened at the State Road 7 location. At staff’s recommendation, the approval required use of white lighting as opposed to illumination in a particular color.
• The board approved a detached shade structure that does not match the design of a principal house structure on Big Cone Court. The mostly wooden backyard structure, 12 feet by 24 feet, is largely screened from public view in a
continued from page 4 lion from the county’s Infrastructure Surtax Funding Agreement, the shift of locations will have to be approved by the county. Hanson said he would reach out to begin the process.
• Finally, Hanson encouraged board members to reach out to county commissioners in an
pool area behind the house. The panel required enhanced fencing and landscaping as a condition of approval.
• Solara at Wellington, built in 1991 with 320 residential units in 16 three-story buildings on Polo Gardens Drive, received approval for a revised exterior color scheme of grays, deep greens and black. That would replace the current red, tan and green color scheme.
effort to get movement from county staff regarding proposed changes to 120th Avenue North to slow speeds and curtail the volume of cut-through traffic between Northlake and Orange boulevards.
“We’re not even asking for money,” he said. “We have serious issues here, and we need to address them… [Staff has] tried to do everything we can, and it’s getting nowhere.”
On Tuesday, May 16, the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Legislative Update at the Wellington Community Center. About 80 people attended to hear from six state legislators about the recent session in Tallahassee. Attending were State Sen. Lori Berman, State Sen. Gayle Harrell, State Rep. Jervonte Edmonds, State Rep. Rick Roth, State Rep. David Silvers and State Rep. Katherine Waldron. Guests were treated to a breakfast of coffee, cakes, fruit and bagels, sponsored by Starbucks.
PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office has released the June 1 estimates of taxable values to all Palm Beach County taxing authorities.
Palm Beach County taxable property values overall have increased 13.36 percent from 2022 to 2023. These values are only estimates and subject to change.
“The overall increase in value is similar to what we saw last year,”
At PWH June 12
HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is hosting an orthopedic luncheon with Dr. Vani Sabesan on the innovations and treatments in rotator cuff and shoulder arthritis. The lunch and learn will be held Monday, June 12 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 13001 Southern Blvd. Space is limited, so visit www.palmswesthospital.com and click on “Classes and Events” to register.
Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary will host its third annual Dog Days of Summer BarkyQ event on Saturday, June 17 at Acreage Community Park from 3 to 7 p.m. The rain date will be Saturday, June 24. The event will showcase some of the nonprofit’s finest adoptable pets, vendors, music, fitness class by Nomad Mobile Fitness, a barbecue and more. The event will be sponsored by Pet Supplies plus and D1 Sports Training Royal Palm Beach. For more information, and sponsorship opportunities, call Barky Pines (561) 402-1451.
Event June 14
Friends, mothers and daughters are invited to join Kim Leyendecker, APRN, at the HCA Florida Institute for Women’s Health and Body for the June session of Girl Talk. This month’s discussion will be about birth control and choos-
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks said. “This is driven by continued demand for properties of all types and near record new construction.”
As for municipalities in the western communities, taxable property values were up across the board.
Wellington’s preliminary taxable value is up 11.05 percent from $10.3 billion to $11.5 billion.
Values in Royal Palm Beach are up 10.75 percent from $3.8 billion to $4.2 billion.
Taxable values are up 15.82 percent in Loxahatchee Groves, from $442 million to $511 million.
In the fast-growing community of Westlake, taxable values are up a county-leading 52.83 percent from $608 million to $929 million. The majority of Westlake’s increase is based on new construction.
ing the right option for your needs. The talk will be on Wednesday, June 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 1395 State Road 7, Suite 450, in Wellington. Space is limited. RSVP to yainara.diaz@hcahealthcare. com by June 6 to secure your spot.
Film June 5
Capt. Zach Steinhauser has partnered with Audubon Everglades for a screening of Purple Haze: A Conservation Film, a documentary on the purple martin and bird conservation.
Purple Haze will be presented on Monday, June 5 at the Palm Beach County Main Library (3650 Summit Blvd.). The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will end at approximately 9 p.m.
A unique phenomenon that happens annually on Bomb Island in Lake Murray, S.C., has drawn scientists and bird enthusiasts since its discovery in 1988. One of them, Steinhauser, a South Carolina local, spent five years researching and following the purple martins to put together the documentary about the local sensation.
Steinhauser is a United States Coast Guard licensed captain who has been all over the United States and Brazil to study this unique songbird. He hopes that his film, Purple Haze: A Conservation Film, will educate and inspire others to take steps and help preserve these gentle, beautiful songbirds for generations to come.
On May 6, Palm Beach County
Enjoy
Mayor Gregg Weiss issued a proclamation declaring May Purple Martin Awareness Month in Palm Beach County. Purple martins have a unique relationship with humans, as they nest exclusively in man-made housing. If humans stopped supplying suitable habitats, they would likely disappear as a breeding bird. Attendees will also find out how to build or create their own “backyard purple martin colony” at the film’s debut. These unique homes for purple martins will keep these beloved songbirds soaring the skies of South Florida.
As many as 750,000 purple martins gather each evening in July and August to feed, socialize and rest on Bomb Island. The roost is so large that it has been seen on radar and is the largest in North America. In the morning, they fly off, as far as 100 miles away, to prepare for their migratory flight to South America in late August.
While not endangered, purple martins have faced about a 40 percent decline as a species in the last 50 years because people have steadily stopped providing nesting habitat for them.
The estimates of taxable values assist the county, municipalities and other taxing authorities in projecting their budgets and tax rates.
After the taxing authorities have determined their budgets and proposed tax rates, the Property Appraiser’s Office will mail a notice of proposed taxes to every property owner in August.
Modification of 2023 taxable
3
The classic story of Beauty and the Beast will be brought to life through dance in a full-length ballet. This family-friendly production done by students of Dance Arts Conservatory will be on stage Saturday, June 3 at 2 p.m. at the Wellington High School theater (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.).
A selfish prince is cursed by a magical enchantress, unless he learns to fall in love. Join the brave bookworm Belle as she leaves a simple village and meets a collection of lively characters. Be whisked away to a magical land and meet characters including Cogsworth, Lumiere, Babette, Mrs. Potts and Chip.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students. Reserve your tickets today at https:// danceartsconservatory.ticketleap. com/beautyandthebeast.
values is ongoing. The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office and all county property appraisers in the state are required
by law to submit a preliminary tax roll to Palm Beach County taxing authorities and Florida’s Department of Revenue on July 1.
Caribbean-Americans for Community in Florida Inc. (CAFCI) will host its annual Student Assistance Award ceremony on Saturday, June 17 at 4:30 p.m. at the original Wellington Mall, located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The ceremony will also be held remote via Zoom. The award ceremony will include 2016 award recipient Ijahala Pottinger as keynote speaker, with an inspiring message for this year’s recipients.
CAFCI congratulates this year’s eight recipients: Jada Appolon (Florida Memorial University), Ryan Rose (Drexel University), Marlena Hutchinson (University of Florida), Ethan Elliott (University of Florida), Marisha Civil (University of South Florida), Shia Rozier (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University), Miguel A. Benavente (Florida Atlantic University) and Christy Pierre Louis (University of South Florida).
For the past 30 years, CAFCI has provided an award to deserving, graduating, high school
students who have been accepted to a college or university. Requirements for the CAFCI award include a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, an official transcript, a letter of acceptance from the college of their choice, evidence of school and community involvement, two letters of recommendation from school counselors/educators, an essay to demonstrate interest in and knowledge of Caribbean culture and affairs, and the extent of their financial needs. Students meeting the requirements are invited for an interview, after which the selection for awards is made.
The CAFCI Student Assistance Funds are raised by generous donations from CAFCI members, businesses, community partners/ stakeholders and proceeds generated from CAFCI’s Annual Friendship Ball. CAFCI was formed to encourage volunteerism and diversity in the community. For more information about CAFCI and its events, visit www. cafcipbc.org or call (561) 7904002.
Looking for something cool to do this summer? Shop indoors in air-conditioned comfort at an exciting, two-day holiday-themed craft fair held in the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center West on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11.
At the Halfway to Christmas Craft Fair, you’ll find vendors from all over the state and beyond with a large variety of products to choose from, including art, jewelry, handcrafted items, clothing, baked goods, chocolates, unique gifts, soap, candles, Christmas décor and more. There will also be food and beverages available for purchase. There will be fun for
the whole family. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays with decorations, inflatable displays, hourly door prizes and daily visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with holiday bell ringers.
The Halfway to Christmas Craft Fair will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center, located at 9067 Southern Blvd. and takes place on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is $5, with children 10 and under admitted free.
For more information, visit www.halfwaytochristmascraftfair. com or contact POTTC Events at (561) 792-9260.
The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 29 in conjunction with American Legion Post 367 at Royal Palm Beach Veterans Park. The solemn observance honored those who served and remembered all those lost in service. Guest speakers included U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carmelle Racine, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Mitch Riviera and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey O’Dette. There was also a wreath laying and a flag ceremony.
The Village of Wellington’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony was held Monday, May 29. The parade began at Village Hall with the procession ending at Wellington Veterans Memorial. Veterans were invited to walk in the parade, and spectators lined the street honoring those who served and those who died in service to the nation. Several hundred people were in attendance for the ceremony, which featured speakers from the village and American Legion Post 390. The ceremony concluded with a gun salute and playing of “Taps” by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER
The Village of Royal Palm Beach currently has a vacancy for one (1) alternate member on the Planning and Zoning Commission with the term expiring in March of 2025. The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. All meetings are held in the Village Meeting Hall. If you are a resident of Royal Palm Beach and would like to volunteer your service and expertise on this local government Board, visit the Village’s website at www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov and go to Commission/Board Application to submit. Applications must be received no later than June 7, 2023 for Council consideration at its June 15th meeting.
If further information is desired, please call the Village Clerk at 790-5102.
Palm Beach County’s longest-running summertime cultural tradition returns when the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival and Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation present the Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII production of William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure Performances will take place at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Jupiter’s Carlin Park on July 6-9 and July 13-16. The encore performance of Shakespeare by the Palms III, presented by the Village of Royal Palm Beach, will run July 20-23 at the Royal Palm Beach
continued from page 1 approved a year ago, village staff did not support it.
Murray explained that each driveway will have a two-foot gap of landscaping between them, but the code requirement of 75 percent front yard landscaping is impossible unless there is no driveway at all. The complex’s HOA will have restrictions on how many vehicles a unit can have, and code requires no overnight street parking.
Longtime Royal Palm Beach resident Steve Feiertag was opposed to this and other variance requests. “I’m going to talk generically about the whole concept of all of these variances that are being requested,” he said. “I saw their
continued from page 3 ance rate, he noted. The national average is only 19.7 percent for detectives.
In other business:
• As the rebuilt Publix nears completion in the Crossroads shopping plaza, the owner of the property at 1180 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. requested a modification to the timeline requirement for installing public art at the site.
“Due to timing constraints associated with the earlier completion of the Publix renovation, the owner has requested additional time to receive approval for the commission and to install the
Commons Park amphitheater. In Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, the city is plagued by vice, and the Duke has departed on a secret mission, entrusting his minister, Angelo, to govern and maintain order. Angelo takes his role too seriously, and when Claudio is apprehended, Lucio enlists Sister Isabella’s help. However, Isabella is unwilling to meet Angelo’s unreasonable demands for Claudio’s freedom. To resolve the situation and expose Angelo’s double standards, the Duke devises a clever plan.
“Measure for Measure is about
rationale for it. I heard everything is harmonious. The fact is, it contradicts the existing rules that planning and zoning and the council has put into effect over the years. I’m sure a lot of time has gone into setting up each one of those rules. There was a rationale for it, and it was done to protect and keep Royal Palm Beach beautiful. These gentlemen knew those rules, and they are not asking for a change — not one, not two, not three… a dozen. I request that you give that serious thought and not just waive the rules.”
After several votes, the parking variance was approved 3-2 with Commission Chair Adam Miller and Commission Alternate Kara Cowser dissenting. Commissioner Philip Marquis noted that the zoning board is only advisory, and the final decision will be made by the council. The next request was four dif-
public art piece, which is being created by international artist Wenqin Chen overseas,” RPB
Public Art Professional Mario Lopez Pisani said. The request for a six-month extension from the date of council approval also included a bond for twice the cost of the artwork, in the event of a default.
After extensive discussion and a presentation by attorney Janna Lhota on behalf of the property owner, the council approved the request 4-1 with Vice Mayor Jan Rodusky dissenting.
• The council unanimously updated its ordinance relating to swale parking. The clarification of swale parking restrictions requires that private property owners not store vehicles in that area.
“The big difference is [the vehi-
duplicity, duality and disguise, explored in various interweaving plots,” Artistic Director Trent Stephens said. “The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival is known for its innovative and imaginative interpretations of Shakespeare’s works, often exploring them in unconventional settings. This summer’s production will focus on the play’s contrasting themes of spiritual and secular life, and what better place to stage it than in New Orleans during the festive Mardi Gras season?”
It is not a Shakespeare play often seen on the stage.
ferent variances, all for a reduction in landscaping setbacks. Murray shared how the design was altered to include a lake and that 73 specimen trees were going to be saved during construction. In addition, 109 palms will be relocated on the property. There will be 17 trees along the canal buffer, and to compensate for removed trees, the company will add about a half a million dollars to the village’s tree fund. Village staff did not recommend approval, but the request passed 4-1 with Miller opposed.
The next variance reduced the street width to 45 feet, instead of the 60-foot requirement under village code. The streets will still have sidewalks on both sides. Staff supported the request, but Cowser was concerned. “I have concerns reducing when there is already no parking, and now no roadway. It’s already congested,” she said.
cle] has to move every day. It can’t be stored there,” Village Manager Ray Liggins said. “You can’t park there enough that you can’t grow grass. There are the same limitations on commercial vehicles, and you can’t block through traffic.”
• The council also held its annual review, evaluation and merit pay determination for Liggins, which concluded with a five percent, lump sum increase, with the entire council in support. Several council members attributed the longevity of staff to his leadership.
“Sitting up here, that gives me pride that we are establishing a workplace where people appreciate it and enjoy working for the village, because if it was that bad, especially in this economy, people would be leaving,” Councilman Richard Valuntus said.
“While Measure for Measure isn’t produced as much as Shakespeare’s other comedies, its production history seems to coincide with societal examinations of sexuality, morality and justice,” Stephens said. “Like any good play, it presents more questions than answers, but the representation of these nuanced issues, coupled with a sense of humor, offers audiences space to think about these themes in a playful way.”
Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII takes place at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Carlin Park, located
The request passed 3-2, with Cowser and Miller dissenting.
When the next request for a variance included more setback reductions, the public continued to weigh in.
“You are trying to fit 10 pounds of garbage into a five-pound bag.
It’s just too much development to fit on the property,” resident Craig Fialkowski said. “The developer knows it. The village knows it. You as a committee know it, and they are asking for every little inch to make it fit. It’s your committee’s responsibility to keep these developers in line.”
The setback variance request passed 4-1, with Miller opposed.
The final request was for over-
continued from page 1 upcoming fiscal year, Argue said after a May 24 budget workshop at which staff shared the preliminary numbers.
“We’ll get back $3.8 million [in grant money],” she said. “So, it’s really getting $5 million in projects done for about $2.1 million.”
Among the proposed increases are:
• $1,415,000 for equipment purchases, including $500,000 for two motor graders and $250,000 to replace a rented L1 Caterpillar loader.
• $820,000 for attorneys’ fees related mainly to a lawsuit by Minto Communities USA regarding the use of district roads, plus another $500,000 to replenish contingency
at 750 South Florida A1A in Jupiter. Shakespeare by the Palms III will be at the Commons Park amphitheater at 11600 Poinciana Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach.
Performances start at 8 p.m. and go until 10 p.m. with a 15-minute intermission. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for pre-show entertainment.
Visitors are invited to bring a beach chair, blanket and picnic basket. On-site concessions will be available.
Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person. Visit www.pbshakespeare.org for more information.
all project approval. Planning & Zoning Director Bradford O’Brien said that the recreation requirements would only be met by 52 percent, with 1.31 acres holding a pool, cabana, tot lot, exercise trail with exercise equipment, picnic area and play field. The other 48 percent of the requirement would be satisfied with a payment of $644,981.90 to the village tree fund in lieu of dedicating 1.19 acres to recreation.
With staff support, the request was approved 4-1, with Miller again opposed.
In other business:
• Color Restoration & Construction LLC requested approval to give Crestwood Square Plaza
funds used this year to pay higher-than-expected legal bills for a total of $1,320,000.
• $864,000 to cover the increased cost of millings and other road materials due to inflation.
• $446,000 for maintenance of canals, including pumps and structures.
• $441,000 for Acreage Community Park fields maintenance.
• $277,000 increased cost for employee health insurance.
• $244,000 for merit salary increases for district employees.
• $70,000 to cover increased fuel costs for district vehicles and equipment.
Proposed capital projects not covered by grants include:
• $365,000 for improvements at Acreage Community Park.
• $250,000 for lights at Citrus Grove Park.
• $75,000 for resurfacing tennis and basketball courts at Temple Park.
• $158,400 for two miles of
a fresh new look with exterior paint, which received unanimous approval.
• The new Starbucks under construction at Southern Palm Crossing received approval to add awnings and a second pedestrian gate to the outdoor seating area plans.
• The Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center is planning an approximately 14,000-square-foot addition to house a new pre-K education office space, a gym, exercise space and various other site improvements at 100 Sweet Bay Lane. There is an added condition to satisfy the Art in Public Places requirement as well. The plans were approved unanimously.
sidewalks at locations to be determined.
• $520,000 for maintenance and improvements to the M1 Basin.
“There’ll be some cuts, of course. But I don’t know where they’re going to be,” Argue said. “The truth is, we’re just not funded enough to do what we need to do. That’s why we take on a lot of the work in-house. We save up to 75 percent in some cases… but we actually have a smaller staff than we did five years ago. The cost of everything is up. We could stop doing certain things, but then we’d just be kicking the can down the road.”
Argue has been a proponent of incorporation, which would allow the municipality to access county, state and federal funds. As is, the improvement district is funded only by per-acre assessments to cover construction and maintenance for roads, drainage and parks. “As a district, we’re just not sustainable,” she said.
Palm Beach High School held its 2023 commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 24 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. More than 550 Wildcat seniors became Wildcat graduates at a celebration of their combined successes. The event included speeches by Principal Michelle Fleming, Superintendent Michael Burke, Valedictorian Alexander Casal and Salutatorian Sara Dominguez-Perez. Student Council President Javier Rivas led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Senior Class President Rayna Forist led the Turning of the Tassel. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
On Thursday, May 25, Seminole Ridge High School celebrated the Class of 2023 at a graduation ceremony held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. More than 550 students turned their tassels during the ceremony as their life as high school students came to a close, and they set out to embark on a new chapter in their lives. The celebration featured remarks by Principal Robert Hatcher and Superintendent Michael Burke. Other speakers included valedictorian Juliana Ortega, salutatorian Julia Newcomb, Senior Class President Bellaney Colluci and SGA President Lindsay Ogden. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER
On Wednesday, May 24, the Wellington Historical Society held its Spring Mixer at Village Music Café. Many longtime residents were on hand for the fun event. During the mixer, President Sue Bierer announced that the society was in the final phase of its Wellington curriculum project. Once approved, fourth-grade students will be able to learn about the community’s history. The Wellington Historical Society is currently looking for residents who have a story to tell or some artifacts from the early days of Wellington. For more information, visit www.wellingtonhistoricalsociety.org. Event sponsors included the Shapiro Pertnoy
Landy & Smith and Florida Litigators.
Almost 125 people attended the showing of iMordecai, alongside the movie’s namesake, Holocaust survivor Mordecai Samel, at the Movies of Lake Worth on Tuesday, May 23.
The event was hosted by Temple Beth Torah and Wellington residents Todd and Debra Barron to unite the community and share critical, first-hand accounts of a dark history in an unlikely delivery — through comedy. The hope is that the movie will also attract younger and non-Jewish audiences, making an impact beyond traditional supporters.
Originally released on Feb. 9, iMordecai was produced, directed and filmed by Mordecai’s son, first-time moviemaker Marvin Samel. Filmed over 29 days, the heartwarming movie is based on true events and stars Academy
Award-nominated and two-time
Emmy-winning actor Judd Hirsch as Holocaust survivor Mordecai Samel, and Academy Award-nominated actress Carol Kane as his wife, Fela. Both are survivors from Poland, now living in Miami. Their son, Marvin, played by Academy Award-nominated actor Sean Astin, is an ambitious cigar maker trying to support his own family while still being there for his aging parents.
When Mordecai’s ancient flip phone breaks, he is forced to take smart phone lessons from Nina, a young employee of Ultratech. She opens Mordecai up to all kinds of novel experiences, like visits to downtown areas and painting classes, making him feel like a kid again, which has him tapping into forgotten memories — including ones of his mother’s face, last seen
All dogs lick, but some dogs lick excessively, which can be annoying to owners. However, it’s important to remember that there is often a behavioral or medical reason for the licking. When licking becomes excessive, it can cause harm to the underlying skin or be compulsive and difficult to curb. Dogs can also be excessive lickers when it comes to licking people. They may lick their owners because they like the salty taste of their skin, as a sign of affection, or out of boredom. Licking can be calming or soothing to dogs. For owners troubled by the excessive licking, it is best to see a veterinarian. They will be able to determine the cause behind the behavior.
Are you unsure what to do about your overweight dog? Do you need help with other aspects of pet care? We believe in preventive medicine at COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH, and we feel that education is one of the most important services we provide to our patients here in the Royal Palm Beach area. We’ll be happy to address your concerns including offering recommendations for your dog’s healthy diet. Conveniently located 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., we offer complete, state-of-the-art health care services for small pets of all kinds. Please call 798-5508 for an appointment. OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
P.S. Bacterial infections can cause itchiness that leads to excessive licking.
when she died holding his hand on the breadline during the Holocaust. Remembering events, even traumatic ones, has importance.
“Anything about the Holocaust is important to bring the community together because it teaches us lessons about how we ought to always remember our history, so we don’t repeat it again in the future,” Temple Beth Torah’s Rabbi Andrew Rosenkranz said before the movie started. “Although it’s supposed to be a comedy, it’s dealing with the survivor of a genocide. The underlying message is that we should never forget, no matter what form that takes. There’s not a whole lot of comedies about the Holocaust, so I’m really interested to see what this entails. And I understand this isn’t just about the Holocaust. It’s about someone learning to work their phone.”
The decision to make the Holocaust a secondary theme of the movie was intentional by director Marvin Samel. Weaving it in through subtle flashbacks and layered with comedic relief was a way to attract younger crowds and non-Jewish viewers, as well as Jewish supporters. iMordecai premiered in January 2022 at the Miami Jewish Film Festival, winning the audience award for best narrative film. Since then, it has done what the director intended it to by bringing all members of the community together.
“We are so happy that the community came together to celebrate the incredible journey of a Holocaust survivor becoming an American success story. Mordecai Samel created a family and embraced a community in South Florida while focusing on the future
Todd Barron, Debra Barron, Mordecai Samel, Marvin Samel, Brenna Barron and Michael Barron at the movie showing. with a positive outlook. Mordecai and his son Marvin demonstrate that friendship and love are the strongest forces of all,” said Todd Barron, who underwrote the event with his wife Debra, making it free for attendees. Attendees were treated to free drinks and popcorn and engaged
in a live question-and-answer session with Mordecai and Marvin Samel following the showing. When asked what 10-year-old Mordecai would have said if he was told he would one day be on the big screen, Mordecai replied, “I would say it’s a dream come true. A miracle.”
The Village of Wellington held a four-day party to celebrate the grand re-opening of the newly expanded Wellington Amphitheater from Thursday, May 25 through Sunday, May 28. The party included a ribbon cutting on Thursday, May 25, followed by a weekend of great music from tribute bands, food trucks and fun stuff for children.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER AND COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON
Wellington High School’s girls varsity softball team reached the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 7A state final four held May 26-27, ending their season with a loss in the state semifinal game.
On Saturday, May 20, the Wolverines defeated Jupiter High School in the Class 7A, Region 3 final, 2-1. That was Wellington’s fifth-straight postseason victory.
The win propelled the Wolverines to a state semifinal game against Tampa’s Plant High School. It was the third time since 2011 that Wellington had reached the state final four in softball. The game against Plant was played
on the evening of Friday, May 26 at the Legends Way Ballfields in Clermont. It was expected to be close and competitive, and it was.
The Wolverines had senior pitcher Jordan White starting on the mound with sophomore Tori Payne waiting to finish the game, as Wellington had done throughout the season.
The players were confident of winning and advancing to the state final the following day against Palm Beach County rival Spanish River High School, which had just defeated Lake Brantley High School in the other semifinal, 13-9 in extra innings. Wellington head coach Mark Boretti liked his team’s chances, since everybody was healthy, and
his starting pitcher was in fine form.
“Jordan was as good as any time this season,” Boretti said.
But so was Plant’s starting pitcher, junior Addison Swink.
“Their starting pitcher was strong, too, and we expected that,” Boretti said.
Both teams were scoreless through the first three innings.
Finally, Wellington struck first.
In the top of the fourth, senior Kaitlyn Campbell reached first base after being hit by a pitch. She then stole second. Knowing that every run was precious, Boretti instructed senior Kylie McCann to lay down a sacrifice bunt to move Campbell to third base, which she did.
With one out and Campbell standing at third, sophomore Kaylee Riles hit a ground ball to Plant’s shortstop. Campbell took off for home as soon as the ball was hit. Plant’s shortstop fielded the ball and fired it back to her catcher to tag out Campbell, but Plant’s catcher was unable to control the ball. Campbell slid and was safe at home. Wellington led, 1-0.
“It was a lights-out play at home,” Boretti said.
In the top of the sixth, with Wellington still leading 1-0, the Wolverines had a chance to add to their lead.
“In the sixth inning, we had runners at first and third with one out, but we couldn’t drive in that second run,” Boretti said. “Our next two hitters hit a pop up and a fly ball to end the inning.”
Looking back, Boretti knows that a second run would have
proved decisive for the team and probably would have been the game-winner.
Still, going into the bottom of the sixth inning, Wellington led 1-0 and was six outs away from reaching the Class 7A state final.
In the bottom of the sixth, Plant began its comeback. With two outs and a runner on second, one of Plant’s batters hit a bloop single to centerfield that fell just in front of Wellington centerfielder Kelsie Riggan. That tied the game at 1-1.
After Wellington was unable to score in the top of the seventh inning, Boretti inserted Payne as the new pitcher with one out in the bottom of the seventh. Payne delivered a powerful punch as she recorded the final two outs in the bottom of the seventh to send the game to extra innings.
Boretti said that it was time to give Plant a look at a different pitcher. He was delighted with White’s pitching performance. “Jordan was excellent,” Boretti said.
After pitching six and a third innings, White recorded five strikeouts, allowed just two walks and scattered five hits. She was supported by a stellar defense.
“Angelina Mangini was spectacular at third base in the game,” Boretti said. “She made three great plays on defense with runners in scoring position. Kylie McCann also made some great plays at second base, too.” In the top of the eighth, Wellington’s offense didn’t generate a run. In the bottom of the eighth, Plant had a runner at second with two outs when a sharply struck ground
ball through the infield allowed Plant to score the game-winning run. Plant won the game, 2-1.
“It was a hard-hit ball that took a high bounce over Tori’s head and went straight up the middle that no one had a chance to field,” Boretti said.
Boretti agreed that it was a game which either team could have won.
“Plant played well, and we only had three hits in the game,” Boretti said. “Still, we traveled to Clermont expecting to play two games and come home with a state championship trophy. That was our plan. It’s disappointing to lose, but it was a great game played by both teams.”
Boretti will always have positive memories of Wellington High School’s 2023 softball team.
“The season was a blast,” he
said. “This was a unique group of players that came together as a team. We had a lot of fun.”
As for Boretti, who just finished his 14th season as Wellington’s head coach, he plans to return next year as coach and is optimistic that next year’s team will make a run at a state title.
“The immediate future still looks bright for us,” said Boretti, whose team finished with a 20-3-1 record.
As for the Class 7A state championship game the following afternoon, the Spanish River Sharks defeated Plant, 3-2, to capture the state title.
“I was looking forward to having an all-Palm Beach County final,” Boretti said. “Hats off to Spanish River for winning the state title.”
The King’s Academy boys
varsity volleyball team recently completed a phenomenal season.
For a program that has been in existence for only two years, just winning a few games would have been an acceptable outcome during the spring season. But that was not the case for TKA head coach Christy Lee Taylor and her squad of 15 players. She and her team had loftier expectations.
The Lions blitzed through the regular season with a 20-1 record. Their only loss was to
Orlando’s Freedom High School, which defeated the Lions back on March 10.
During the postseason, TKA won five consecutive matches without dropping a game to advance to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state tournament in Winter Haven, which brought together the state’s top eight teams at one venue, the Winter Haven Health Center on the campus of Polk State College.
On Friday, May 19, TKA continued its winning ways with a victory in its quarterfinal match against Weston’s Cypress Bay
High School (25-18, 25-21, 2927).
“In the state quarterfinal, we played a tough match,” Taylor said. “We were hitting our serves pretty well, with nine aces, which helped keep them out of system a little bit. Our serve receive was solid, which helped our setters run a smart, quick offense, and we were able to key in on their best players with our blocking.”
The next day, on Saturday, May 20, the Lions played the Eagles from Southwest Miami High School in the semifinals. In this game, TKA lost to eventual state
champion Southwest (25-23, 2520, 25-23).
“In our state semifinal loss, Southwest played incredible defense, was very well rounded and made very few unforced errors,” said Taylor, whose team finished with a season-long record of 262. “They had some of the best serve receives that I have seen this season. We struggled a little with our first touch, sometimes, which made it tougher to run our middles. They were then able to kind of camp out on our pin hitters, which made it more difficult to consistently put the ball away. Our boys
still played well and fought until the last point in a very close match. Southwest had been ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 5 in the country with a very seasoned team, so we knew it would be a tough match.”
Taylor had nothing but words of praise for her team.
“My team this season accomplished so much in only their second year,” she said. “About half of our starting lineup just started playing last season. Their hard work, along with our few veteran players, made for an incredible season.”
According to Taylor, she at-
tributes her team’s success this season to leadership and maturity.
“My three captains — seniors Logan Taylor and Saulius Vilkelis, and junior Micah Tumas — and all six rotation players, were a big reason why we were able to go so far,” she said. “My other starters, Jake Manning who has played for several years as a setter, but in his first year for us as a libero; my two middles, John Casey and Will McPherson, who are both in their second seasons; and Ransom Soles and Jacob Quesada, both in their second seasons, rounded out See VOLLEYBALL, page 23
Palm Beach Central High School senior track athlete Adina
Jackson had a medal-winning performance at the 2023 Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 4A State Track and Field Championships.
At this year’s Class 4A state
meet, held on the campus of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on Saturday, May 20, Jackson finished in sixth place in the triple jump, which garnered her a spot on the medal stand. Her best leap was 38 feet and a quarter inch (11.59 meters). It was the sixth medal that she has earned at the FHSAA’s Class 4A state track and
field meet in the last three years. Looking back at Jackson’s high school track and field career at Palm Beach Central, when she was a freshman in 2020, that year’s state meet was canceled due to the pandemic. As a sophomore in 2021, Jackson finished third in the long jump and sixth in the triple jump. She was also a member of
the 4x100-meter relay team, which finished in ninth place. As a junior in 2022, Jackson was fifth in the long jump and seventh in the triple jump. She was also a member of the 4x100-meter relay team, which captured the Class 4A state championship with a first-place time of 46.47 seconds. That time was a new school record for girls track at Palm Beach Central. The other three members of the relay team last year were Brooke Jacob, Jada Smith and Brielle Mindley.
As a graduate of Palm Beach Central, Jackson leaves the school with a glowing résumé of success in track and field. She graduated with a GPA of 3.4 and plans to run track and field in college, but she has yet to make a final decision on where she plans to attend. She wants to pursue a degree in political science.
Jackson is the Palm Beach Central record-holder in two events, the 4x100-meter relay and long jump, with a leap of 19 feet, two inches. She was Palm Beach County champion in 2022 in the triple jump, two-time district
champion in the long jump, triple jump and 4x100-meter relay, a two-time regional champion in the long jump, triple jump and 4x100-meter relay, and a one-time FHSAA state champion in 2022 in
Christopher Intoppa, a 2013 graduate of Berean Christian School, has been named as the 12th recipient of the Willie Belcher Sports Information Director of Year Award by the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), which is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Intoppa, who played football and soccer at Berean and later graduated from Southeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in sport management and a master’s degree in business administration, is the sports information director for the Montreat College Cavaliers in Montreat, North Carolina. When he was notified about this award, Intoppa was honored and surprised by the news.
“I am extremely blessed and
continued from page 21 the starting lineup and were all keys to our success. We also had an incredibly supportive bench. It was truly a whole team effort.”
grateful for everyone who played a part in this — from God to my wonderful wife, family members, mentors and co-workers, especially fellow sports information director Christian Zylstra,” Intoppa said. “I am thankful to God for giving me the talents to do this job.”
At Montreat, he and Zylstra oversee 22 varsity sports. “I’m in charge of 11 sports, and Christian oversees 11 sports, but we both are involved in reporting and covering all 22 sports throughout the year,”
Intoppa explained. “We’re also busy with social media posts and making updates to our athletic department’s web site.”
Intoppa has been with Montreat since January 2020. He’s looking forward to another athletic year beginning in August.
“I enjoy writing about sports and reporting on the statistics,”
Last year’s team, in its first year of existence, had an outstanding 21-6 record, was a district tournament runner-up, advanced to the FHSAA regionals, and lost to Park Vista High School in the regional semifinals.
According to Taylor, the success of this year’s team can be attributed to the growth and maturity of last year’s tight-knit team.
“Last year, the boys truly became like an instant little family,”
Intoppa said. “I also want to thank my wife Leah for supporting me, as this job does involve working on weekends with late nights and early mornings.”
This is the first time that Intoppa has received this award. It’s also the first time that a person from Montreat College has garnered the honor.
During the recent academic year, Intoppa provided Montreat exceptional coverage of the school’s two AAC championship winning teams. He and his staff also provided exceptional sports information coverage as host of the 2023 AAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship Meet.
On a daily basis as the sports information director at Montreat, Intoppa manages and oversees the communications for all 22 athletic teams. He is the primary contact for 11 sports. Intoppa handles
Taylor recalled. “Every single player that played last year that is still at the school came back out for volleyball, and we even had a graduated player, Jake Shephard, come back to help manage the team.”
Statistically, Logan Taylor was the team’s top server with 96 aces and 224 service points.
Taylor and libero Jake Manning were tied with 197 digs each. In the kills category, Taylor led the
duties concerning statistics, broadcasting, video, social media, the athletic web site, game programs, media guides, graphics and award nominations. He has increased reach on social media, developed templates for both graphics and game programs, and driven the growth of sports information at Montreat through many avenues, including video production and strategic decision-making. As a member of the College Sports Communicators, Intoppa contributes to NAIA-SIDA through assistance with both the programming committee and the publications committee.
Prior to joining the athletic department staff at Montreat, Intoppa was a sports information assistant in the sports information department at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach in fall of 2019.
team with 363. Setter/opposite Micah Tumas led the team with 55 blocks.
Looking to next year, TKA only loses four of this year’s seniors. They are Will McPherson, Saulius Vilkelis, Logan Taylor and Miguel Martinez.
“Overall, I was so proud of my boys,” Taylor said. “They really are an incredible group of young men. I cannot wait to see how God uses them in the future.”
The Crestwood Middle School boys ended their track and field season winning the Western Regional Championship and most recently secured the top spot at the Palm Beach County Track and Field Championship held at Park Vista High School.
The Eagles started their regional dominance by capturing the two top spots in the 110-meter hurdles, winning the 400-meter relay, the long jump and the 200-meter. The team also secured points in the other events.
Michael Chambers, who competed in the shot put, said that he wanted to do his part to contribute to the team’s success. “Our coach kept telling us that our team was a good team and we could win, but honestly, we didn’t believe him until the end of the meet when we saw the final score,” Chambers said. “He said we must do our job at the regionals to be able to compete at the county. We did, and I’m happy.”
The Crestwood Eagle boys extended their winning ways a week later by winning the Palm Beach County Middle School Championship. The team was led with the hurdling/jumping duo of Alphonzo Carter and Nazier Watkins. Xavier Police cleared the high jump bar. Sprinters Brandon Pendergrass and Jaleel Stitt dashed through the line in the 100-meter and 200-meter, respectively. Pendergrass was joined by Daniel
The Crestwood Middle School boys track and field team. Civil, Jayden Espino and Jaleel Stitt to blaze the 400-meter relay.
Alphonzo Carter strutted in the 800-meter run, and the quartet of Daniel Civil, Jaleel Stitt, Michael Chambers and Brandon Pendergrass raced the 800-meter sprint medley. Daniel Civil, Alphonzo Carter, Nazier Walker and Ja’Quan Johnson secured the overall win for Crestwood in the 4 x 400 relay.
“The boys really stepped up and performed today. They tasted success last week, and all season long we have been talking about finishing strong and winning. Well, they did, and I am so proud of them. I’m not one to be surprised, but there were a few surprises on
The Palm Beach County League of Cities held its annual Board of Directors & Executive Installation Banquet on Wednesday May 24 at the Kravis Center.
The keynote speaker was Rick Murrell, the current CEO of
Saltchuk Logistics. The honor of installing the 2023-24 president and board of directors went to Palm Beach County Judge Bradley G. Harper.
In attendance were more than 300 elected municipal and county
officials, state legislators and business partners. Also at the installation banquet, the Palm Beach County League of Cities presented its annual William A. Cruickshank Scholarships to six recipients.
some performance,” coach Mark Drummond said. “This win is special because the boys really had to work and show their resilience, especially since there were so many delays.”
This is the seventh championship title under Drummond. The team members are: Treven Tipton, Michael Chambers, Ja’Quan Johnson, Jayden Espino, Joshua Destefano, Xavier Police, Alphonzo Carter, Nazier Watkins, David Alexis, K’Mari Dixon, Caleb Fulbright, Blake Girard, Brandon Pendergrass II, Mateo Hubbard, Jaleel Stitt, Daniel Civil, Jamarian Kelly, Rajon Fleurima and Christopher Jones.
The South Florida Fair John Picano Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Friday, June 9 at the Mayacoo Lakes Country Club, located at 9697 Mayacoo Club Drive. All proceeds will benefit the South Florida Fair Scholarship and Educational Fund. Registration and a continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Gifts, prizes and an awards luncheon will round out the day.
The golf tournament is named in honor of the late John Picano Jr., who served as the South Florida Fair’s public relations director for
almost two decades. A respected community leader, he was an avid golfer and instrumental in the fair golf tournament’s growth and success. His memory lives on through this tournament, which provides scholarships to area students who might not otherwise be able to attend college.
“Our golf tournament is perfect for those who like to golf and help a good cause at the same time,” said Vicki Chouris, president & CEO of the South Florida Fair.
Since 1981, the South Florida Fair Scholarship Golf Classic has raised more than $800,000 in col-
lege scholarships for local youth. The cost of a foursome is $1,200, and a single player is $275. A Fairway Package is $100, which includes 25 raffle tickets, two mulligans and an entry to the poker pot. A Tee Ambassador (business display) is $350, and a Tee Sign is $150. Contributions to the educational fund are gratefully accepted for those who can’t attend. Register online at www.southfloridafair.com. For more information, or to donate, contact Lorie Stinson at (561) 790-5245 or via e-mail at lorie@southfloridafair. com.
Board of Directors — (Front row) Vice Mayor Clara Murvin, Pahokee; Mayor Michael Brown, Hypoluxo; Mayor Pro Tem Patti Waller, Palm Springs; Mayor Danielle H. Moore, Palm Beach; Mayor Chelsea Reed, Palm Beach Gardens; Councilwoman Dr. Julia Botel, Riviera Beach; Mayor Molly Young, Tequesta; Manager Leondrae Camel, South Bay; Manager Greg Dunham, Gulf Stream; Mayor Betty Resch, Lake Worth Beach; and Vice Mayor Thomas Turkin, Boynton Beach; and (back row) Commissioner Andrew Berry, Belle Glade; Vice Mayor Jan Rodusky, Royal Palm Beach; Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor, Westlake; Vice Mayor Michael
The Croquet Foundation of America is celebrating croquet, summer, family and kids with easy-to-learn-and-play versions of croquet on Saturday, June 3 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.
The magnificent, 10-acre facility located at the corner of Summit Blvd. and Florida Mango Road is the largest croquet facility, with more than 12 croquet courts, and is home of the U.S. Croquet Association national headquarters. The National Croquet Center is also a popular venue for weddings and events.
In honor of National Croquet Day, for this one day, families,
friends, co-workers and individuals can come visit the club and play croquet for free. A special supersize croquet game is set up for children under 12. The croquet courts will be open to anyone who wants to come out and participate in this fun day.
The onsite restaurant, the Croquet Grille, will be open, serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., available for purchase. Cookies and lemonade will be served to all participants at 3 p.m.
Don’t forget to stop in and check out the pro shop. There are a variety of sun visors, hats, clothing and croquet accessories to choose from.
For more info., or to attend, call
(561) 478-2300, ext. 1. Learn more about the National Croquet Center at www.croquetnational.com.
Wellington High School student
Catherine O’Neil finished first in Florida’s 2023 NBTA Beginner Pageant in April, securing the right to represent Florida at the American Youth on Parade (AYOP) Beginner Pageant this coming July. AYOP is the official title for the annual National Baton Twirlers Association’s national level competition.
As any competitive athlete or family involved in youth sports can tell you, there can be many costs involved when you reach a certain level. You have talent, potential and you’re on the right road, but you still have quite a distance to travel, and you’re not yet being chased down for product endorsements or corporate sponsorships. You’re hoping to be seen and score college scholarships. In hopes of mitigating the financial strain, O’Neil’s family has organized a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs associated with competition this summer. Anyone who is able to contribute can donate at https:// gofund.me/6b9e4a05.
O’Neil is a majorette with the Mighty Wolverine Sound, Wel-
Catherine O’Neillington High School’s marching band, and traveled to England this past winter with the band, when they had the honor of performing in the London New Year’s Day Parade. She began twirling in 2018 through the Solid Gold Twirlers, in which she continues to participate. Solid Gold is a nonprofit organization that has operated in the
western communities under the guidance of head coach Debbey Cramer for more than 30 years. Anyone from kindergarten on up that is interested can find more information about the Solid Gold Twirlers at www.solidgoldtwirlers. com. Registration for summer session classes, held at Royal Palm Beach High School, is available through the Adult & Community Education programs of the Palm Beach County School District.
O’Neil’s participation in the Beginner Pageant is part of the 71st annual National Majorette Contest, which is for beginner and intermediate-level twirlers and is one of the NBTA’s “Biggest Four Events of the Year.” The other three events of this year’s AYOP are the 76th annual Miss Majorette of America Pageant reserved for advanced level only, the 42nd annual Collegiate Championship, and the Corps and Teams of America Championships. AYOP occurs annually at Notre Dame University. It is “baton twirling’s most prestigious event of the year” and is often called the “World Series of Baton Twirling.”
Lang Management recently promoted Loxahatchee resident Marita A. Butzbach to executive vice president of property management operations. In her new role, she will oversee the company’s property management division throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
“Marita is one of the most dedicated leaders at Lang and among the most well respected in the industry,” said Kevin Carroll, president and CEO of Lang Management.
Butzbach celebrates 30 years with Lang Management this year. Her roles have included customer service representative, property supervisor and most recently property manager supervisor for the company’s 42 property managers.
“My work ethic mirrors that of Lang Management in that integrity
and respect for others is everything,” Butzbach said.
Prior to joining Lang Management, Butzbach was a construction supervisor in New Jersey, where she graduated from the Taylor Business Institute.
Butzbach’s hobbies include cooking and spending time with her three children and four grandchildren at the local ballfields.
With offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton and Port St. Lucie, Lang Management specializes in the management of homeowners’ and condominium associations.
Since its founding more than 40 years ago, Lang has been a leader in the management of planned communities, condominiums and cooperatives. For more information, visit www.langmanagement. com.
American Legion Post 390-Wellington recently completed April’s “Children and Youth” month with an Adopt-A-Street event that turned into a family affair. The turnout with children and veteran members’ families showed the value of family involvement in community affairs and sponsored the largest turnout for the post’s Adopt-A-Street program.
HCA Florida JFK Hospital and JFK North Hospital recently announced that Jamil Wilcox will serve as their new Ethics and Compliance Officer.
Wilcox joined HCA Florida Healthcare in 2020 as an echocardiographer at Palms West Hospital. Shortly after, he took the role of manager in the Risk Management Department, and most recently served as the director of patient safety. Prior to joining Palms West Hospital, he served in several positions within the healthcare sector for more than 12 years.
“I am excited to welcome Jamil to our team,” said Damon Barrett, JFK Hospital’s chief operating officer. “With his experience and expertise, I am confident that he will play a vital role in helping us maintain our commitment to ethical and compliant practices.”
Jamil received a bachelor’s of science degree in healthcare administration from the University of Toledo, and holds two master’s degrees, one in healthcare administration from the University of Cincinnati and jurisprudence from Loyola University Chicago.
Jamil WilcoxOnce again, the mystifying conceptions of American Gothic author Edgar Allan Poe will be seen and heard in New York City during the Equity Library Theatre Play Festival.
Poe’s original short story Some Words with a Mummy presents the trials of bringing an Egyptian mummy to life by use of electrical currents. The story has been adapted into a short play by Florida playwright Cynthia Morrison and entitled The Mummy Speaks. The
play, along with the actors’ performances, recently won first place in the Equity Library Theatre 2023 virtual play festival.
During the event of the mummy’s revival, some rather strange but interesting conversations take place between the scientists, an Egyptian ambassador and other characters on stage. At one point during the play, a mad scientist incurs a hardy helping of the mummy’s wrath during the experiment.
Actors David Rafaidus, Roger Shorr, Marsha Rickles, Miriam Rafaidus, Gary Alexander, Anita Alexander and Stefani Marmer are all a part of the Ibis play readers group based in West Palm Beach who will be presenting Morrison’s play Off Broadway in New York City this summer.
The players are extremely enthused about taking the play to the Big Apple, where Poe himself is said to have written his famous work The Raven.
The Armory Art Center’s Summer Art Camp is back this year by popular demand, giving students ages 6 to 18 the chance to enjoy fun, educational art workshops in the heart of West Palm Beach. The Summer Art Camp fosters a safe, stress-free environment with dedicated faculty and staff members who help participants hone artistic skills and think big. Most instructors have a master’s degree in art or education and all have cleared a background check. Camps run from June 5 through July 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and include themes such as Jungle Voyage, Pop Art, Street Art and much more. Tuition starts at $295. Extended care ours are offered for an additional fee. For more information about the Armory Art Center’s camps, or to register, visit www.armoryart.org/sac.
Enjoy a summer of fun with memories for life at Camp Gan Israel, the premier Jewish camp in the western communities, serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee and Westlake. Why settle for just one camp when you can have them all? Want your child to have sports? How about art? Want swimming? Camp Gan Israel has all of that and more. Children (boys and girls) from ages 4 to 12 will enjoy sports, swimming, crafts, songs, drama, outdoor fun and trips to local activities like bowling, ice skating and more. The camp runs for four weeks from June 5 until June 30 with trained staff flown in from out of state. The one-on-one individualized attention that the staff is known for is barnone. For more information, or to register, visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org or call Rabbi Eli directly at (561) 633-7025.
Vinceremos Summer Horsemanship Camp is an inclusionary camp for riders of all abilities, ages 8 to 16, with no horse experience necessary. Learn equestrian skills and horse care. Build confidence and independence while caring for horses and enjoying time at the farm. Instructors are PATH certified. Camp runs from June 5 through Aug. 4. Sessions are weekly from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call (561) 7929900 or visit www.facebook.com/vinceremostrc.
The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation recently announced the winners of the 39th annual William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, presented by the Hanley Foundation. More than 500 guests gathered at the 2023 Dwyer Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 1 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach to celebrate the nominees and winners, who were judged on their classroom accomplishments, personal education philosophy, leadership, and outside the classroom school-related or community-based activities.
The winners in the seven categories include: Magaly Hodgkiss
from South Olive Elementary School for the Grow Up Great/ Early Learning Education Award; Will Rhymes from Northmore Elementary School for the Elementary School Education Award; Rebecca Patterson from the Conservatory School for the Middle School Education Award; Monica Russell from Suncoast High School for the High School Education Award; Kristin DeLaTorre from the Conservatory School for the STEM Education Award; Thomas Hrebin from Pioneer Park Elementary School for the Student Advancement & Career Education Award; and Ashraf Abdelsayed from Discovery Key Elementary
School for the Special Programs Award.
“It was an honor to celebrate these gifted educators in our community who give tirelessly to the youth in Palm Beach County,” said Michele Jacobs, president and CEO of the Economic Council.
“It was a night to remember, and excitement filled the air as community leaders, school board members and educators recognized the finalists’ achievements. We appreciate the generous support from our sponsors, committee and judges who helped make the event memorable.”
The Dwyer Awards, an annual program developed in 1984 and
supported by the Economic Council, honors outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County. The program seeks to increase awareness of the exemplary teaching in the community and promote high standards of excellence in education. The awards recognize educators and provide financial awards.
The Economic Council comprises business leaders committed to educational excellence as a key tenet for creating a prosperous business environment. Nearly 450 nominations of educators from public, private and charter schools were considered for the 2023 Dwyer Awards. The nom-
inees completed a comprehensive application process carefully evaluated by Palm Beach County business leaders. The judging took place over a multi-round process to
identify the top applicants in each of the seven categories. For more information, visit www.economiccouncilpbc.org/ dwyerawards.
Palm Beach State College surprised Alexiou Gibson, the keynote speaker at the Spring 2023 Commencement, with an honorary bachelor’s of applied science degree presented at the ceremony. Gibson, a PBSC alum who founded the Transformation Factory, a multi-million-dollar Palm Beach County-based business, said he was overcome with emotion by the recognition.
“It was a great surprise,” said Gibson after being awarded the honorary degree in supervision and management-entrepreneurship at PBSC’s commencement ceremony, held at the Ball Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, May 9.
“Having President Parker present me with such a prestigious honor was a full circle moment for me. It was a gift to have the opportunity to give back to my alma mater and the faculty and people who poured life into me and supported me during my time at PBSC.”
The award was presented by PBSC President Ava L. Parker.
“It’s very clear that Alexiou values the difference that PBSC has made in his life,” Parker said. “Awarding Alexiou with an honorary bachelor’s degree was a special moment for our college to distinguish the extraordinary achievements of Alexiou as a visionary entrepreneur and PBSC alumnus.”
Gibson’s mother, Mavis Smith, a resident of Wellington, was in the audience to witness her son being awarded the honorary degree.
“I had to step back to make sure that what I heard was real. It was an early Mother’s Day gift and a moment I will forever treasure,” Smith said.
Gibson credits his mother for helping him realize his dreams by working multiple jobs as a single mom and instilling him with a strong work ethic and a sense of confidence. “I owe her everything,” he said.
The CEO and president of the Transformation Factory said his company, established in 2020, generates $20 million in revenue producing and selling health supplements made of sea moss. The company has 120 employees and is well-poised for growth.
Last year, Gibson struck a deal on “Shark Tank,” and his company is reaching new heights with an expansion planned this summer to a new facility in Palm Beach County.
“I was heavily involved in activities at PBSC as a student leader,
and I won many awards during my time there, so returning to my alma mater as the commencement speaker after 10 years allowed me to present all the people who believed in me with the gift of their investment in me coming to fruition,” Gibson said.
Gibson said Jessica Pena-Lopez, a former professor of mathematics at PBSC, and Dana Hamadeh, associate dean of academic affairs and a mathematics instructor, were among the faculty members who supported him throughout his time at PBSC.
“Dr. Pena-Lopez groomed me from being a bad math student to an ‘A’ student because of her nurturing, her tutoring me, and really pouring into me and never giving up,” Gibson said. “I’ll never forget one day when the power went out on campus because of a big storm, and we had a test the next day that we were studying for, and she sat with me on the floor in the hallway, just using the flashlight on her
phone, still going over math problems with me. Professor Hamadeh is a math and physics genius, and I struggled with math, and she tutored me and gave me support in other subjects that I needed to be stronger in.”
Hamadeh tutored Gibson in math and was also a student club advisor for Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, a national business, career and technical student organization that Gibson was a member of. Hamadeh said Gibson’s winning mindset put him on track to garner many awards during his time at PBSC.
“I am so proud of Alexiou and his perseverance. He had a lot of determination and was actively involved in the college,” she said. “He put in the effort and the time inside and outside of the classroom, which allowed him to push through and get to amazing places in life — and always with a smile and with the spirit of giving back.”
Based on their performances at the districtwide Palm Beach County Academic Games League tournament, four students from Wellington Landings Middle School earned invitations to compete at the Academic Games League of America 56th annual national tournament held April 21-24 in Orlando. At the tournament, they represented Palm Beach County as members of the Palm Beach County All Stars team, composed of 53 students from elementary through high school grade levels. The four WLMS students earned the following awards at the national tournament: Cruz Alvarez won an individual second place (silver) for theme the Cold War and team awards for first place (gold) for theme the Cold War, first place (gold) for Presidents and second place (silver) for Current/World Events; Andrew DellaVecchia won individual award for fifth place Current/World Events, seventh
place for theme the Cold War and 13th place for Sweepstakes, and team awards for second place (silver) for Current/World Events, fourth place for theme the Cold War and eighth place for Presidents; Eli Grave de Peralta won an individual second place (silver) award for Current/World Events, and team awards for first place (gold) for theme the Cold War, second place (silver) for Current/ World Events and eighth place for Presidents; and Robin Tessa Rawlik won an individual sixth place for Presidents and a team second place (silver) for Presidents. The Palm Beach County Academic Games League was founded in 1973 and is the local level of the Academic Games League of America (AGLOA). The league features top-performing students from elementary, middle and high schools from across Palm Beach County competing in tournament-style games.
Minto Communities USA, the master developer and primary builder in Westlake, is introducing two smaller floor plans that will give homebuyers on a budget a lower-cost option for a single-family home. Both plans will be released for sale June 3.
At 1,644 square feet under air, the single-story Cassia model offers two bedrooms and two baths, with a den, a covered lanai and a two-car garage. The Cassia has an oversized kitchen, convenient laundry room and an option to convert the den to a third bedroom.
The base price is $435,990. The Aster is slightly larger at 1,699 square feet of under air living space and offers two bedrooms, two baths, a den, a twocar garage and a covered lanai. It boasts a spacious kitchen and breakfast nook, dual walk-in closets and an optional wet bar in the den. The base price is $440,990. Prior to these new additions, the least expensive floor plan for a new Minto single-family home at Westlake was just under $468,000.
“With today’s economic conditions, we’ve seen an uptick in
The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs annually supports the Unsolicited Landscape Design Award program to recognize well-designed and maintained landscapes in the public or private sector in each district of the state. The meaning behind the “unsolicited” title is that the nominees are not applying for the award themselves, but someone else recognizes it is a landscape of merit and worthy of consideration.
This year, PapiChulo was nominated by the Wellington Garden Club to receive the Unsolicited Landscape Award in the Small Business category.
Candidates for this award are submitted each fall by garden club
members, especially graduates of the National Garden Club Landscape Design School. Applications are sent to the district chair for eligibility and consideration. Judges who have completed NGC’s Landscape Design School visit and evaluate the nominated sites. The highest-scoring nominee in each category is the winner.
The selection of PapiChulo as the 2023 winner in the Small Business category was announced on April 27 at the FFGC District X spring meeting. Shortly thereafter, the award was presented to PapiChulo by Stormi Bivin, district award chair, and Wellington Garden Club President Carol Ralph. PapiChulo, is a casual taco shop
demand for smaller single-family homes at lower price points,” said Steve Svopa, southeast division president for Minto. “We decided to offer these two new floor plans to ensure that our home buyers have a wide and diverse range of home options to select from.”
All Westlake residents have access to the robust and expansive amenities campus known as the Westlake Adventure Park. Earlier this year, Minto completed the park’s final phase of construction. Westlake is approved for 4,500 homes and more than two million
square feet of commercial space. Minto offers a mix of single-family homes, estate homes and townhomes for sale. Nurses, paramedics, teachers, police officers and others can take advantage of the Welcome Heroes program, which gives a 3 percent discount off the base price of a new Minto home.
The Westlake Sales Center is located at 16610 Town Center Parkway North on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road between Southern Blvd. and Northlake Blvd. For more information, call (888) 2993628 or visit www.westlakefl.com.
Raising Cane’s is now serving its craveable chicken finger meals to the Royal Palm Beach community after opening its doors on Tuesday, May 23. The Royal Palm Beach restaurant is the second Raising Cane’s to open in Palm Beach County over the past month.
Located at 100 N. State Road 7, the new restaurant features a double kitchen and two drivethrough lanes for serving “Caniacs” quicker, along with a patio and an expansive outdoor area for visitors or locals looking to enjoy a quick bite.
“We couldn’t be more excited to open our first Raising Cane’s in Royal Palm Beach,” Area Leader of Restaurants Jon Wantz said.
“Caniacs in Palm Beach County can’t seem to get enough of our craveable chicken finger meals.”
(L-R) District Chair Stormi Bivin, Assistant Manager Haley Nochstine, Chef Rosa Villatoro and Wellington Garden Club President Carol Ralph. featuring street-style food, fresh juices, great tequila and cocktails with a laid-back, beach bar vibe. The restaurant is located at 1005 N. State Road 7, just south of Okeechobee Blvd. in the Regal Cinemas plaza. For more info., visit www.papichulotacos.com.
The Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design and landscape design. For more information, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org.
In preparation for the grand opening, Raising Cane’s hired 100 crew members and is looking to continue building its crew. Named a “Best Place to Work” by Glassdoor and Forbes, Raising Cane’s is offering wages starting at $15 per hour and now offers Big Bold Crew Benefits, including flexible schedules for all crew members and weekly paychecks.
The new Raising Cane’s in Royal Palm Beach will serve customers through its mobile app, takeout and dine-in options and is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Raising Cane’s is one of the
The new Raising Cane’s restaurant is located at 100 N. State Road 7.
fastest growing restaurant chains, with more than 725 restaurants in 36 states, the Middle East and Guam, and plans to open 100 new restaurants across several new markets in 2023.
The company recently announced plans to be one of the top 10 restaurant chains in the United States. For more information, visit www.raisingcanes.com.
In 2023, FPL plans to make a number of upgrades in Wellington as part of its ongoing effort to improve resiliency in the face of severe weather. These investments include moving more power lines underground, strengthening overhead lines, and installing more intelligent devices along the energy grid to help detect potential problems and restore power faster when outages do occur. The investments have the added benefit of improving day-to-day reliability for customers as well.
FPL plans to make the following improvements in and near Wellington this year:
• Strengthening three main power lines, including those that serve critical services that are necessary for communities to recover faster after major storms.
• Maintaining trees and vegetation — a common cause of power outages, particularly during hurricanes and severe weather — along 146 miles of power lines.
• Installing smart grid technology, including 24 automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines to help detect problems and restore service faster when outages occur.
• Inspecting 21 power lines and equipment using infrared technology to detect issues before they cause a power interruption. When the planned 2023 work is completed, FPL will have made the following improvements in and near Wellington since the historic 2004-05 hurricane seasons:
• Strengthened 15 main power lines, including those that serve critical services.
• Inspected and maintained vegetation near 1,848 miles of power lines — an average of 109 miles per year.
• Inspected all 6,491 power poles every eight years.
• Installed smart grid technology, including 396 automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines.
• Inspected 86 main power lines and equipment using infrared technology.
“No energy grid is hurricane-proof, and storms will continue to cause power outages, but detailed assessments following 2022’s hurricanes Ian and Nicole showed FPL’s investments to storm-harden its energy grid continue to benefit customers, speeding restoration,” said Manny Miranda, executive vice president
of power delivery for FPL.
Strengthening power poles, managing trees and vegetation near power lines, installing smart grid technology to fix problems before they affect customers, and using robots and drones to regularly inspect equipment have all helped FPL improve its service reliability by 41 percent since 2006. These upgrades have helped reduce both the number and duration of outages, as well as the number of momentary interruptions or power flickers.
“We are committed to investing in innovative solutions and technology,” said Ilan Kaufer, local external affairs manager for FPL. “We work year-round so our customers across Florida can resume their normal lives safely and as quickly as possible after storms.”
In 2022, for the seventh time in eight years, FPL was awarded the ReliabilityOne National Reliability Award. Presented by PA Consulting, the award is widely
regarded in the energy industry as one of the most prestigious honors and reinforces FPL’s commitment to provide customers with the nation’s most reliable service.
South Florida wellness and lifestyle brand Pura Vida is excited to announce the debut of its second location in Palm Beach County, debuting June 2 on State Road 7.
Originally founded in Miami Beach in 2012 as a side passion project by Omer Horev, the brand has since established itself as South Florida’s premier destination for healthy and wholesome eats, with an extensive menu that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Pura Vida’s local outpost fills the void for delectable and equally healthy foods in the area, and promises to establish itself as a neighborhood spot where friends, family and neighbors are eager to return to time and again.
“We are thrilled to be bringing our slice of tropical paradise to Wellington. It’s the perfect place to continue expanding our footprint in Palm Beach County and also gives us the opportunity to serve and connect with its neighboring communities of Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres and Loxahatchee Groves, among others. Wellington and its surrounding neighborhoods are the ideal family-friendly communities we wish to immerse ourselves into,” said Omer Horev, CEO and founder of Pura Vida. Horev first introduced Pura Vida to Miami Beach in 2012. After meeting his wife and now business partner Jennifer Horev in 2015, the pair began building the healthy menu, being mindful of food allergies and
dietary restrictions, as well as reimagining Pura Vida’s branding and chic interiors.
In addition to making nutritious foods more accessible, the South Florida grown, family-owned and operated lifestyle brand has proven its commitment to making a positive impact within the community. Since 2012, Pura Vida has created more than 550 real careers across the region, and continuing its commitment to a more sustainable world, the brand also regularly partners with different organizations to participate in quarterly beach cleanups. Moreover, and as part of its sustainability programming, Pura Vida also partners with local organizations for composting food waste and donates fertile soil back to local farmers in Miami.
Pura Vida’s extensive menu draws inspiration from family recipes and the Horevs’ travels. Customers can anticipate the brand’s acclaimed quality-driven menu, which includes Pura Vida’s famed All-Day Breakfast offerings showcasing a range of avocado toasts, pasture-raised egg sandwiches, fresh bagels and raw organic açaí bowls; clean chef-driven salads that are customizable with the protein of your choice; wraps, sandwiches and bowls featuring a variety of bases and proteins; as well as a wide array of gluten-free and vegan sweet treats, and a simple kids’ menu, which includes gluten-free offerings like the Tiny Toasted Chicken, Cheesy Grilled Cheese and
Kid’s Acai. Additionally, Pura Vida’s menu includes a series of cold-pressed juices and shots, superfood smoothies, kombucha, and artisanal coffees and teas. Newer additions include a “Veggie Protein” that can be added to any of the signature bowls for a vegan alternative.
Pura Vida’s local outpost features 3,100 square feet and offers indoor and outdoor seating. Designed in the brand’s signature Instagrammable aesthetic, Pura Vida’s interiors are characterized by lush greenery, alluring floral accents and light wooden finishes, as well as the brand’s signature blue umbrellas.
“We’re really looking forward to tapping into this new market and having the opportunity to create something unique for the Wellington area. I lived in Wellington for a brief period, so this opening holds special meaning to me and feels like a homecoming.
Wellington is an exceptional place with people from all over the world, and the equestrian season attracts some of the most vibrant people. I’m really excited to share our brand with both visitors and residents, and bring a touch of Miami’s tropical vibe to the area,” said Jennifer Horev, chief brand officer at Pura Vida.
Pura Vida is located at 440 S. State Road 7, Suite 200, in Royal Palm Beach. Hours of operation are 7 to 9 p.m. daily. Delivery and pick-up are available through the Pura Vida Miami app. For more information, visit www.puravidamiami.com.
When the people at the car repair place told me that fixing my air conditioner would cost $6,000, I decided I’d rather put that money toward a new car. Who wouldn’t?
So, I drove over to the dealership and said, “I want a cheap, used car that is just like this car, except with air conditioning — and it would be nice if it had a few cup holders, because the ones I have now have been cobbled together using two Slurpee cups and some duct tape.”
The salesman went to his computer and pulled up a photo of the exact thing I wanted — and for $5,000 less than I’d budgeted!
“I’ll take it,” I said.
“Wouldn’t you like to maybe drive it around the block first?”
“Oh, OK.” Reverse... drive... park. “I’ll take it.”
I filled out the paperwork, handed him some cash and drove home. The car was perfect. It was made for me. It even had
the hands-free phone and the Sirius radio, which was good because, the very next morning, I wanted to head to Wisconsin to check on my mom.
I could hardly wait to get into it. Even the upholstery was perfect. I filled it with gas and carefully washed a bug from the windshield. Then, off I went.
Oh, man, what a ride. The wipers worked; the seals didn’t leak; it was quiet as could be. I tuned the radio to a countdown of top oldies and cruised dreamily toward the north.
Just outside Atlanta, there was a major slowdown on I-75, and I didn’t even care. The countdown was up to No. 49 — the music was getting really good. After about
a half hour, the traffic started to pick up again, and I accelerated to 55. That’s when I noticed the car ahead of me was stopped. No brake lights, no warning, just — for some ungodly reason — stopped. I slammed on my brakes and veered to the right, but hit her passenger side bumper anyway. I watched in horror as my beautiful, two-day-old hood crumpled toward me, its upper corner cracking the windshield. Glass and plastic shattered. The air bags deployed, forcing my left hand into something sharp. The car came to a crooked stop, really ticking off the drivers behind me who had just finally gotten going again.
I asked myself if I was hurt (“You are
fine. Get out of the car.”), and managed to get my door open enough to squeeze out. I checked on the people ahead of me (also fine) and then called 911.
The police, ambulance and tow truck were there in minutes, probably because they were still in the area from before, and soon they were hauling away my beautiful, perfect, brand new (to me) car, while I stood on the side with my suitcase, trying not to cry.
Tomorrow, I will go to the tow yard and say goodbye, then I will rent a car to go see mom, then I will begin the search for another car which — I don’t care what people say — will never, ever, ever be as good as that car. May it rest in peace.
You know what you’re getting when you see a Fast & Furious film. Lots of talk about family, insider gags between the regulars, and car chases that defy not only the laws of the road but even basic physics. Fast X is the 10th in the series, and it follows that same pattern. That can get a bit boring, but this time there’s a bit more betrayal and a really over-the-top villain. So even though the story is a bit dumb, it keeps your attention.
Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) is again the patriarch of the mixed clan that has declared itself a family. We get a chance to see him with his wife Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and his son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry), along with all his regulars. But most of his family are called away by the government to deal with a problem in Rome that turns out to be a trap. It seems that the son of the villain from Fast 5, Dante Reyes (Jason Momoa) is out for revenge, and he is not all that interested in
killing off Dom and his family as making them suffer. So they get framed and, of course, sold out by the government, and have to face Reyes and a huge army of his thugs by themselves. I find it strange that in just about every movie, the major villains keep hiring armies of thugs. Wouldn’t it be simpler to follow what happens in the real world and just buy politicians? It would cost less, and they would not only shaft whoever you want, but would protect you as well. As has been said, there are
two classes of politicians: those who are bought and those not worth the money. But this is Hollywood, so why not kill lots of nameless thugs?
At any rate, there’s lots of interesting scenery, including Rome, Rio de Janeiro, London, Antarctica. There are a whole group of separate stories as the groups separate. And, of course, there are the chases. Watching cars jumping from one side of a highway to another has become boring, so now we see cars flying through the air and dropping on different highways entirely. We see people leaving perfectly functioning airplanes without parachutes and somehow surviving. But that’s Hollywood. There are separate sub-plots with Letty dealing with a whole group of women, most of whom are more or less on her side, as she winds up arrested. We have the adventures of Brian with his uncle Jakob (John Cena) and, of course, separate
courses for Dom, the rest of his family, as well as the government agency that they worked for. There are many fun fight scenes. Everybody fights and, unless fighting each other, they generally win.
The film also features many cameos, some so quick they barely seem to be around before they disappear, but others stand out. Helen Mirren, reprising her role as Queenie, has a brief part, but Jason Stratham as her son has a couple of very splashy fights.
This is the first part of a three-movie finale to the entire series. So don’t be shocked when things suddenly look sort of final when it suddenly ends.
The acting was, as expected, typical of the entire series. Characters more or less played themselves. There were a couple of standouts. John Cena as Dom’s brother Jakob had some really good scenes with young Perry. It played very well, possibly the best performance I’ve seen
him give. Momoa, however, stole every scene he was in, chewing up the scenery in flamboyant fashion. I should mention there were a couple of things that were in doubtful taste, painting the toenails of corpses, for one. But he provided constant energy. The active family members, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Sung Kang and Nathalie Emmanuel were also good, providing needed laughs.
The film stays true to its roots. While Reyes taunts Dom, our hero answers back that because he has a family, he is rooted in good, while the bad guy, who has no one, is, therefore, no one. Of course, he does have a huge number of minions, although most are dead by the end.
Should you see the movie? If you like the series, you will like this one. If you really want great drama, well, who knows? We might even have a movie with that one of these days, although I would not suggest holding your breath.
St. Jude’s Novena
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St.Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us.
St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day by the 8th day, your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail.
Publication must be promised. Thank you, St Jude for granting my petition.
B.B.
Person with good verbal/written communication skills and the motivation to provide good customer service. Flexible schedule needed. Experience preferred, but we will train the right motivated person. Royal Palm/Wellington/Acreage residents will save on gas and travel time.
Responsible for cleaning guest rooms in a timely and thorough manner. Experience and fluency in English is preferred. Must be able to work weekends and/or holidays.
To Apply: E-mail or Fax Resume to: info@royalinnhotel.com 561-795-1502 or Apply in person
We’re Hiring for the following position!
Position: Dispatcher–Fuel
Job type: Full-time
Location: Riviera Beach, Florida
About the Job
A dynamic growth-oriented distributor of lubricants and fuels to wholesale, retail, and commercial end-user markets throughout Florida. We are seeking a Dispatcher for our Riviera Beach location. Previous dispatching a plus but willing to train the right person that is a motivated, self-starter and open to learn and grow with the company.
Responsibilities will include:
Dispatch deliveries in an efficient and profitable manner.
Maintain and review driver DOT logs.
Monitor vehicle tracking system.
Establish cost-effective delivery routes and schedules.
Establish performance standards for drivers.
Review driver delivery paperwork for accuracy and compliance.
Maintain relationships with customers and resolve delivery complaints.
Investigate and resolve delivery issues, spills, accidents.
Other duties as requested.
Requirements:
Minimum 2 years’ experience dispatching and supervising drivers.
Computer literacy and competency with Microsoft Office programs Excel, Outlook, and Word.
Experience with vehicle tracking systems, order entry, and dispatching software.
Offering a Very Competitive Compensation Package
Comprehensive Benefits:
Health insurance, dental and vision insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Free basic life insurance plan of $25,000
401K plan with company match
Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
SSI Petroleum is a non-smoking environment, Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer.
To apply or learn more, contact:
Vivian Prescott, Human Resources Manager Ph: 863-508-1406 | E: vprescott@ssipetro.com
